The Oxford Moonshot is the University of Oxford’s pre-seed accelerator, run by EnSpire Oxford, the university’s entrepreneurship hub. It helps DPhil candidates and early-career researchers take a validated deeptech idea towards investment readiness and incorporation.
The 2026/27 cohort focuses on two verticals: Health & Life Sciences and National Resilience. Founders meet in person in Oxford for peer sessions, expert talks, mentoring and coaching, ending with a Demo Day pitch.
Benefits & funding
- Free of charge; no equity taken.
- About four months of in-person peer learning, expert deep dives, mentoring and leadership coaching.
- Demo Day pitch for equity-free prizes, investment opportunities and exposure.
- Committed founders may be invited into Flight 2 (May–July 2027) for tailored support.
- Sessions are mandatory; the applicant must attend them personally.
Eligibility
- The applicant is the participant and is one of: a University of Oxford DPhil candidate; a DPhil alum within two years of graduating; or current Oxford research staff 0–5 years post-DPhil.
- Venture in Health & Life Sciences or National Resilience.
- Validated proof of concept, prototype or MVP (TRL 3+).
- Demonstrated traction, such as pilots, early customers, letters of intent or investor interest.
- Prior entrepreneurship training (e.g. StEP, Oxford Venture Builder, OX1) or an external equivalent.
- No nationality restriction is stated.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Education required
PhD Enrolled · PhD
Circlebreaker is a free database of global fellowships, scholarships and programs — every one decoded like this.
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Optionally join the online information session on 20 October 2026.
- 2Submit the online application form by 30 October 2026.
- 3Successful applicants are notified by 9 November 2026.
Program timeline
Online info session
20 Oct 2026
Applications close
30 Oct 2026
Outcomes
9 Nov 2026
Jan–May 2027
Flight 1 (programme page; the form gives Demo Day as 28 Apr 2027)
Flight 2
May–Jul 2027