Access to Finance Conference 2026
The place where world-changing innovation and capital come together
Discover groundbreaking opportunities at Oxford North, Oxford’s newest and best-connected innovation district. Connect with leading minds in science and finance to drive sustainable growth.
For over six years, the Access to Finance Conference has been a cornerstone event in the climate, advanced manufacturing, energy and space sectors. Held at the state-of-the-art Oxford North innovation district, this conference bridges the gap between pioneering startups and influential investors.
Join Oxfordshire Greentech, the business network building a world-leading climate tech ecosystem, to explore funding pathways and network with industry leaders dedicated to solving global challenges.
Looking for investment?
Pitch your solution, get feedback and increase your visibility with investors.
Investor or Founder looking for high-quality connections?
Benefit from our bespoke matchmaking service with high-quality 1-2-1 meetings.
About the venue
Oxford North is a new innovation district purposefully designed to enable the next century of life-changing discoveries in science and technology.
The masterplan will deliver a million sq ft of new labs and workspace, surrounded by public parks and amenities.
Oxford North has been designed by a world-leading team of masterplanners, architects, and specialist consultants, ensuring it connects and enhances the local area with open spaces, public art, events and culture.
The site is the perfect place for our conference, showcasing world-leading innovations.
Agenda
Morning
12th March 2026
Arrivals, Networking and Light Refreshments
9:30AM-10AM
Connect with leading experts on the future landscape of climate technology, investors, corporates, founders and more.
Welcome from Oxford North and Oxfordshire Greentech
10AM - 10:20AM
Hear from Oxford’s newest and most environmentally sustainable innovation district, as well as the leading business network at the heart of the region’s climate tech ecosystem.
Keynote Speech
10:20AM - 10:40AM
Details to be released shortly.
Panel and Q&A: “The first £5m: the climate tech founder’s blueprint for capital stacking”
10:40AM - 11:20AM
In this session, panellists offer practical, specific advice on securing that crucial first £1M-£5M by blending early-stage capital (Grants, Angel, Seed VC) while managing the dual expectations of impact and return.
Pitching Session
11:20AM - 11:45AM
Watch dynamic startups present their groundbreaking ideas to a panel of investors.
Break and Networking
11:45AM - 12:15PM
Connect with leading experts on the future landscape of climate technology, investors, corporates, founders and more.
Afternoon
Pitching Session
12:15PM - 1:10PM
Watch dynamic startups present their groundbreaking ideas to a panel of investors.
Lunch Break
1:10PM - 2PM
Connect with leading experts on the future landscape of climate technology, investors, corporates, founders and more.
Panel and Q&A: "From pilot to project finance: how major banks & corporates deploy capital beyond equity"
2PM - 3PM
This session shows innovators the path to large-scale funding (Project Finance, Venture Debt) and corporate partnerships, demonstrating that there is massive capital waiting at TRL 7+.
Endnote
3PM - 3:10PM
Interactive Sessions
Networking and Light Refreshments
3:10PM - 4:10PM
Speed Dating: 1-2-1 meetings between investors and founders
3:10PM - 4:10PM
Please note: you must sign up to participate in the speed dating sessions.
End
4:15PM
Be visible at access to finance 2026
Want to exhibit at our conference?
Meet Our Speakers
Vinous Ali
Deputy Director at Startup Coalition
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Simon Ruck
MD of Oxford North
Flowra Zhang
Climate and Investment Associate at Elbow Beach Capital
Alex Leigh
Managing Director at Future Planet Capital
Nicola McConville
Partner at Mishcon de Reya
Susannah McClintock
Investment Partner at Clean Growth Fund
Thomas Panton
Founding Associate at Endgame Capital VC
Dr Susanne Coles
Deputy Director of Innovation Finance Ecosystem at Innovate UK
Gyen Ming Angel
MD at Prosemino
Hannah Scott
CEO at Oxfordshire Greentech
David Ferguson
Head of Innovation at EDF UK
Ramona Dienel
Finance Director, BMW UK
Matt Jolley
Director, ClimateTech & Sustainability at HSBC Innovation Banking
Carolyn Hicks
Co-Founder and COO at Brill Power
Interested in becoming a member of Oxfordshire Greentech?
Members get free access to this conference, plus better connections, more visibility and investment.
What Past Attendees Say
“What an incredible day at the Access to Finance Conference! Today’s event brought together investors, founders, and experts to help innovators navigate the complexities of early-stage funding. Hats off to Oxfordshire Greentech for putting together such a great event!”
Alex Leigh, Managing Director at Future Planet Capital
“Thank you for the invite to pitch. We made some great contacts and feel it was a great event, well put together.”
Adam Samuel, Co-Founder of CapChar
“Access to Finance was a huge success! The depth and breadth of innovators, investors, startups and speakers was absolutely incredible to experience.”
Ricky D'Costa, Senior Business Strategy Consultant at Satellite Applications Catapult
Pitching and 1-2-1 Meetings
If you’re a founder or investor, please fill out the below form for:
- The chance to pitch on our main stage to our audience and a panel.
- The chance to benefit from 1-2-1 speed dating meetings between investors and founders.
There are 5 pitching slots available for those seeking Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A funding.
Each 1-2-1 meeting will be 10 minutes and investors will select founders they’d like to speak to based on founder form responses and the Oxfordshire Greentech team’s matchmaking service.
Thanks to our Event Partners
Join us at the Access to Finance Conference
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with leading innovators and investors in the climate tech sector.
Secure your spot at the forefront of sustainable innovation.