Venturefest

  • Venturefest at Brookes

    Venturefest Oxford is an annual event that brings together innovators, investors and entrepreneurs to make connections that lead to new investments, new businesses and new ideas in the high-tech sector. It’s a gateway for entrepreneurs and innovators to connect with investors and advisors.

    Programme 2018

    Gallery 2018

    Venturefest 2019

    For Venturefest’s 20th anniversary, Oxford Brookes opened its inspirational buildings on the Headington Campus, to play host to the county’s premier innovation networking event, welcoming over 750 visitors.

    We've been a long-time supporter of Venturefest Oxford and with the event reaching its 20th anniversary this year it was a fitting way to celebrate the milestone in style.

    Our staff and students embraced the opportunity to inspire the crowds with an exciting range of interactive displays and exhibitions showcasing our research projects and teaching programmes.

    The event allowed many of them to meet local businesses and innovators and make really valuable connections.

    Professor Alistair Fitt, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University and Board Member for Venturefest Oxford

  • Venturefest 2018 Four Themes

    There were four themes, focusing on technology sectors in Oxford that have the transformative potential for the local, UK and world economies: autonomous vehicles, digital health, quantum computing and space.

    Staff and students from Oxford Brookes showcased areas of research and teaching excellence with interactive exhibits featuring a variety of new technologies and software, including:

    Formula Student Car

    Designed and built by students, the car acts as a platform for the practical application of motorsport engineering skills. The team talked to guests about their focus on electric vehicle technologies and efforts to develop a high performance racing vehicle with better overall performance and efficiency.

    The Formula Student simulator was also on offer for delegates to experience driving in the fast lane.

    Robots

    A variety of robots from the School of Engineering, Computing and Robotics were on display throughout the day, with Robothespian robot Artie welcoming guests on arrival and humanoid robot Baxter gaining interest in the Forum.

    They demonstrated the robotics research going on across the University in a number of areas, some mimicking human appearances and gestures, others showing different applications of AI, computer vision, and movement.

    Gait analysis

    Venturefest attendees had an opportunity to find out more from the Movement Science Group at Oxford Brookes into research monitoring people’s gait. Using this data they are able to analyse the walking patterns of people with movement difficulties to support treatment and rehabilitation.

    Training manikins

    A realistic, full size manikin with computer sensors that healthcare students use for skills practice and simulated roleplay was also on display. Guests at the event were able to try CPR on the manikin including using an Automated Defibrillator, listen to body sounds and also draw blood from the manikin’s arm.

    There were also tours of the Oxford Brookes Bioinnovation Hub, a flagship for the University’s drive to share cutting-edge research and knowledge-led innovation in biosciences.