The ZERO Institute has launched an exciting new programme to accelerate science-based climate ventures. The inaugural Founders Programme, beginning in October 2026, will give three entrepreneurs the opportunity to establish or develop a climate tech venture based on their research.
The programme addresses a major bottleneck in climate entrepreneurship: helping researchers transition from academia into commercial environments. Founders will receive dedicated support to accelerate the translation of promising research from lab to market, developing ventures with a clear unique selling point, protected intellectual property and a well-developed commercialisation plan.
Each Founder will have access to University of Oxford laboratories and facilities, an academic sponsor, business development and incubation support, cohort activities and the wider ZERO Institute and University networks.
Professor Paul Shearing, Director of the ZERO Institute, said:
“I am incredibly excited to launch the Founders Programme along with our Partners – a much needed resource for researchers to accelerate commercialisation of climate technologies with the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
The programme builds on Oxford’s growing reputation as a hub for climate tech, bringing together cutting-edge research, industry partnerships, entrepreneurial support and investment to accelerate solutions to net-zero challenges.
Successful applicants will be expected to demonstrate strong market understanding, a clear plan for the year, and the support of an Oxford academic sponsor alongside their venture ambitions.
—
The Founders Programme will support three individuals over the course of a year and will be based at the University of Oxford. Applications are welcomed from candidates both within and outside the university. The ZERO Institute is committed to upholding equality, diversity and inclusion throughout their work, and applications from a wide pool of candidates are encouraged.
For more information about the roles, salary and application requirements, see the job page here or search for the Vacancy ID 186517 here for the same result.
The three posts are supported by Breakthrough Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, Oxford Science Enterprises and additional funding partners.
