Oxford University Business Plan Competition 2005

Sponsored by: Apax, Infinium, Oxford Instruments, PWC, Prelude Ventures.

New entrants to – and those hatching a plan to enter – the digital industry's technology or deisgn sectors have a new opportunity to raise investment capital. Entries are now welcomed for the Oxford University Business Plan Competition 2005.

This is the largest competition of its kind in the UK and many former entrants have used it as a launch-pad to raise investment for successful commercial ventures. The competition welcomes entries from individuals, teams, new companies, existing companies creating spin-offs, scientists, students and entrepreneurs; the idea should be for a business based on science, technology or design.

This year the competition has its largest ever prize fund, a total of 35,000, of which 20,000 will be awarded to the winning business plan. All entrants can also take advantage of the free workshops and advice that are provided by the Oxford Science Enterprise Centre (OxSEC).

The Oxford University Business Plan Competition is the largest technology-focused competition in the UK. Many former entrants have used it as a launch pad to raise investment and form successful commercial ventures. The competition seeks out the best new marketable business ideas, as judged by a panel of specialist investors.

Entries are invited from entrepreneurs, scientists, students and new companies. The ideas must be original or a significant improvement on an existing business and must make significant use of science, technology or design. If you wish to be on the mailing list to receive news and information about the 2005 competition please register.

Over 160 entrepreneurs, scientists, business people, sponsors and competitors gathered at the Said Business School on Tuesday 25th January to mark the launch of the 2005 Oxford University Business Plan Competition. This is the largest such competition in the UK and is now well established as a prestigious launch pad for new science and technology businesses.

The event was introduced by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, and guest speakers included Sue Kingsman founder of Oxford Biomedica, 2004 winner Terry Sachlos and Dr Tim Cook, serial entrepreneur and MD of Isis Innovation. Click here for a full report of their comments and advice to entrants.

For details of the 2004 final and the winner, click here.

In 2005 the competition has its largest ever prize fund, a total of £35,000, including the Apax prize of £20,000 for the winning business plan. The deadline for entries is 12 May.

Information & Entry Details:
For more information, visit  http://www.science-enterprise.ox.ac.uk/html/busplan_main.asp or contact Elen Wade-Martins, Competition Manager, at elen.wade-martins@sbs.ox.ac.uk