Senior Programme ManagerUniversity of Oxford
Maria Nikolou is an entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial leader. She currently designs, develops and delivers curriculum courses and extra-curriculum programmes in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, at Saïd Business School and the Engineering department at Oxford University. These include undergraduates and post graduate students in business and science. Maria lectures, tutors and supervises undergraduates and graduates on their projects.
In 2012, she led the establishment of the Oxford Seed Fund. Maria now manages and oversees the running of the Seed Fund, which is aimed at early stage ventures founded by Oxford University students and alumni. A board member at Venturefest, a regional event focused on SMEs, she contributes to the strategic vision and mission of the event.
A scientist by training with a cross over to business, Maria is interested in supporting global innovative solutions for both commercial and social challenges. Maria holds an MBA (London, UK) and a PhD in Physics (US). She has worked as a Post-Doctoral Associate at Cornell University, NY and has international experience working in both academia and industry.