OHT Oxford: Innovation and inclusion: How to attract investment while prioritising accessibility?

For pre-investment founders and early-stage start-ups, there’s a constant pressure to move fast and build big. But how do these forces interact with accessibility, in particular, where real inclusion might compel the opposite: to stay local, think more deeply, and go slower?

Join Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE) and One HealthTech (OHT) Oxford for a unique panel discussion and interactive activity as we unpick the tensions, challenges, and opportunities that exist on the borders of innovation and inclusion.

We’ll hear from real people who have built HealthTech innovations based on this intersection, insights from investors on how to make mission-driven businesses impactful, alongside those investing in life sciences companies at the outset on how to balance scalability and accessibility.

Whether you’re a founder (or aspiring one), a clinician, or someone interested in the future of health equity, come along for a drink, networking (but fun), and some hot takes.

Who you’ll hear from:

- Lauren Laing, Senior Associate, HealthTech at OSE

- Emily Matthews, Responsible Investment & ESG Manager at OSE

- Plus, an extra special guest announced soon (come on, we’ve got to leave some suspense and excitement 😉)

- Brandy Coote, Co-Lead of OHT Oxford (Panel Chair)

Here’s how the evening’s shaping up:

6:00–6:15pm - Come in, grab a drink and some excellent snacks, get comfy

6:15–6:20pm - Welcome from OHT Oxford Co-Lead Brandy & OSE Operating Partner Katherine Ward

6:20–7:00pm - Panel with hot takes, interjections, challenges and questions *not* statements. On the panel: Lauren Laing, Senior Associate, HealthTech at OSE, Emily Matthews, Responsible Investment & ESG Manager at OSE, plus, an extra special guest announced soon, and Brandy Coote, Co-Lead of OHT Oxford (Panel Chair)

7:00–7:30pm - Interactive activity with audience

7:30– 8:00pm - Stick around for informal networking, canapés and good chats

8:00pm - Officially done – go home, kids!

About the organisers

Oxford Science Enterprises (OSE) transforms Oxford’s world-leading science into world-changing, billion-pound companies. With a strategic relationship with the University of Oxford, it has scaled 50+ breakout companies, with a strong pipeline of spinouts emerging.

One HealthTech (OHT) is a grassroots, volunteer-led, global community that exists to support and promote better equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in the health innovation sector. Their Oxford hub began in 2025 and has hosted panel discussions and socials, bringing together like-minded individuals in Oxford who are interested in and working at the intersections of health, technology, and equity.