From Bright Sparks to Brilliant Businesses: Oxford University Spin-offs and Start-ups

From Bright Sparks to Brilliant Businesses profiles 25 of the most successful entrepreneurs to emerge from scientific research conducted at the University of Oxford. The case studies present the personal stories, recollections and insights of key individuals who have built Oxford's reputation as one of the most dynamic entrepreneurial centres in the world. A university spin-out involves bringing together people from the three different worlds of commerce, investment finance and academic research. The entrepreneurs in this book are identifiable as scientists, business managers or investors but what they share is that they have all learnt to operate across boundaries to build and work in teams. Based on interviews conducted by Sir Douglas Hague and journalist Anthea Milnes, the profiles focus on the diversity of routes taken and lessons learnt along the way. They show university research tackling some of the world's biggest challenges such as disease, climate change and energy. This book offers inspiration and invaluable context for students of business, would-be entrepreneurs, technology transfer specialists, anyone involved in a start-up and a broad range of professionals in academia, the civil service and government.