Entrepreneurs compete for £100K at Oxford University gala

Taking place at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School on June 18, the event will see finalists present three-minute pitches followed by a Q&A session.

Emma Crystal, chair of the judging panel and chief executive of Coutts, said: “Oxford has a history of great ideas and innovation.

“Winning pitches do two things really well – they make their idea feel possible and leave no doubt that their team can make it happen.”

Finalists will be assessed on criteria including clarity of vision, market opportunity, traction, scalability, and founder capability.

The event forms part of a UK-wide NatWest competition distributing £1 million to help early-stage businesses grow during 2025 and 2026.

Three winners will share the £100,000 prize fund, with first place receiving £70,000, second place £20,000, and third place £10,000.

The judging panel includes Dr Olga Kozlova, director of innovation and engagement at the University of Oxford, who brings experience as a former biotech founder and a leader in connecting research, innovation, and industry.

Dr Kozlova said: “Great founders come from everywhere, and the best pitches prove it: clear thinking, genuine market insight, and that one memorable moment that makes you sit up.

“I’m excited to see what this Oxford cohort brings, and to help direct real investment towards the ideas that deserve to scale.”

Also on the panel is Thanh Catachanas, director of collaboration and acquisition at JCDecaux UK, who supports founders in reaching new audiences and building commercial partnerships.

Mr Catachanas said: “A winning pitch blends clear impact, real passion and credible numbers.

“It explains why the idea matters, proves it can deliver results, and highlights a distinctive point of difference that sets it apart.”

Judge Michael Tefula, an investor and startup advisor, said: “A great pitch has two qualities: it makes you care and it makes you believe.

“A compelling story gets you the first.

“Evidence of concrete achievement gets you the second.

“Founders who do well deliver both.”

Graham Drury, UK financial services director at Google Cloud, rounds out the panel and brings experience in cloud and AI technology for financial services, regulatory reporting, and sustainability.

Oxford remains one of Europe’s leading hubs for early-stage innovation, with strong links between academia, investors, and industry supporting the rapid development of ideas from research to market.