Ayokunmi (AJ) Ajetunmobi from BioCity, a serial entrepreneur, delivered inspirational presentations on the lean start-up model, the business model canvas and how to identify your value proposition. The interactive workshops helped attendees to define their minimal viable product, resolve customer issues, benefit the market and make their business ideas attractive to investors. Ayokunmi provided some excellent examples of how businesses have pivoted their strategies to meet customers’ needs including Tesla, BioCity alumni and his own ventures.
Mohamed Bhatti who attended the workshop commented, 'The additional bespoke support via the individuals and support team was not just useful but thought-provoking. It also allowed me to realize where I am, and what I can do to move forward first step canvas.'
Health.ai Ventures added ‘Thank you for a great programme - really helpful!’
Matthew Lawrence from Oxford AHSN provided key information on how businesses can access academic and clinical experts through the AHSN channels and receive guidance to test their value chain hypotheses. Matthew commented: ‘It is important to test your value chain hypothesis early and check your assumptions with real-world clinicians and industry experts. The AHSN has proven networks to assist you in finding appropriate contacts and network partners. Our teams provide health economics, market access, real-world evaluation, innovation, and adoption and can point you in the right direction for getting necessary regulatory and commercial approvals.’
Elodie Siney, Marketing and Events Manager at the BioEscalator were also on hand to provide insights into the start-up journeys of our BioEscalator companies, including her own experience as a bioentrepreneur. She said, ‘We know from our BioEscalator CEOs that it’s really important for entrepreneurs to gain as much advice as possible and to mix with other entrepreneurs who are coming up against the same issues. These workshops have been great in helping start-ups to define their value propositions.’
Ayokunmi commented: ‘The attendees had some great business ideas and were really engaged; I feel we sent them away with lots to think about.’
BioCity is the UK's largest science incubator with hubs in Nottingham, Manchester and Glasgow. Oxford’s AHSN provides support and advice for health care innovation through extensive connections with the NHS, industry and universities. The BioEscalator is a biotech incubator in the heart of Oxfords world-leading medical research district, providing lab space and entrepreneurial support to high growth start-ups.
The Oxford AHSN Accelerator programme, delivered by BioCity, is currently recruiting for this year’s cohort. For more information visit https://www.oxfordahsn.org/our-work/strategic-and-industry-partnerships/oxford-ahsn-accelerator-programme/