Equitable Innovation Oxford
A major new regional partnership, Equinox (Equitable Innovation Oxford) has officially launched to establish Oxfordshire as a global centre for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Launched in Oxford by the Rt Hon Anneliese Dodds, Equinox will focus on creating the ecosystem needed to scale up companies, attract inward investment, and foster talent.
NatWest Accelerator
In support of Equinox, NatWest has announced the launch of a new NatWest Accelerator, which will provide tailored growth support with specialist banking expertise to help start-ups in Oxfordshire.
Equinox’s objectives are to bring these elements together under one umbrella for the Oxford region. Equinox’s first success is collaborating with NatWest Accelerator to help local entrepreneurs connect with expert networks, access funding and scale their businesses.
Robert Begbie, NatWest Commercial and Institutional CEO, said: “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our NatWest Accelerator expansion strategy and a first-of-its-kind for Oxfordshire. Through the proven NatWest Accelerator, we embed deep support for founders – combining local networks, national expertise and our regional specialist sector and venture banking services to help businesses scale with confidence. Our commitment to Equinox reflects our belief that inclusive innovation ecosystems are key to unlocking long-term regional prosperity and we’re proud to be part of shaping that future in Oxford.”
Socially responsible economic growth
Bringing together universities, local leaders, government, businesses, investors, and communities under one collaborative banner, Equinox will champion equitable innovation and socially responsible economic growth.
Initiated by the University of Oxford, Equinox is formed of over 40 key regional partners including Oxfordshire County Council, Moderna, Advanced Oxford, Oxford University Innovation, Oxford Science Enterprises, the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), Oxford Nanopore, Milton Park, Oxford Bus Company, New England Biolabs and Siemens Healthineers.
Lord Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear, and Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor Champion:
“Equinox’s launch marks an important step forward for Oxfordshire and for the whole Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor: driving inclusive growth, fostering innovation, and delivering benefits that will be felt locally, nationally, and globally. The success of Oxfordshire’s innovation ecosystem is vital to our national mission for growth.”
Equinox Charter
Working in partnership is key to equitable growth in Oxfordshire and Milton Park is proud to be amongst a growing list of organisations that have signed the Equinox Charter. The coalition is dedicated to driving sustainable, inclusive growth – connecting ideas, talent and investment to deliver impact for people, place and planet.
Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, said: “Oxford University has always been a place where great and ground-breaking ideas begin – but our responsibility is to ensure they can develop, thrive and have impact here in our region. Equinox brings together the extraordinary talent, research and entrepreneurial drive of Oxfordshire to create a more connected, equitable innovation ecosystem where everyone benefits. By working in true partnership – across universities, business, government and communities – we can turn discovery into opportunity, and opportunity into shared prosperity. This is the power of Oxford’s innovation: generous service to society.”
Philip Campbell, Commercial Director of Milton Park, said: “We’re delighted to have signed the Charter and support this fabulous local initiative, backed by government to fuel economic growth and public benefit from the world leading Oxfordshire Innovation Engine. Together we can.”
An inclusive innovation ecosystem
This shared purpose powered by collaboration across Oxfordshire to breakdown barriers, drive sustainable growth, and turn world-class ideas into impact for communities, businesses and society.
Lisa Flashner, Chief Operating Officer at the Ellison Institute of Technology, an Equinox partner, said: “We’re excited to support Equinox and its aims to maximise opportunities in the region. It aligns perfectly with our mission to advance world-class science and innovation.
“By connecting leading universities, businesses, and government, this partnership addresses a critical investment gap and will help groundbreaking ideas reach their full potential. We are proud to collaborate with Equinox to build a unified network that attracts top talent, accelerates impact, and supports diversified growth across the region and the UK.
Ed Bussey, CEO of Oxford Science Enterprises, Oxford-Cambridge SuperCluster Board Member and member of the Equinox council, said: “ Equinox will provide the collaborative framework needed to bring together the University, investors, companies, and local leaders to attract that investment into Oxford. This will help us anchor transformational science and technology companies here, securing their economic and strategic value for the region and the entire UK.”
Mairi Gibbs, CEO, Oxford University Innovation and member of the Equinox council
“At Oxford University Innovation, we see the ideas and discoveries emerging from across the University every day – ideas that can redefine industries and tackle global challenges. Through the Equinox partnership, we can connect this extraordinary pipeline of innovation to the regional strengths and shared ambition that will turn potential into a better future.
Together, we can strengthen Oxfordshire’s innovation ecosystem, attract investment, and ensure that Oxford’s innovation leads to impact – impact that is shared, sustainable, and felt across our region.”
By working in true partnership – across universities, business, government and communities – we can turn discovery into opportunity, and opportunity into shared prosperity
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