Aspect Research Commercialisation (ARC) Accelerator: Turning social science research ideas into business

Are you a social scientist with innovative research ideas that could be developed into a business or social enterprise?

The Aspect Research Commercialisation (ARC) Accelerator (formerly known as SUCCESS) is specifically designed to help social science researchers employed by the University of Oxford to develop ideas, backed by university research, into a business or social venture.

The programme, which provides entrepreneurial skills training and the chance to compete to win £50,000 to support your proposed venture, is open to applications from social sciences researchers across Oxford and its Aspect partners.

Successful applications will receive:

  • A half-day's Business Canvas support session to explore and build out their idea
  • A virtual training boot camp spread over three weeks led by industry experts to develop key entrepreneurial skills
  • Specialised, sector specific training, access to experts who have been there before, access to investors, and access to key networks
  • Dedicated mentorship support to help validate your idea, develop the business model, and support your pitch for funding or investment
  • Access to business and investor networks across UKHE
  • The chance to pitch for up to £50,000 in funding

How to apply

To apply, complete the application form below and email it to chris.fellingham@innovation.ox.ac.uk

Application deadline

4 December 2021

Discover successful ventures from the University of Oxford

Portrait photo of Dr Tracey Denton-Calabrese

Dr. Tracey Denton-Calabrese

'The programme was extremely beneficial as it helped me to understand the process of how to develop a social science research project into a viable social enterprise that has the potential to meet the needs of the wider community and beyond.'

Dr. Tracey Denton-Calabrese, Postdoctoral Researcher for Go_Girl Code + Create

Other ventures include...

  • SOPHIA (Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative, Department of International Development): A social enterprise helping companies tackle the complex causes of poverty.
  • ORBIT - Observatory for Responsible Research and Innovation in ICT (Department of Computer Science): A company developing training programmes for doctoral students and industry researchers to support responsible research methods in AI and computer science.
  • OxEd and Assessment (Department of Education): A social enterprise providing software for teachers to identify language difficulties in Nursery and Primary school children using an app for teachers and teaching assistants.
Aspect Research Commercialisation ARC Accelerator