Inspiration and mentoring opportunities on offer at Wolfson Innovation Network workshop

Starting the year with a bang, the Wolfson Innovation Network, or ‘WIN', brought together aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned mentors at a workshop at Wolfson College on Monday 24 November. The aim of the workshop was to provide inspiration and information in the lead up to the WIN Pitch Event on 28 April, 2015.

WIN is an initiative which helps people turn their social entrepreneurial ideas into opportunities that benefit others whilst being profitable. Launched in early 2014, WIN is open to all Wolfson students, fellows, alumni and members of the Common Room and now also welcomes members of Hertford and Pembroke Colleges at Oxford.

Professor Pat Nuttall, founder of Wolfson Innovate (the WIN concept) and Professor Marc Ventresca, the co-chair, announced the upcoming Pitch Event. Professor Nuttall invited a series of distinguished speakers to present, including Andrew Mackintosh, founding CEO of the Royal Society Enterprise Fund and an advisor to early-stage companies, who offered invaluable advice for those planning on launching a new product or idea.

Philipp Lohan, a marketing consultant and Client Business partner with Coca-Cola Europe at Nielsen, provided an entertaining look at what makes a successful marketing strategy. Asking “So what can we learn from beer?”, Philipp explored the versatile marketing campaign employed by Foster's, leading to breakthrough sales.

Sourcing support is a vital consideration for entrepreneurs and Stuart Wilkinson, Head of the Knowledge Exchange and Impact Team, Research Services at the University of Oxford, provided some valuable insights and advice about the avenues for assistance in Oxford. Unfortunately Tom Black was not able to participate at the last minute, but has added his support to WIN in his capacity as a successful entrepreneur.

Last year there was a tremendous response to the first ever Wolfson Innovate Pitch Event and there are high hopes again for 2015. Participants will present to a panel of experienced judges, and enter into the chance to win up to £5,000. The competition will open online early in the New Year, and interested parties are encouraged to start planning over the Christmas period.

The presentations were followed by a drinks reception in the Haldane Room and an informal discussion between mentors and students. Attendees reported that the evening provided a rare opportunity to field ideas and to learn from experienced business developers.

For more information, visit Wolfson Innovate.