Spinout Review: Statement of Best practice Adoption

The University of Oxford welcomed the independent review of university spin-out companies, commissioned by the Government and co-chaired by our Vice-Chancellor.

As an active member of TenU the University of Oxford partnered with top universities and investors to agree terms which will greatly increase the UK's capacity to turn world-leading research into spinouts that will generate economic growth and societal impact. Answering many of the questions set out in the Government's independent review of university spin-out companies, The USIT Guide establishes a suite of standards drawing on best practices from around the world, including notable successes like Oxford Nanopore Technologies from Oxford. The USIT for Software Guide will also be implemented pending approval from our Intellectual Property Advisory Group. Further responses to the review are available on Oxford University Innovation's website.

The University of Oxford has adopted best practice approaches which align with the recommendations of the independent review of university spin-out companies. These include:

The University of Oxford's spinout equity sharing policy

Implemented in 2021 the policy sets the founding equity share in spinout companies at 80% for the founding team and 20% for the University in nearly all cases, before any investment is raised and with no anti-dilution protections. There are some conditions under which the split will be 90% for the founding team and 10% for the University. More details including FAQs are available at Equity sharing | Research Support (ox.ac.uk)

Oxford University Innovation Limited's spinout express license

This represents a standardised approach for licensing IP to new spinout companies on their formation, designed to support the thriving spinout ecosystem with simple licence terms and streamlined process. It ensures that financial returns to the inventors and University align directly with the returns to investors and commercial success of the companies formed, while giving maximum opportunity for the companies to thrive. More details are available at Investment opportunities - Oxford University Innovation