Past event highlights - 2026
Cardiovascular Innovation Awards kick-off event 2026
Cardiovascular Innovation Awards kick-off event inspires researchers to explore translation and commercialisation pathways
The BHF Oxford Centre of Research Excellence (BHF Oxford CRE) launched the Cardiovascular Innovation Awards (CIA) with an energising kick off event at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford on Friday 6th February. Bringing together researchers, investors, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs the event explored how academic discoveries can be transformed into real world patient impact. The event highlighted the growing opportunities around translating and commercialising research, emphasising that entrepreneurial approaches can complement academic careers while accelerating innovations that directly benefit patients.
Showcasing real translational journeys
The programme featured fantastic speakers who were at different stages of their translation journey: from inspiring new innovators – Sophie Payne (Inflammara Therapeutics), Adam Winnifrith & Weronika Slesak (PhD students) – to experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders Alison Noble (Intelligent Ultrasound) and Mina Bekheet (Panacea).
There were many highlights during the day, including an inspiring talk from Constantin Coussios who shared the remarkable story behind OrganOx — a University of Oxford spinout that has transformed liver and kidney preservation prior to transplantation worldwide through the development of a novel normothermic perfusion device.
An in depth interview with Molly Stevens, led by Thomas Hellmann, offered an insightful look at her innovative research career and her experiences navigating the translation pathway as co-founder to SPARTA Biodiscovery and Signatur Biosciences. Their discussion underscored how curiosity, persistence, and strategic partnerships shaped Molly’s success in bringing new innovations to her field. Understanding the entrepreneurial mindset can help shape ways of thinking and decision-making when undertaking research destined for the clinic.
Identifying commercial potential in research
Speakers throughout the event emphasised that commercialisation is a legitimate route for turning research into real-world solutions. Many highlighted (Mo Elzek [Longevity Hacks]) that commercial models can provide flexible funding streams allowing researchers to determine how much ownership, time, and involvement they want in the process. A consistent message was the importance of seeking translation support early—rather than waiting until a project feels “fully formed”. Early engagement can help shape both the scientific direction and the ultimate route to impact while gaining the support and expertise needed along the way.
Start with clinical need, then build on the innovation
Across multiple sessions, another take-home message stood out: successful translation starts with a clearly defined clinical problem. By understanding patient need at the outset, researchers can design not only better science but also stronger business cases and more targeted commercial strategies. Attendees also heard that building relationships with industry and clinical stakeholders (Kay Penicud [Apollo Therapeutics]) early can help align research goals with real-world demands and accelerate progress along the innovation pathway.
BHF Oxford CRE’s co-Director and serial entrepreneur, Angela Russell, explained that the objective of the event was to “clarify the innovation and commercialisation process and reassure our cardiovascular researchers that robust support exists within Oxford, starting with our Cardiovascular Innovation Awards and subsequently through additional translation funds, collaborators including Oxford Science Enterprises, and the British Heart Foundation. We are building on Oxford’s strong innovation ecosystem - from translational funding to business mentorship—available to help promising ideas move toward clinical adoption. The University of Oxford through the Business Partnerships Office, Translational Research Office [Deepak Kumar and colleagues], Oxford University Innovation and the Business School provides an exceptional support system for our new and aspiring entrepreneurs”.
An interactive fireside panel (Sophie Payne; Stephanie Lesage [OSPT Ltd); Ben Lacey [UK Biobank], Constantin Coussios) led by Paul Leeson explored what leadership and business skills researchers bring to innovation—and what complementary skills they may need to acquire. Panellists discussed the importance of understanding their own expertise, knowing when to involve others, and building multidisciplinary teams capable of navigating scientific, commercial, and regulatory hurdles.
The translational pathway
The day concluded with a forward looking panel (Dan Swerlow [GSK], Adam Babbs [MRC], Adam Workman [OUI], Natasa Levicar [BHF] and Sanne De Jongh [OSE]) chaired by Liz Covey Crump (Business Partnerships Office), focused on helping researchers identify the next steps in securing funding and support. Discussion centred on the diverse pathways available—whether through translational grants, business mentorship, or partnerships with industry.
Event co-convenor Blanca Rodriguez said: "It was energising to learn about the journeys of the entrepreneurs who highlighted multi-disciplinarity in innovation. We hope our cardiovascular researchers take up the expert support and mentoring offered as part of our new CIA scheme."
By the end of the event, attendees left with a clearer understanding of how translational research fits into an academic career, what skills and partnerships can accelerate success, and how Oxford and the BHF Oxford CRE can support their journey through the Cardiovascular Innovation Awards.
For more information about the Cardiovascular Innovation Awards please contact: tracey.marr@cardiov.ox.ac.uk.