Centre for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Christ Church and Blenheim Chalcot, in collaboration with the University of Oxford, are establishing a world-leading Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at 37 St Giles. The Centre is designed to inspire, educate, and empower undergraduate and postgraduate students from across the University. Set to open in early 2025, the Centre is committed to fostering the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation potential of students from every discipline.

By connecting Oxford’s academic community with established entrepreneurs, venture specialists, and experienced alumni, we aim to support students as they develop skills, gain insights, and launch ventures in fields spanning natural sciences, social impact, deep technology, and civic innovation. Our ultimate goal is to create a dynamic environment with the space and resources for students to transform their ideas into impactful ventures. This Centre aligns with Oxford’s vision to advance as a major global innovation hub, meeting the growing demand for practical entrepreneurial education, while providing pathways that support the University's commitment to research-based innovation and societal advancement.

Blenheim Chalcot

Blenheim Chalcot is a leading global venture builder. We combine our ideas, infrastructure and most importantly, people to create an innovation ecosystem that turns disruptive ideas into innovative businesses. We originate the ideas for the businesses ourselves, grow them from the ground up and take them through to scaling and ultimately exit.

We typically build enterprise Software as a Service (SaaS) products, powered by Generative AI and target industries which are exposed to market, regulatory or technology discontinuities. We have built businesses across the following sectors: 

  • Financial Services
  • Education
  • Media & Marketing
  • Public Services & Health
  • Sports

Our track record has seen us build more than 60 businesses over the last 25+ years. The portfolio has annual revenues of £500m, employs more than 3,000 people, has raised £600m of equity, and secured exits totalling over £1bn.

Blenheim Chalcot has three global locations. Portfolio companies are headquartered from Scale Space, London, our 200,000 ft² collaboration space which was built as a joint venture with Imperial College London. Our Mumbai offices provide unparalleled scaling capability and technical expertise, and our U.S. operation powers the go-to-market activities of the portfolio across North America.

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The Competition

To mark the establishment of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, we’re excited to launch a competition to name it! This competition is open to all Oxford students and celebrates the Centre's mission of creativity, collaboration, and innovation by inviting students to propose a name that reflects these values.

Students are encouraged to submit names that embody the Centre’s commitment to pioneering innovation and forward thinking. Whether inspired by historical figures, entrepreneurial ideas, or concepts that symbolise Oxford’s unique culture, each name will be considered based on its alignment with our mission and vision.

The naming competition opens on Friday 8th November and closes at midnight on Friday 22nd November. Entries can be submitted via either the links at the top or bottom of this page titled 'Enter Here! or 'Enter the Competition Here’. Please submit up to 250 words explaining your entry idea - your rationale should capture the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. A panel comprising Centre representatives, faculty, and established entrepreneurs will review the submissions, and the winning name will be announced in the new year.

Competition entries are subject to terms and conditions.

Prizes

A £2k cash prize!

Up to 5 paid internships at Blenheim Chalcot, including accommodation in London.

Join us in this exciting journey to establish a place of growth, innovation, and lasting influence!

If you have any questions or need assistance with the competition form, please reach out to us at namingcompetition@blenheimchalcot.com