The Oxford Moonshot
The University's pre-seed accelerator for DPhils and early-career researchers building high-growth deeptech companies.
Delivered by EnSpire Oxford.
Programme Overview
The Oxford Moonshot is the University's pre-seed accelerator, built specifically for DPhils and early-career researchers looking to build high-growth deeptech companies.
The four-month cohort-based programme supports participants with in-person peer learning sessions, together with high-calibre guest speaker deep dives, and ongoing mentoring, coaching and advisory sessions. The programme culminates in a Demo Day, where founders pitch for equity-free prizes, early-stage investment opportunities and public exposure.
The Oxford Moonshot Demo Day 2026
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The Moonshot is built for DPhil students and early-career researchers with deeptech research they believe could become a high-growth company — people who are ready to move from validated idea towards investment-readiness and incorporation.
The Oxford Moonshot is an Application-based programme.
Applications will open on Friday 18 September and close on Friday 30 October.
Dates for 2026/2027:
| Applications open | Monday 21 September |
| Online information session | Wednesday 21 October |
| Applications close | Friday 30 October |
| Successful applications notified | Monday 9 November |
| Pre-programme applicant lunch | Monday 1 December |
| Moonshot Residency Weekend | January 2027 |
| The Oxford Moonshot - Flight 1 | January – May 2027 |
| The Oxford Moonshot - Flight 2 | May – July 2027 |
For updates on upcoming The Oxford Moonshot openings, please subscribe to EnSpire Newsletter or head to the What's On page for more information.
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