Oxford Photonics Innovation Day
17th September 2027
We are pleased to announce that the first Oxford Photonics Innovation Day will take place on Thursday, 17th September 2026, at the Simpkins Lee Room on the Beecroft Building, Physics, University of Oxford.
Attendance is free of charge, and registration is now opened. To register, please complete the registration form by 11th September 2026. Refreshments and lunch will be provided for all registered attendees.
9.30 am REGISTRATION & COFFEE (Ground Floor Beecroft Building)
SESSION 1 Chair Prof. Julian Fells
10.00 am - Introduction to Workshop by Prof. Martin Booth
10.10 am - Introduction to Intellectual Property: Rachel Grovenor, Senior Licensing and Ventures Manager, OUI
10.40 am - Developing the Skills Necessary for Commercialisation: Nav Dean, Visiting Fellow, Deep Tech Translation, MPLS, University of Oxford
11.10 am - Panel Session: Support Available for Innovation Research and Development Projects
- Anuj Bhatt, Impact and Engagement Manager, MPLS, University of Oxford
- Matthew Jones, Knowledge Transfer Manager, Innovate UK Business Connect
- Adam Workman, Head of Investments and New Ventures, OUI
12.00 pm LUNCH BREAK
SESSION 2 Chair Nav Dean
1.00 pm - The Role of University Technology Transfer Offices in the Commercialisation Journey: Tabasom Haghighi, Licensing and Ventures Manager, OUI
1.30 pm - Panel Session: Securing VC Funding: What they’re looking for and how they evaluate a company:
- Simon King, Deeptech focused Partner at Lakestar
- Snigdha Lal, Deep Tech Investor, OSE
- Wojtek Smolinski, Managing Partner, VIGO Ventures
2.15 pm COFFEE BREAK
SESSION 3 Chair Prof. Martin Booth
2.45 pm - Photonics Industry Landscape: Michael Lebby, CEO GenusTechnik Inc and Venture Partner
3.15 pm - Panel Session: The Start-up Journey
- Josh Nunn, CSO Orca Computing Ltd
- Philipp Kukura, FRS Professor of Chemistry Research | Founder and non-executive director of Refeyn Ltd
- Claire Vallance: Professor of Physical Chemistry | Co-founder and Technical Director of Mode Labs
4.00 pm - Round-up of day: Nav Dean and Prof. Martin Booth
4.15 pm NETWORKING UNTIL CLOSE