Spinout Companies: Turning Research Into Impact, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford

Research from the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford has sparked the formation of numerous spinout companies. These companies are not only built on scientific breakthroughs but also serve as bridges connecting academic ideas with industry and society. Their establishment helps to bring technological innovation into real-world applications, often more efficiently than internal university departments. By translating advanced research into commercial products and services, spinouts create new jobs, attract investment, and contribute substantially to the local and national economy.

Over 45 companies have emerged from the Department of Engineering Science since the 1970s. These companies are involved in various fields such as energy, healthcare, artificial intelligence, imaging, and materials science. The impact of these ventures continues to grow each year.

Key Features of Spinout Companies

• University Connection: Built on Oxford’s research
• Focus Areas: Health tech, AI, renewable energy, imaging, and more
• Economic Impact: Job creation and local development
• Funding: Millions in public and private investment
• Global Reach: Technologies used worldwide

Highlighted Spinout Companies

Company	Focus Area	Key Innovation
2d3	Computer Vision	Surfaces transmitting magneto-inductive waves
Amber Therapeutics	Neuromodulation	Restores function for women with urinary incontinence
Aurox Ltd	Optical Imaging	Affordable confocal microscopy
Brill Power	Battery Tech	Smarter battery management systems for sustainability
Circadian Therapeutics	Sleep and Circadian Rhythms	Devices for home-based brain activity monitoring
CN Bio Innovations	Drug Testing	Human biomimetic tissue platforms
Deontics	AI for Healthcare	Clinical decision-making support without coding
Eykona Technologies	Medical Imaging	3D imaging for external wound analysis
First Light Fusion	Energy Generation	New fusion techniques to create energy from bubble collapse
Fuel3D	3D Scanning	Adapted medical tech for commercial 3D imaging use
Ground Truth Labs	Digital Pathology	Predictive models and histology image annotation
Intelligent Ultrasound	Medical Imaging	Advanced ultrasound interpretation tools
iotaSciences	Biomedical Research	Fluid-shaping tools for life science labs
Kepler Energy Ltd	Renewable Energy	Tidal turbine for low-flow waters
Metaboards	Wireless Tech	Surfaces transmitting magneto inductive waves
Microbial Solutions Ltd	Wastewater Treatment	Bioreactors using microorganisms for fluid recycling
Mind Foundry	Artificial Intelligence	Liver storage system extends viability outside the body
Mirada Medical	Clinical Imaging	Simplified, powerful image analysis
NavLive	3D Mapping	Real-time facility and construction site mapping using sensors
Navetas	Energy Management	Data tools for efficient power usage
OBS Medical	Patient Monitoring	Mobile and hospital-based alert systems
Opsydia	Laser Systems	Custom optics and laser fabrication
OrganOx Ltd	Organ Preservation	The liver storage system extends viability outside the body
Orthoson	Spinal Therapy	Ultrasound + gel therapy for spine conditions
Oxa (Oxbotica)	Autonomous Vehicles	AV software independent of GPS, used in road/off-road applications
OxeHealth	Remote Monitoring	AI monitoring for care homes, prisons, and hospitals
OXEMS Ltd	Infrastructure Mapping	Underground asset tagging and location tracking
Oxford Endovascular	Aneurysm Treatment	Shape-memory metal mesh flow diverters
OxEML	Cancer Detection	Imaging tech for prostate and liver tumour diagnosis
Oxford Flow	Pressure Control	Valves to cut energy and water supply costs
Oxford MEStar	Regenerative Medicine	Bioprocessing and stem cell therapy solutions
Oxford Molecular Biosensors	Water Quality Monitoring	Biosensors to detect toxins in water and pollutants
Oxford nanoSystems	Heat Transfer Systems	Improved methods for industrial heating and cooling
OxMet Technologies	Materials Design	Custom alloys for industries from defence to automotive
Oxonica	Nanomaterials Licensing	Licenses to global firms for advanced material uses
OXSIGHT	Vision Aids	Smart glasses for visually impaired users
Oxsed	Rapid Diagnostics	Fast COVID-19 RNA test usable without lab setups
Oxford SimCell	Synthetic Biology	Engineered cell-like machines for medicine and manufacturing
OxVent	Emergency Ventilation	Scalable low-cost ventilator for LMICs
OxSonics	Drug Delivery	Ultrasound-enhanced delivery in solid tumour cancer treatment
Oxyntix Ltd	High-Energy Processes	Extreme bubble collapse energy for clean processes
Particle Therapeutics	Drug Delivery	Particle-form drug solutions
PowderJect Pharmaceuticals	Drug Delivery	Needle-free injection systems
PrOXisense	Predictive Sensors	Monitors and predicts industrial equipment failure
Run3D	Biomechanics	3D gait analysis for sports injuries
Seloxium	Metal Recovery	Extracts rare and valuable metals from wastewater
t+ Medical	Telehealth	Mobile systems to monitor long-term patient health
Xerion Healthcare	Nanomedicine	Nanoparticles for drug delivery in cancer treatment
YASA Motors Ltd	Electric Motors	Compact axial flux motors for EVs and industrial use

Benefits of Spinouts from Oxford Engineering

• Real-World Applications: Technologies used in healthcare, energy, and transportation
• Job Creation: Thousands of jobs generated locally and internationally
• Economic Growth: Millions of pounds reinvested into research and infrastructure
• Innovation Ecosystem: Collaboration between researchers, investors, and industrial partners
• Global Solutions: Many products solve critical challenges worldwide

Final Analysis

Spinout companies from the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford showcase how deep scientific knowledge can create real impact. These ventures go beyond the academic world by applying research in meaningful ways, improving lives, and contributing to industries across the globe. By forming these companies, Oxford not only leads in innovation but also in translating research into action, making science work for society.