Uncover
Our translational funding programme for early-stage, high-potential research
Giacomo Gorini, Uncover funding recipient
We offer up to £750,000 to support research that’s too early to spin out – enabling leading academics and researchers to work with OSE to explore commercialisation, generate key evidence, and build momentum toward a fundable company.
Who it’s for
Open to all University of Oxford researchers. We’re looking for:
- Cutting-edge science with strong commercial potential
- Translational ideas with a clear application or use case
- Researchers excited to demonstrate real-world impact
What support you’ll receive
Funding plus hands-on expertise to help shape a potential venture:
- Commercial input
- IP strategy guidance
- Access to mentors, entrepreneurs, and co-founders
- Spinout and investment preparation
How it works
- OSE holds an exclusive, time-limited option to spin out successful projects
- Funding converts to equity under agreed terms if a spinout is formed
EXAMPLE PROJECTS
Medicine
A disease-driving protein interaction is confirmed via in vitro assays.
£750,000
could fund a small molecule screen to identify protein modulators.
Energy & climate
A novel battery material promises major gains in energy density and lifespan.
£500,000
could fund prototype development and testing.
Diagnostics
A blood-based biomarker is identified for a hard-todetect tumour, but data is limited.
£250,000
could expand the dataset and define a commercial strategy.
Want to translate your research into real-world impact?
WHO WE’RE WORKING WITH
WORK WITH US
Oxford researchers & innovators
Want your research to have real-world impact?
We partner with researchers and innovators across Oxford, Harwell and Culham to explore commercial potential, co-create ventures and build companies.
Investors
Interested in becoming an OSE shareholder?
We’ve raised over £850m from global investors keen to access Oxford’s diverse, world-leading science. Our shareholders don’t just back OSE – many also co-invest alongside us.
Co-investors
Looking to invest in Oxford’s most exciting companies?
We partner with specialist global investors to fund and scale our companies – from pre-seed to growth. Together, OSE and our co-investors have invested more than £3bn.