Deep tech, the application of disruptive technology to solving fundamental problems in science and engineering, is attracting growing attention. Because deep tech concepts usually require lengthy R&D cycles, many have emerged from universities, especially those with a dynamic and globally-recognised supporting innovation ecosystem such as can be found in Oxfordshire.
Oxford is consistently named as one of the frontrunners1 among European universities, which have together spun out deep tech and life sciences startups with a combined value of $398 billion.
Oxford Science Enterprises names 36 Deep Tech companies in Oxfordshire, working variously to improve food security and decarbonisation; advanced materials and robotics; and next generation computing in the AI era.
One major Oxfordshire deep tech success story is Oxford Ionics, a pioneer in quantum, a field which has tremendous potential for finding deep solutions. Founded in Oxford in 2019 to develop the technology to scale the building of quantum computers, and transform the worlds of medicine and finance it was acquired by US quantum leader IonQ in a $1.075 billion agreement. The firm is set to employ 180 people in Oxfordshire after opening its global headquarters at the Oxford Technology Park in Kidlington.
Another example is Oxford Dynamics, acquired last year by BAE Systems. Specialising in AI and robotics for the defence industry, the firm develops intelligent autonomous systems that collaborate to interpret data, coordinate action, helping defence and security organisations improve mission planning and respond to threats faster. Founded in 2020, the company is based at Harwell Campus in south Oxfordshire.
Ranked number one overall in the world for the past 10 years, the University of Oxford is first in Europe for computer science, second for engineering and eighth for physical sciences, giving it the right combination of skills to meet deep tech’s ambitions for solving complex problems in fundamental areas such as climate change and healthcare. Oxford is also very highly rated in spinout value creation – second only to ETH Zurich in Europe.
Oxford Science Enterprises, which helps commercialise pioneering research and scientific discovery, is building a new company every month and has a pipeline of over 125 companies attracting major investment and making real commercial progress, according to its CEO Ed Bussey.
Around 40% of new deep tech and life sciences startups are university spinouts and Europe has seen 80% more such spinouts since 2019 than in the eight years previously. While most find their early stage backing from within Europe, as they grow, a greater percentage of funding begins to come from outside Europe, principally the US.[1]
Image provided by University of Oxford
[1] The European Spinout Report 2025. https://dealroom.co/reports/european-spinouts-report-2025