Epistemic Overview
The University of Oxford's entrepreneurship centre, supporting student founders and startups.
Founded
2017
Director / President
Ana Bakshi (Director)
Category
University Entrepreneurship Hub
Research Domains
Timeline
2017
The Oxford Foundry is founded, with Ana Bakshi as the inaugural Director, to support student entrepreneurship.
2017
Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks at the official launch of the Foundry.
2018
The Foundry launches its first 'AI-LEAP' (Later 'OXFO-Elevate') accelerator programme for AI-driven startups.
2021
Foundry-supported startups collectively raise over £400 million.
Aug 2022
Inaugural Director Ana Bakshi steps down.
2023
The Foundry's operations are merged into the main Saïd Business School entrepreneurship centre.
Influential Papers / Notable Research
AI-LEAP (Accelerator Programme) for early-stage AI ventures.
Supported numerous student-led startups (e.g., 'Mind Foundry' in its early days) through mentorship and resources.
Runs 'Venture Sprints' and 'Founder Challenges' to build and test new startup ideas.