Oxford North joins Equinox to support innovative growth in region

Oxford North is proud to have signed The Equinox Charter, an exciting new partnership to accelerate innovation-led, inclusive economic growth across Oxfordshire and beyond.

Launched by the University of Oxford Equinox, stands for Equitable Innovation Oxford and brings together over 40 regional partners to create an ecosystem for innovation.

Equinox aims to create the right ecosystem for companies to scale, attract investment and nurture local talent, with an emphasis on equitable access to opportunity and socially responsible innovation.

The exciting development for Oxfordshire was launched by the Rt Hon Anneliese Dodds MP and Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford.

Lord Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear, and Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor Champion shared a warming welcome video, supporting Equinox, and commending the efforts of the University of Oxford and Professor Irene Tracey’s vision.

Sir Neale Coleman, Chair of the Oxford Growth Commission, provided further strategic insight and endorsed the government backing for Equinox . There were further speakers focused on the ‘Oxford story’, and paving the way for Equinox to provide tangible growth to the burgeoning ecosystem.

Equinox builds on Oxford’s position as the UK’s leading university for spinout creation and innovation, with more than 225 companies launched since 2011 through Oxford University Innovation.

Oxford North Managing Director Simon Ruck attended the launch at Rhodes House.

He said: “This is an exciting, bold partnership aligning all the key organisations that together can solve some of the world’s biggest challenges via innovation. Oxford’s ecosystem is home to exceptional talent and Oxford North is proud to be part of the community and investing into the infrastructure, driving the next generation of opportunities the city needs to thrive.”

Equinox aims to create an ecosystem for companies to scale, attract investment and nurture local talent, focusing on equitable access to opportunity and socially responsible innovation.

Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, said: “Oxford University has always been a place where great and ground-breaking ideas begin – but our responsibility is to ensure they can develop, thrive and have impact here in our region.

“Equinox brings together the extraordinary talent, research and entrepreneurial drive of Oxfordshire to create a more connected, equitable innovation ecosystem where everyone benefits. By working in true partnership – across universities, business, government and communities – we can turn discovery into opportunity, and opportunity into shared prosperity. This is the power of Oxford’s innovation: generous service to society.”

In year one, Equinox will work on establishing an inward investment unit, deepening collaboration between the region’s universities and industry and expanding opportunities for skills development.

The objective is to ensure Oxfordshire’s global reputation for scientific excellence and innovation achieves shared local prosperity.

Speaking on a video to announce the launch, Lord Vallance, said: “Equinox’s launch marks an important step forward for Oxfordshire and for the whole Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor: driving inclusive growth, fostering innovation, and delivering benefits that will be felt locally, nationally, and globally. The success of Oxfordshire’s innovation ecosystem is vital to our national mission for growth.”