Epistemic Overview
OUI is the research commercialisation arm of the University of Oxford, managing technology transfer and supporting the creation of spin-out companies.
Founded
1987
Director / President
Dr Mairi Gibbs (CEO)
Category
Tech transfer / Innovation
Website
https://innovation.ox.ac.uk/Research Domains
Timeline
1987
Founded as 'Oxford University Research and Development Ltd'.
1988
Renamed 'Isis Innovation' and becomes the official technology transfer company for the University of Oxford.
1997
Isis Innovation forms its 20th spinout company.
2014
Facilitates the spinout of 'Oxbotica' from the Oxford Robotics Institute.
2015
Facilitates the spinout of 'Mind Foundry' from the Department of Engineering Science.
2016
Isis Innovation rebrands to 'Oxford University Innovation' (OUI) to strengthen its connection to the Oxford name.
2023
OUI reports managing over 300 spinout companies based on Oxford intellectual property.
Events
(Note: OUI typically hosts IP and commercialisation workshops for university staff and students.)
Influential Papers / Notable Research
Managed the formation of major AI spin-outs, including 'Oxbotica' (now Oxa) and 'Mind Foundry'.
Facilitated the licensing of the 'Sees-through-ground' (STG) robotics technology.
Manages the University's patent portfolio, including key IP in machine learning and data analysis.