Entrepreneurial academics

Featuring the work of three Oxford academics who've used their studies to solve real world problems in the business, government and medical communities.

This is one series of a wider set of interviews with Oxford academics. See the complete collection here.

Helen Townley and Xerion

Helen Townley works at Oxford's Science Park in Begbroke. She works to find innovative uses of nanoparticles and natural products in medicine and industry.

Husayn Kassai and Onfido

Husayn studied Economics and Management at Oxford and was President of Oxford Entrepreneurs, where he met the friends with whom he would go on to co-found Onfido. Onfido has now raised $4.5 million in investment funds.

Dominique Piche and UPROSA

Dominique is the co-founder and Creative Director of UPROSA: a fashion line using real scientific images as prints for phone and lap top cases and tote bags. Dominique currently studies Nanoscience at Oxford.

Mina Bekheet and Oxford Biotech

'Start as soon as you have an idea, and even if it doesn't work out, you will have learnt something.' An Oxford DPhil oncologist talks about his experience of founding Oxford Biotech.

Robert MacLaren and Nightstar

Professor MacLaren describes how he worked with Isis Innovation (Oxford University's technology transfer office) to found the spin-out 'Nightstar', and develop his research into therapies for progressive blindness in a commercial environment.

Riham Satti and MeVitae

Riham Satti studied Clinical Neuroscience at Oxford before launching MeVitae: an online cognitive recruiting system that makes intelligent and personalised hiring decisions.

Making a difference: Oxford University Social Enterprise Award scheme

Recipients of an Oxford University Social Enterprise Award talk about their work, and the good use to which they can put the money.

Launching businesses: how entrepreneurs are adapting space tech for use on Earth

Young entrepreneurs Fujia Chen and Julian Jantke talk about their start-up, Oxford Space Structures.