A regional partnership, Equinox, launched at Rhodes House on Monday. Equinox stands for Equitable Innovation Oxford and includes the University of Oxford, the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), and Oxfordshire County Council. Vice-Chancellor Irene Tracey, Anneliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East, and Chair of Oxford Growth Commission Neale Coleman were among the speakers at the launch.
Speaking at the launch, Lord Patrick Vallance, Minister for Science, Research, and Innovation, described Oxfordshire’s innovation ecosystem’s success as “vital for [the UK’s] national missions of growth”.
One of the flagship measures of the new initiative is to dynamise the local economy, particularly through the development of local transport infrastructure. Keynote speakers emphasised the reopening of the Cowley branch line, the construction of the East-West rail line to Cambridge via Milton Keynes, as well as the synchronisation of bus schedules and train arrivals to avoid long wait times at the station.
Neale Coleman OBE, Chair of the Oxford Growth Commission, also highlighted the need to transform the Oxford railway station, including plans to “build two new platforms” and “two new station buildings”. He added that there was a “need to transform the entrance to the city”, describing it as “not worthy of Oxford”, particularly given the popularity of its touristic activity.
A recurring theme underscored by the various speakers was the “equitable” aspect of the Equinox initiative, each eager to ensure the interests of all actors and communities were represented. A senior official speaking to Cherwell said they took particular attention to “think about who wasn’t at the table”.
The Oxford Cambridge Arc, initially announced in February 2025, was described as playing a key role in the Equinox initiative. The Vice-Chancellor particularly stressed the creation of a “super-cluster” of competitiveness in the two university towns, that others would struggle to rival with.
The Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) is an Oxford-based commercial research institution, housing departments focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), clinical medicine, generative biology, and sustainable energy. EIT was founded by the Chief Technology Officer of Oracle Larry Ellison, who recently earned the title of the “world’s richest man”, and is reported to be a close ally of Donald Trump. EIT has recently launched a number of projects, including a £118 million investment in Oxford AI vaccine research.
The Chief Operations Officer of the EIT stated: “By connecting leading universities, businesses, and government, this partnership addresses a critical investment gap and will help groundbreaking ideas reach their full potential.”
Another initiative announced at the Equinox event was the launch of the NatWest Accelerator for early-stage ventures. This aims to encourage entrepreneurship in the region, particularly among those graduating from Oxford University, and to provide “tailored growth support with specialist banking expertise to help start-ups”, in order to access funding and scale their businesses.
Tracey said: “Oxford University has always been a place where great and ground-breaking ideas begin – but our responsibility is to ensure they can develop, thrive and have impact here in our region. Equinox brings together the extraordinary talent, research and entrepreneurial drive of Oxfordshire to create a more connected, equitable innovation ecosystem where everyone benefits.
“By working in true partnership – across universities, business, government and communities – we can turn discovery into opportunity, and opportunity into shared prosperity. This is the power of Oxford’s innovation: generous service to society.”
, and Oxfordshire County Council. Vice-Chancellor Irene Tracey, Anneliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East, and Chair of Oxford Growth Commission Neale Coleman were among the speakers at the launch. ){kind=link}