Calling all Oxford University students!
If you would like to explore what it takes to be an entrepreneur, then this is your chance.
What is StEP?
StEP is Oxford’s educational accelerator for students who want to turn bold ideas into impact. Over eight weeks in the summer, you’ll test assumptions, explore your markets, build early prototypes, and shape a venture with real potential. Whether you come with your own idea or simply the ambition to start something new, whether your interests are creative, technical, social, or scientific, StEP gives you the structure, mentorship, and community for you to make it happen.
You’ll be surrounded by peers like you - entrepreneurial students who push forward together. You’ll learn from each other, share what’s working (and what isn’t), and move faster because you’re part of a community that’s as supportive and capable as you are.
How Does it Work?
Students at the University of Oxford – either undergraduate or postgraduate – can apply for a place. The programme is full-time, from June 29th to August 21st in 2026. You’ll be part of a fast-moving, supportive environment designed to help you explore ideas and learn by doing. And you’ll receive a £2,000 bursary.
Here’s what happens:
1. Apply with an idea – or without one.
Applications open in week 0 January and close week 0 May 2026. You can either apply with your own idea or, once the programme starts, choose from a curated set of research-driven projects or join the project of another team.
2. Form a team.
You connect with motivated peers from across the University. Whether you’re looking for a co-founder or a venture to join, you’ll become part of a team with ambition and capability.
3. Build, test, and refine.
Each week introduces practical frameworks and workshops to help you understand your market, shape your proposition, and prototype quickly.
4. Get feedback from those who’ve done it.
You’ll meet founders, funders, and industry mentors who challenge your assumptions and help you move faster and smarter.
5. Pitch.
The summer culminates in Demo Day, a high-energy showcase where teams present what they’ve built to leading members of Oxford’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. It’s your chance to demonstrate progress, gather support, and win up to an additional £10,000 of prizes.
6. Keep going?
If you want to continue, we’ll help you do it. Teams can tap into Oxford Edge, Oxford University Innovation, and the wider University for ongoing support.
Who is Involved?
The programme is jointly run by Oxford University Innovation and Oxford Edge.
It aims to bring together students who want to build with the people who make Oxford one of the best places for it. That includes researchers experimenting with new ideas, experienced founders who’ve done it before, and funders deeply engaged with the Oxford ecosystem.
What Happens After?
StEP exists to give Oxford students an opportunity to learn entrepreneurship by doing it. Success isn’t necessarily launching a venture afterwards, though many teams go on and do that. It’s about learning through experience, developing your skills, and gaining the confidence to create something of your own.
If you keep going, you won’t be doing it alone. Teams can access further support through Oxford Edge, Oxford University Innovation, and the wider University. This means space to work, continued mentorship, guidance on incorporation, and warm introductions across Oxford’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Here’s what some teams have gone on to do: …
Success Stories
Winners of StEP 2019. You can find further information on their website:
Winner StEP 2023. You can find further information on their website:
If you would like to explore what it takes to be an entrepreneur, then this is your chance.
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