Oxford University: Training Graduates and Alumni to Manage Technology Spin-outs

26 May 2009

In direct response to demand from the technology sector, the Careers Service and Isis Innovation at the University of Oxford have developed a new and exciting programme to train and ‘spin-out’ CEOs for present and future spin-off companies.

The Technology Spin Out Management Programme, launched in May, is an intensive eight-week course for Oxford scientists who want to develop their managerial skills and break into the early stage technology arena.

Professor Fritz Vollrath of the Department of Zoology (and co-founder of Oxford University’s spider-silk start-ups) says, “what a superb opportunity for our students who were trained in scientific thinking to understand the management of turning pioneering ideas into innovative products that sell.”

CEOs of local technology companies are excited about the business possibilities that this programme opens up and are keen to engage with the participants at networking events.

Tom Hockaday, Managing Director of Isis Innovation Ltd says,  “this is a perfect match – helping science graduates who want to build on their background and increasing the pool of people technology companies can hire in to manage their growth. If one of the people on this course ends up contributing to the success of a UK technology business it will be a success; and I’m confident we will have more than one. This is Oxford helping its alumni and helping business.”

Jonathan Black, Director of the Careers Service, says: “We were delighted to be approached by Fritz and Tom just a few weeks ago with this great idea; Oxford is practising what it preaches as we’ve gone from idea to first class with students in just 2 months”

Leading experts from across Oxford academia and industry conduct the training workshops that cover business planning, law, marketing, human resources, fund raising and investment. Discussion and advice is also provided to graduates and alumni who are keen to set up their own technology enterprises.

Black believes “this course is a perfect example of how the Careers Service provides real, experiential learning for our students and alumni which enhances their CVs and makes them more employable. The enthusiasm of the participants and the teachers has confirmed the demand for this type of support, over and above other more traditional and passive forms of careers education.”

Participants of the programme are excited by the career possibilities and networking opportunities available:

“The focused nature of this programme seems to be the perfect way to learn about the fundamentals of managing a tech start-up. Having been at the cutting edge of research for the last decade, I am eager not only to learn more about the challenges facing cutting edge technology businesses, but to help tackle them.”
- Peter Dudek, Biochemistry Researcher

“The idea of guiding fledgling spin-out companies is an appealing prospect and one that I am happy to have this opportunity to learn more about. I look forward to interesting discussions on conventional as well as novel models for the successful exploitation of good research ideas as we all put our heads together.”
- Tony Cardew, Business Development Consultant to the Technology Industry

“I like the ethos and atmosphere in spin out companies and find the fact that you have to cover a variety of roles under one job title very stimulating. I joined the course in the hope that it will equip me with the skills necessary to progress to management level in a spin out company.”
- Jeevani Mantotta, Intellectual Property Researcher

Notes for Editors:

The Careers Service supports the 20,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students, and research staff at the University of Oxford as they explore their options for future careers, in academia, industry and the 3rd sector. The Service also supports the alumni of the University for life, whether they are looking for work themselves, advertising a permanent or internship vacancy or wanting to mentor a current student. Increasingly the Service is reaching out to work with the students and staff at their place of work – in their college or department, in person and on the web. This program is one of several that enable our stakeholders to learn through doing; we welcome the engagement in these programs of blue-chip organisations.
www.careers.ox.ac.uk

Isis Innovation is the University of Oxford's technology company and manages the University's intellectual property portfolio, working with University researchers on identifying, protecting and marketing technologies through licensing, spin-out company formation and material sales. Isis files on average one new patent application each week, has concluded over 400 technology licensing agreements, and established 62 new spin-out companies from Oxford. Isis also manages Oxford University Consulting, which arranges consulting services providing clients access to the world-class expertise of the University's academics to enhance innovative capability. Last year OUC arranged over 100 consulting deals. Isis has established a separate business division, Isis Enterprise, offering consulting expertise and advice in technology transfer and open innovation to university, government and industrial clients around the world. Isis was founded in 1987 and is today one of the world's leading technology transfer and innovation management companies.
www.isis-innovation.com