The Oxford Trust has published its 2025 Impact Review, marking its 40th anniversary year with strong results across both its innovation centres and its Science Oxford STEM education and engagement programmes.
The charity has supported 28 science and technology businesses employing 350 people, while its education and engagement activities reached more than 32,000 young people, teachers, families and community groups across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.
The review demonstrates the Trust’s dual mission: to support early-stage science and technology companies to grow, while inspiring the next generation to pursue STEM careers.
Innovation Centres Operating at Over 90% Capacity
During 2025, The Oxford Trust’s innovation centres, the Wood Centre for Innovation and the Oxford Centre for Innovation, operated at over 90% capacity, supporting a growing cluster of early-stage science and technology companies.
Key innovation impacts included:
- 28 science and technology companies supported
- 350 employees working across supported businesses
- £22.75 million generated in Gross Value Added (GVA) boosting the economy
- 12 start-ups and 30 entrepreneurs supported through Barclays Eagle Labs co-working space
- Launch of the new Oxford Centre for Innovation at Blue Boar Court, providing around 13,000 sq ft of workspace for start-ups
In addition, construction began on the Trust’s £7 million Aspen Building at the Wood Centre for Innovation, which will add laboratory and office space to support scaling science and technology companies.
STEM Education and Engagement: Significant Reach Across the Region
Income generated through the Trust’s innovation centres is reinvested into its Science Oxford STEM education and engagement programmes, which aim to encourage curiosity about science and broaden participation in STEM.
Across the 2024-25 academic year, the programmes achieved significant reach:
- 32,000+ people engaged across all STEM education and engagement activities
- 20,000+ young people reached through education programmes
- 11,200 pupils engaged through primary school outreach workshops and shows
- 7,760 pupils from 124 schools visiting the Science Oxford Centre
- 9,230 visitors attending Family Days
- 1,471 young people taking part in STEM clubs
- 40 teachers trained across 29 primary schools through CPD programmes
The Trust also supported 100 schools taking part in the Big Science Event, which encouraged pupil-led enquiry and scientific thinking.
A Model Built for Long-Term Impact
Steve Burgess, CEO of The Oxford Trust, said:
“Our mission has always been to encourage the pursuit of science, from inspiring young people about the wonders of STEM to supporting science and technology companies to grow and succeed. This year’s impact demonstrates the strength of our model: by nurturing innovation and enterprise in Oxford’s science ecosystem, we generate income that can be reinvested directly into inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Now in our 41st year, it is encouraging to see the continued growth of our innovation centres and the reach of our Science Oxford’s programmes. Together they play an important role in strengthening our regional innovation ecosystem and widening access to science for young people. On behalf of the trustees, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the whole team who work tirelessly and with such passion to make this all happen.”
Founded in 1985, The Oxford Trust operates a self-sustaining charitable model, where income from innovation centres supports its STEM education and engagement activities delivered through Science Oxford.
Looking Ahead: The Aspen Building and Continued Growth
With the Aspen Building due to open in summer 2026, the Trust will further increase its capacity to support science and technology companies while expanding STEM outreach across the region. This represents a significant opportunity for Oxfordshire’s innovation ecosystem, reinforcing the county’s position as one of the most dynamic science and technology clusters in the UK.
We look forward to seeing the continued impact of The Oxford Trust’s work as it enters its next chapter.
Read the full 2025 Impact Review: Visit The Oxford Trust website
