Founders & Funders Monthly Event: Energy // Life Sciences

Join us on Tuesday the 3rd of February 2026 for innovation and entrepreneurship-themed talks, followed by an informal networking social. Please note that spaces are limited. Approval is required for the talks, while the pub social is open to all. 

This edition will feature talks from Carolyn Hicks (Founder, Brill Power) and Sebastian Johnson (Director of Ecosystems, Harwell Campus and ARC Group). This edition is in special collaboration with Advanced Research Clusters (ARC Oxford), as they will announce Motherlabs, a new science accelerator space for early-stage science, technology, and innovation businesses in Oxford.
 

Programme — Tuesday 03 February, 2026
16:00 – 17:00 | Meet the speakers at Oxford Edge
17:00 – 18:00 | Talks and Q&A at Oxford Edge 
18:00 – 20:00 | Drinks, nibbles & networking at the Lamb & Flag
 

🎤 SPEAKERS 

Carolyn Hicks — Foudner, Brill Power

Carolyn is Brill Power’s CFO/COO and co-founder. She is a Professional Engineer with degrees in engineering (BASc, MASc) and business (MBA). Prior to Brill Power, Carolyn worked in infrastructure finance and economics in both Canada and the UK. Outside of Brill Power, Carolyn is a 2x Ironman finisher.

Sebastian Johnson — Director of Ecosystems, Harwell Campus and ARC Group

Sebastian Johnson is a leader in the UK’s innovation and investment landscape, currently driving growth and collaboration as part of the ARC Group and Harwell Science and Innovation Campus. With a career spanning private, public and charity sectors, Sebastian previously played a pivotal role in Government bodies and local authorities, fostering economic development and supporting the Oxford region’s world-leading science and technology ecosystem. Passionate about creating opportunities for cutting-edge companies and innovators, he remains dedicated to advancing the UK’s and Oxford’s position as a global hub for research, development, and investment.