Design Council supports three new digital start-ups from Oxford's Startup Incubator

We have started work with three new start-ups from the Startup Incubator at the University of Oxford’s research commercialisation company, Oxford University Innovation.

The three start-ups include a big-data analysis interface for businesses, a mobile app for university alumni and a virtual reality laboratory, giving students the ability to see what it would be like to work in adverse conditions such as zero gravity.

Our Services Manager Pauline Shakespeare said: “After the success of Dr Povey’s Flare Pan earlier in the year, we’re excited to welcome the next group of start-ups from Oxford’s stable, it will be interesting to explore how our design experience will help these specifically digital ventures.”

The trio of start-ups begin their six-month consultation at the end of September. They include Weird Science Lab, an ‘education-tech’ start-up employing state of the art virtual reality and computerisation technology to bring science education to life; Singular Intelligence, developing a big-data analysis interface; and Alumnest, a mobile-technology solution for higher education institutions that helps them build stronger relationships with their alumni.

We recognise the ever-growing role good design plays in the software space and are delighted by the opportunity to collaborate with Design Council

- Roy Azoulay, Founding Manager, Startup Incubator

Through a mixture of workshops and direct support, the programme will teach the decision-makers of the three start-ups how design can play a key role in developing a vision and strategy for their businesses, developing appealing propositions to attract investment and new customers for products and services.

Roy Azoulay, who manages the Startup Incubator said: “We recognise the ever-growing role good design plays in the software space and are delighted by the opportunity to collaborate with Design Council to ensure our ventures implement this as a core part of their strategy.”

Each start-up will receive coaching and guidance from Neil Gridley, our experienced Design Associate. Gridley said: “We are delighted to start work with three very promising start-ups. Working with Oxford University Innovation, the Design Council’s support will assist with their strategy, strengthen their commercial potential and speed up the commercialisation process. The projects are three very different offerings; I’m looking forward to getting started.”

The Design Leadership Programme is offered at a subsidised rate to start-ups and SMEs but is also available to larger companies at commercial rates. If you are interested in learning more about this service, please contact Services Manager Pauline Shakespeare - +44 (0)20 7420 5275