IDEA
IDEA (Increasing Diversity in Enterprising Activities) is a set of long term and sustainable actions and interventions aimed at addressing inequalities in entrepreneurship. While the University of Oxford is a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, and has committed to supporting entrepreneurship (as detailed in the Strategic Plan 2018-23, the KE Strategy, and Innovation Strategy), there are still inequalities in the entrepreneurship ecosystem which need to be addressed. IDEA is currently focussing on gender, with an aim to broadening the scope as the programme develops.
Why do we need this?
The playing field is not, and has never been, level. Globally, women hold fewer than a quarter of senior leadership positions, and in 2020 less than 2% of European tech investment capital went to female founders. The UK government’s 2019 Alison Rose Review highlights gender inequalities throughout the entrepreneurial life cycle, showing that women entrepreneurs are at a disadvantage every step of the way. We need to act now to change this picture for current and future generations of women, and to create the conditions that will enable significantly more women to become leaders and entrepreneurs.
How do I participate?
If you’re interested in participating, simply sign up here, and we’ll keep you informed about upcoming opportunities and events. And don’t forget to join our LinkedIn group!
Here’s some of our favourite resources – use the filters below to further customise your search.
IDEA Programmes & Opportunities
Join one of our key programmes – we welcome her, him, them, everyone to participate.
Wonder Women
Get inspired by Oxford women (including students) who have started their own startups and social enterprises.
Engaging with Entrepreneurship
Find entrepreneurial activities and opportunities in one place! Open to all Oxford students and staff.
Enterprising Women Programme
Encouraging, inspiring and supporting the participation of female STEM researchers in innovation and entrepreneurship
Equality and Diversity at Oxford
If you’re looking for networks, opportunities, and resources, check out the Oxford EDU website.
Women on Boards Membership
If you have an Oxford email address, take advantage of the opportunities around board training and roles!
What’s On: IDEA
Women’s Entrepreneurs Workout – Apply Now!
Fully-funded business support for founders of tech, digital or science-based ventures.
OxLEP ‘Women in Business’ Gathering
Are you a female founder, leader, or entrepreneur of an SME in Oxfordshire? Come network at this 'gathering' of like-minded business women.
Women in Leadership – Peer Network
You are a leader! Join this group to reflect on that, pin-point what you’d like to improve, identify solutions and implement them.
Zinc Nexus Network
Zinc Nexus, is a network specifically designed to centre and empower academics and researchers in the tech startup space.
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Oxford Case Studies: Language Amigo
Language Amigo is a new way for students to improve their spoken Spanish by providing an income to LATAM youngsters, too.

Female Entrepreneur Resources
A list of support groups and resources for female entrepreneurs in the UK, compiled by Startups.co.uk

WeAreTheCity
WeAreTheCity includes gender-related news, a networks directory, calendar of events and conferences, returnships, business schools, inspirational women profiles, HeForShe interviews, giving back and jobs.

Oxford Case Studies: Pick Me Up Parcels
Emily Tench bagged a social enterprise award for Pick-Me-Up Parcels, a venture that does what it says on the parcel.

Equality and Diversity at Oxford
If you're looking for networks, opportunities, and resources, check out the Oxford EDU website.

Oxford Women’s Leadership Development Programme
An opportunity to take a critical look at your own leadership style and strengths on this six-week online course

Oxford Case Studies: VeriVin
Smart technology for identification and classification of complex liquids in sealed containers.

Oxford Women In Business (OxWIB)
A thriving student society providing a platform for opportunities for enterprising young women at the University of Oxford.

The ‘secret’ network that transformed my startup
An unusual type of network where you could build really good business relationships.

RisingWISE: promoting entrepreneurial spirit amongst women
A new Oxbridge network fostering long-term relationships between enterprising early-career researchers and women working in industry.

Female Founders Fund
The leading source of institutional capital for female founders raising seed capital with over $3B in enterprise value.
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EnSpire Oxford is a University of Oxford initiative to help connect people to the entrepreneurship resources they need, and to promote entrepreneurship across Oxfordshire.
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