Building a More Inclusive Innovation Ecosystem in Oxfordshire

About this episode

The episode discusses the formation of Equinox to create a more inclusive and navigable innovation ecosystem in Oxfordshire.

How do you turn a brilliant but messy innovation ecosystem into something easier to navigate, stronger on the world stage, and fairer for local communities? In this episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager speaks with Olga Kozlova, one of the driving forces behind Equinox (Equitable Innovation Oxford), a new partnership convened by the University of Oxford to align universities, investors, corporates, developers and communities behind a shared ambition for Oxfordshire. Olga explains why Equinox formed, why a united voice matters if Oxford wants to compete with global clusters, and how the initiative aims to make the ecosystem more accessible for founders, investors and companies looking to locate in the region. The conversation also explores why equitable growth cannot be an afterthought in a county with stark inequalities, and how skills, narratives and practical delivery can help more people feel the benefits of innovation. Equinox launched in November 2025 with over 40 regional partners and a new NatWest Accelerator to support Oxfordshire start-ups. (00:00) - Welcome to Oxford+ (02:02) - Why Equinox Was Formed: A United Voice for Oxfordshire (03:51) - Making the Ecosystem…

People in this episode

Host: Susannah de Jager

Guest: Olga Kozlova

Topics covered

• innovation ecosystem
• equitable growth
• local communities
• investment
• start-ups
• collaboration

Keywords

• innovation
• equity
• start-ups
• investment
• community
• collaboration
• Oxfordshire

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Equinox, University of Oxford, NatWest Accelerator

Places: Oxfordshire

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