In Oxford, a regional organization called Equinox, initiated by the University of Oxford, has been created with the aim of transforming the city and its surrounding area into a global center of innovation and entrepreneurship.
In a press statement, Equinox said it will focus on building the ecosystem needed to expand companies, attract domestic investment and develop talent. It says it will bring together academia, community leaders, government, business and investors “under one banner of collaboration” and emphasize “equitable innovation and socially responsible economic growth.”
Local MP Annalize Dodds cut the project's figurative ribbon on November 10, 2025, accompanied by Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University.
Tracey said: “The University of Oxford has always been a place where great and innovative ideas are born, but it is our responsibility to ensure that they grow, thrive and have an impact here in our region. “Equinox brings together Oxfordshire's outstanding talent, research and entrepreneurial initiative to create a more connected, fair innovation ecosystem that benefits everyone.
“By working in true partnership – between universities, business, government and communities – we can turn discovery into opportunity, and opportunity into shared prosperity. This is the power of Oxford innovation: generous service to society.”
Regarding Oxford City and Gown, Ben Higgins, Cabinet Member for Future Economy and Innovation at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We warmly welcome the launch of Equinox – and with it the creation of a dynamic strategic partnership that brings together stakeholders across the county to reaffirm Oxfordshire’s position as a leading force in the UK’s innovation ecosystem.
“Together with Oxfordshire Enterprisewe are forging connections that will enhance Oxfordshire's global profile, showcasing our exceptional assets, talent and capabilities to the world. But it's not just about promoting a place; it's about driving inclusive innovation and unlocking shared potential, ensuring every community in Oxfordshire can benefit. We look forward to working together.”
To support this venture, NatWest has announced the launch of the NatWest Accelerator, which will provide growth support through specialist banking expertise to help start-ups in Oxfordshire.
Robert Begbie, Commercial and Institutional CEO at NatWest, said: “This partnership marks an important milestone in our NatWest Accelerator expansion strategy and the first of its kind for Oxfordshire. Our commitment to Equinox reflects our belief that inclusive innovation ecosystems are key to achieving long-term regional prosperity and we are proud to be part of shaping that future in Oxford.”
Founded by the city's main university (the other being Oxford Brookes University), Equinox is made up of more than 40 regional organizations, including Oxfordshire County Council, Moderna, Advanced Oxford, Oxford University Innovation, Oxford Science Enterprises, Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), Oxford Nanopore and Siemens Healthineers.
The EIT campus, supported by Oracle, is scheduled for completion in 2027. Oxford Science Park and the Littlemore area of the city. EIT also bought Eagle and child a pub in St. Giles's Oxford, made famous by the Inklings – J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis and other experts.
Oracle founder Larry Ellison invests heavily in Oxford, creating Ellison Fellows Program as well as EIT and taking over ownership of the pub.
Lisa Flashner, chief operating officer of Ellison Institute of Technology, said, “We are pleased to support Equinox and its goals of maximizing opportunities in the region. This aligns perfectly with our mission to advance world-class science and innovation.”
Mairi Gibbs, Oxford University Chief Innovation Officer and Equinox Council Member, said: “At Oxford University Innovation, we see ideas and discoveries emerging every day across the University – ideas that have the potential to redefine industries and solve global challenges. Through the Equinox partnership, we can connect this outstanding stream of innovation with regional strengths and shared ambitions that will turn potential into a better future.”
Ed Bussey, CEO of Oxford Science Enterprises, a board member of the Oxford-Cambridge SuperCluster and another Equinox board member, said: “This world-leading science and technology ecosystem centered around a university has created two unicorns over the past two months – including one from our own portfolio.
“However, the lack of UK scale-up and corporate investment capital – particularly in Oxford – remains a clear barrier to fully realizing the enormous opportunities that lie ahead. Equinox will provide the collaborative framework needed to bring together universities, investors, companies and local leaders to attract this investment to Oxford.”
Speaking on video to announce the launch, Patrick VallanceMinister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear Energy and champion of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, said: “The launch of Equinox marks an important step forward for Oxfordshire and the wider Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor: stimulating inclusive growth, fostering innovation and delivering benefits that will be felt locally, nationally and globally. The success of Oxfordshire’s innovation ecosystem is vital to our national growth mission.”
