Oxford Climate Ventures
A 12-week venture validation programme helping Oxford innovators turn climate, energy transition and net-zero ideas into ventures.
Delivered by Oxford Saïd Entrepreneurship Centre, with the Zero Institute.
Programme Overview
Oxford Climate Ventures (OCV) is a 12-week early-stage venture validation programme for Oxford innovators working on energy transition, climate mitigation and adaptation, and net zero ideas, designed to provide them with the tools, knowledge, experience, and networks to explore venture creation and develop commercially sustainable ventures.
Applicants complete an application and interview process. If successful, they attend a three-day bootcamp, followed by weekly workshops and one-to-one mentoring, and, if selected, pitch their venture at the programme's final showcase event
Aerial view of the River Cherwell and shadows over Christ Church grounds
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OCV is for someone from the Oxford community — a student at any level, staff member, or recent alumnus within two years — with a genuine climate or energy-transition idea. That might mean spinning out research, developing a new venture, or commercialising existing expertise. You will need to commit to weekly evening sessions, the November bootcamp and the January pitch.
Oxford Climate Ventures is open to the University of Oxford community, including undergraduate students, postgraduates and DPhils, researchers and staff, and alumni.
No prior experience or business background is required.
OCV is application-based. The main applicant must be an Oxford University student, staff member, or alumnus who graduated within the last two years; individuals or teams may apply. Applicants should have an idea-stage venture or business concept that they want to develop.
Selection is a two-stage process: written application review, followed by interviews for shortlisted teams. Final cohort selection is based on the strength of the problem and solution, market and customer understanding, business model viability, team capability and commitment, programme fit, and likely ability to engage fully with the programme. Climate impact, pathway to scale, and impact metrics are also assessed.
Dates: Michaelmas to Hilary Term.
Applications are now open and will close on 04 October 2026. Spaces are limited. Sign up via the link below.
Fast-track your climate solution.
Applications are now open and will close on 04 October 2026. Spaces are limited.