What is StEP?

Following four hugely successful programmes since 2019 we're excited to be launching our Summer Programme for 2024: Introducing ‘The Summer Sprint’

StEP Ignite is a programme just for Oxford students.

We provide training, mentors, workspace, endless coffee and all the support you need to take an idea from the drawing board to a real pitch in front of investors. Oh, and don’t worry about having a good idea, you can come along without one and join other people to develop the idea.

Up for grabs is a cash investment for the winning team and support from OUI to get this off the blocks. This award will enable the successful team to put more time into their business venture after the programme concludes, bring in additional expertise, and work with our fabulous collection of mentors and advisors in putting a more substantial first round investment case together to start their new spinout.

And when the programme ends, OUI will support all the teams that want to continue. We’ll give you a hand setting up companies, chasing investment, building your minimum viable product (MVP) with a guaranteed place on the incubator programme.

All you need is a wide-open mind and the desire to make a difference to the world! We’ll supply the expertise, the environment, the coffee and the Lego (ask our previous cohorts).

If you would like to explore what it takes to be an entrepreneur, then this is your chance.