It’s hard to imagine a more stellar gathering of stakeholders, from industry, local government and academia, coming together for the launch of the latest member of Oxford’s innovation ecosystem. https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2025-11-10-oxford-leads-launch-equinox-drive-innovation-and-inclusive-growth-across-region

‘Equitable Innovation in Oxford’ is the full name of Equinox, the snappy acronym for the partnership whose purpose is to coalesce the innovation activity in the region. We have seen unprecedented levels of innovation emerging from the labs and science blocks of the University of Oxford, and the aim of Equinox is to harness its potential for all.

And in the same week as a presentation by investors in the Sadler Building on The Oxford Science Park put Oxford in the top strata of innovation investment in the world, Equinox will help create dynamic ecosystems for the innovators to grow, develop and thrive, bringing benefits for all in the region. This new initiative joins a plethora of partnerships and initiatives representing various groups and needs across the county, which may at some point need to be rationalised. However, the feedback from the UKPF Editorial Board has so far been very positive.

As Simon Ruck, Managing Director at Oxford North points out: “VC investment into UK science, technology and innovation is experiencing strong growth, with the UK on track for a record funding year.”

Other Members of the UKPF editorial board were asked to comment and the response was unequivocally enthusiastic.

“…championed by the amazingly energetic Vice Chancellor Irene Tracy with her deep understanding, passion for and lived experience of Oxfordshire and the University I am genuinely excited about the potential.” (Philip Campbell, Commercial Director, Milton Park)

“By creating the ecosystem for companies to scale and attract investment, the initiative will support demand for science-led commercial real estate, residential developments and mixed-use schemes in a way that works for Oxfordshire.” (Laura Ludlow, Partner, Mills & Reeve)

“The Equinox initiative will identify and drive solutions to turbo-charge the true strength of Oxford.” (Victoria Collett, Development Director, Oxford North)

So an enthusiastic welcome from many of those working in the sector. But a cautionary note, highlighting the current state of the property market and why the Equinox initiative is welcome, Emily Slupek, Director, Building and Project Consultancy at Savills, homes in on the paradox confronting the sector:  “…with science and tech lettings in the area having been on a downwards trend since the peak in 2023, we are in urgent need of a boost to science and tech companies in the Oxford area, so Equinox is welcomed to hopefully catalyse growth, increase demand and revive investor confidence and development activity in the sector.”

We look forward to seeing the positive impact Equinox will make on the Oxfordshire region and all those living and working in it. UKPF is actively working on the OxProp Summit planned for 25th/26th March 2026 at Trinity College Oxford, where we will discuss Equinox and the value of these partnerships for the real estate sector.

 

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