Incubator Phase 1
An intensive one-week pre-accelerator helping early-stage founders validate their idea and build a credible business proposition.
Delivered by Oxford University Innovation's Incubator team.
Programme Overview
Phase 1 of the Startup Incubator is an intensive one-week pre-accelerator programme for early-stage ventures, helping founders validate their business idea and build a credible business proposition.
Through expert mentorship and hands-on Lean Canvas workshops, participants refine their value proposition, understand their market, test key assumptions, and strengthen their business model. Successful participants will be invited to apply to Phase 2.
How it works
Each cohort starts with a five-day sprint of workshops and group work, with feedback throughout. At the end of the sprint, you'll meet founders already on Phase 2 at an informal get-together.
Over the following month, you'll test your idea with prospective customers, with the incubator team on hand when you need them. The programme ends with a 10-minute presentation to a panel, and every team receives feedback.
Along the way, you'll work on your:
- Lean Canvas
- Business model
- Business plan
- Customer validation
You'll also join a cohort of founders who are working through the same questions as you.
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Phase 1 is for founders who have identified a problem worth solving and have a clear outline of a solution they can test with prospective customers.
It's open to teams from across the University, including undergraduate, master's and DPhil students, early career researchers, academic and professional services staff, and alumni. At least one team member must be a matriculated student or a current or former member of staff.
Apply online. Interviews for eligible teams run throughout the year, and successful teams join the next available cohort.
Interested in joining? Get in touch through the enquiry form below and the Incubator team will talk you through the next steps. Eligible teams are then invited to interview, and successful teams join the next available cohort.
Dates for 2026/2027 for Incubator Phase 1:
- Michaelmas Term
- Sprint: 1-7 October
- Presentations: 3-5 November
- Feedback and Phase 2 offers: 13 November
- Easter vacation - Trinity Term
- Sprint: 17-24 March
- Presentations: 2-22 April
- Feedback and Phase 2 offers: 30 April
For updates on upcoming Startup Incubator Phase 1 openings, please subscribe to EnSpire Newsletter or head to the What's On page for more information.
At the end of Phase 1, teams can apply for Phase 2 of the Startup Incubator, a year-long programme that works towards incorporation and investment. The panel will look for evidence that your idea is gaining ground, such as conversations with customers, validation from an expert, or early traction.
If you don't progress, we'll point you towards other support. If you decide to move on from your original idea, you're welcome to reapply with a new one.
One week to find out whether your idea stands up. Then decide what's next.
Interested in joining? Get in touch through the enquiry form and the Incubator team will talk you through the next steps. Eligible teams are then invited to interview, and successful teams join the next available cohort.