Oxford Africa Conference 2025 Innovation Seed Fund

The Innovation Seed Fund (ISF), a joint initiative by the University of Oxford Africa Society, the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Oxford University Innovation, the Africa Oxford Initiative, and Enspire Oxford, is offering three grants of £5,000 each to support student-led projects driving research, social impact, and entrepreneurship. Our goal is to foster innovative and scalable solutions that tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges.

Areas of Focus

We welcome proposals aligned with the conference themes:

• Governance & Democracy
• Climate, Environment & Sustainability
• AI, Innovation & Technology
• Economic Development & Entrepreneurship
• Media, Culture & Arts
• Healthcare & Wellbeing

Who Can Apply?

Individuals or teams (up to three members) may apply under the following criteria:

• University of Oxford Students: Applicants must be either undergraduate or postgraduate students at the University of Oxford. For team applications, at least one member must be a University of Oxford student.
• African University Students & Recent Graduates: Applicants must be current or recently graduated (within one year of graduation) undergraduate or postgraduate students of an African university based primarily on the continent.

For team applications, all members must meet this criterion.

Important: Please download the required proposal, work plan, and budget templates 
here   before submitting your application. Ensure all documents are completed. Only one submission per team is allowed, and it should be made by the team lead.

Shortlisted Candidates

Selected candidates/team leads from Africa will be required to attend a two-hour pitch preparation webinar on April 25th, 2025, at 17:00 GMT.

They will receive support to travel to Oxford and present their ideas in person at the 2025 Oxford Africa Conference, organized by the University of Oxford Africa Society on May 24th – 25th, 2025, in Oxford, UK.

Don’t miss this opportunity to bring your vision to life! Submit your proposal before the deadline. We look forward to receiving your innovative ideas and supporting your journey to make a lasting impact in Africa.