Entrepreneurs in the innovation space—whether they are launching a deep-tech startup, commercialising cutting-edge research, or spinning out from a university—face additional challenges that often go unrecognised. While the excitement of breakthroughs and new technologies drives them forward, the reality of turning an idea into a sustainable and scalable business is far more complex.
Unlike traditional startups, those working in innovation, science, and technology often require specialist guidance. They can face an unexpected challenge—not knowing what support they have access to that’s relevant to their needs. In a region like Cambridge and within the Golden Triangle, where scientific and tech innovation thrives, networking in a meaningful way can be surprisingly difficult too.
Unique and Complex Challenges
Every startup faces hurdles, and for science and innovation-led businesses the challenges may require an extra layer of expertise to support their journey from R&D to commercialisation. Potential barriers including intellectual property concerns, multiple complex funding landscapes, and long development timelines, can need more than just general business advice.
This means trying to bridge the gap between their technical knowledge and commercial strategy on their own —often leading to wasted time, avoidable mistakes, and missed opportunities. Without specialist support, entrepreneurs risk spending years developing a technology that never reaches the market, simply because they didn’t have the right commercial roadmap from the outset.
Specialist Support
A surprising and often frustrating reality for many entrepreneurs is that they are unaware of the resources available to them, or believe that their immediate support network is all they have.
Early-stage businesses shouldn’t assume they must struggle through alone or piece together guidance from various sources which may not fit. For example, they may be unaware that by simply taking space in an innovation hub, they could gain access to an extensive support network of experienced business leaders, mentors, and advisors. This isn’t just about having access to a workspace—it’s about effectively plugging into an ecosystem of experts who have experience in securing funding, navigating complex tech commercialisation, and avoiding the common pitfalls of scaling an innovation-led business to its success. It’s about giving the person running the business the support they need to take their idea to market and allowing them to focus on their strengths.
The Value of Being Connected
The specific nature of innovation, science and tech businesses means that finding the right people—whether for investment, partnerships, or collaboration—requires a more structured approach to accessing the right networks and investor groups. Solving these challenges requires awareness and access, but the good news is that these challenges aren’t insurmountable.
For the entrepreneur, progress isn’t always about having the best innovation or technology—it’s also about being in the right place, surrounded by the right people, and leveraging the right resources at the right time to reach the next step.
Move Ahead with Clarity and Confidence
No entrepreneur has to navigate their journey alone as even the most complex challenge—whether that's securing funding, refining a business model, or breaking into the right networks—becomes more manageable with the right support.
Centres like The EpiCentre, managed by Oxford Innovation Space, are designed to provide more than just workspace; they offer access to an entire ecosystem of knowledge, experience, and opportunity. At the heart of this support is a team of experienced Innovation Directors and Business Growth Managers whose mission is to help businesses innovate, evolve, and scale. Their work includes:
- Delivering high-calibre one-to-one business support, coaching, and mentoring.
- Connecting businesses with local networks and development opportunities.
- Creating a thriving, collaborative community through events and shared expertise.
By engaging with this ecosystem, founders gain not only practical solutions and expert guidance but also a sense of belonging within a network of other innovators. As businesses grow, their needs shift—sometimes requiring structured advice, other times just needing a sounding board for ideas.
Support From the Experts
As Neil Griffin, Business Support Director for Oxford Innovation Space, puts it:
“An Innovation Director will embrace the mindset of impact players, stepping up to tackle challenges with dedication and purpose, then stepping back to allow businesses to take ownership of their journey. Guided by a philosophy of ask and adjust, they remain agile and responsive, tailoring the approach to meet the unique needs of each person.
With no agenda beyond a genuine desire to help, they serve as a critical friend, offering candid insights, honest feedback, and unwavering support. Their commitment is to do the job that is needed at the time, ensuring their guidance is practical, timely, and focused on driving meaningful progress.”
For entrepreneurs willing to step into this space, the possibilities are vast. By accessing expert guidance, leveraging business networks, and immersing themselves in a thriving innovation community, founders gain more than just advice—they gain momentum, clarity, and the confidence to take their ideas further than they ever thought possible.
