Oxford college to launch new entrepreneurship centre

The Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, created by Christ Church, is set to open in early 2025, and will offer students the chance to develop their own entrepreneurial ideas.

Students will learn about the core principles of entrepreneurship from Christ Church and university tutors, as well as experts from global venture builder Blenheim Chalcot, which has worked with Christ Church to create the centre.

Established entrepreneurs from Oxford's community of alumni will provide practical support.

The centre will encourage a range of ventures, from social and civic entrepreneurship to innovation in science and technology.

It will be in the heart of Oxford at 37 St Giles, and will include meeting rooms, classrooms, and state-of-the-art workspace.

37 St Giles – the building that will house the new centre (Image: Christ Church) Tom Blomfield, partner at venture capital firm Y Combinator and co-founder of Monzo and GoCardless, said: "The wealth of entrepreneurial talent at our universities is a massive untapped resource.

"More students are choosing to start their own businesses, but the UK could do even better.

"The new centre at St Giles will play an important role, providing a space to experiment, learn, and crucially, take risks.

"It’s from initiatives like these that the next generation of innovative British companies will emerge, and I’m excited to see the impact this will have on students, the wider Oxford ecosystem and beyond.”

Professor Sarah Foot, dean of Christ Church, added: “Since I became dean last year, we have been preparing to celebrate our first 500 years in 2025 and, more importantly, looking to the future and building plans to serve students for the next 500 years.

"The project announced today is a vital part of this work, helping students and academics make the most of the huge entrepreneurial potential within Christ Church, and the wider university."

Professor Irene Tracey, vice chancellor of Oxford University, and professor Sarah Foot, Dean of Christ Church (Image: Christ Church) The centre's academic programme will include a curriculum of lectures and interactive workshops with experts.

Funded vacation programmes will offer students the chance to work together on their own ideas and initiatives.

Charles Mindenhall, founding partner of Blenheim Chalcot and Christ Church alumnus, said: "Innovative thinking and entrepreneurship lie at the heart of growing a successful economy and productive society.

"That is why Blenheim Chalcot is so keen to champion and support this initiative, which we hope will inspire and equip Christ Church and Oxford students to pursue entrepreneurial careers and endeavours.

"We look forward to making our entrepreneurial programmes and leaders available to help educate students on the skills and capabilities needed to build great new businesses and organisations."