Oxford Gateway is a six-month internationalisation acceleration programme that fast-tracks highpotential ventures into international markets. It is directed at EIC Accelerator and EIC Transition beneficiaries and Seal of Excellence holders with priority verticals in artificial intelligence, climate technology and female-founded ventures, and is open to other deep-tech sectors. This can also be offered as a standalone service to single ventures. The goal is to prepare ventures to internationalise and to connect founders with Oxford's innovation ecosystem, global mentors and UK investor networks.
The programme runs in six phases (note this is for cohort-based activities, and will be tailored for individual ventures):
- (1) open call, venture selection and a one-to-one needs assessment producing a customised acceleration plan;
- (2) a two-day bootcamp focused on validating business models for internationalisation;
- (3) expert-led online acceleration covering all aspects of venture development, with guest lectures and peer-to-peer learning;
- (4) fortnightly one-to-one mentoring with experienced international business mentors;
- (5) a residential Oxford Immersion week, culminating in a demo day with investors and the wider Oxford ecosystem; and
- (6) an optional UK Connections week for meetings with potential partners and follow-up with investors.
The expected outcome is a sharpened, investor-ready proposition, a UK and global market-entry plan, and direct exposure to venture capital, angel and impact investors. Implementation is hybrid: the core is online, with in-person bootcamp and residential components; cohorts of 10-15 ventures open approximately twice per year. Delivery is by Oxentia's in-house consultants, supported by outsourced mentors from a pool of more than 120 professionals and optionally University of Oxford faculty.
€25,000–35,000 per venture depending on cohort size and residential components; free of charge to ventures where a cohort is sponsor-funded.
Admission by competitive selection (if cohort based); call opening and closing dates published per cohort; travel to the UK not included unless stated.
Hybrid: online core; in-person bootcamp in country of origin/third country; residential Oxford Immersion week; optional UK Connections week.
Acceleration, Incubation & Venture building
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