Professor Yu Xiong’s Global Blueprint for Turning Research into Startups
In a major endorsement of academic entrepreneurship, Professor Yu Xiong has received the University of Oxford Vice-Chancellor’s Highly Commended Award for his role in co-founding OxValue.AI , a groundbreaking spin-out that transforms how early-stage technologies are evaluated and commercialized.
This prestigious recognition highlights Xiong’s growing global profile as a leader at the intersection of academia, technology, and venture creation. OxValue.AI —a joint initiative with the University of Oxford—uses advanced AI models to assess the commercial potential of emerging technologies, bridging a critical gap between research and investment.
“Being recognized by Oxford is an incredible honor,” said Professor Xiong. “It’s a reflection not only of OxValue’s innovation but of a broader shift: universities around the world are increasingly embracing commercialization as a core part of their mission.”
A Global Pioneer in Turning Ideas into Impact
Professor Yu Xiong has spent over two decades building a career that spans research, entrepreneurship, and public policy. He currently serves as the Founding Director of two influential research centers at the University of Surrey: the Centre for Innovation and Commercialization and the Academy for Blockchain and Metaverse Applications.
These institutions reflect his lifelong mission—to turn cutting-edge academic research into scalable real-world solutions, and to build the ecosystems that make innovation commercially viable.
Recognized Authority in Tech Policy and Sustainability
In the UK, Professor Xiong plays a prominent advisory role in government technology policy. He was chair of the Advisory Board on the Metaverse and Web 3.0 for the UK Parliament, and is a advisory board member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Artificial Intelligence, helping shape the national strategy for next-generation technologies.
He is also an internationally cited researcher. His paper on the environmental impact of Bitcoin mining in China, published in Nature Communications, gained global attention and holds the highest Altmetric score in its field. His academic output spans blockchain, AI, supply chains, and sustainability, with more than 18 papers in top-tier journals.
From Startup Builder to Strategic Advisor
In addition to OxValue, Professor Xiong has co-founded several high-profile ventures, such as:
KEATH.AI , a generative AI firm recognized by Times Higher Education and The PIE News
Endless Protocol, a web 3.0 platform that are integrating AI creations.
These ventures reflect his deep understanding of how to scale innovation from research labs into global markets.
Driving Sustainability with Real-World Impact
Professor Xiong’s work in sustainability has earned global recognition. He’s contributed to the £50M Low Carbon Innovation Fund, worked with UNESCO on the UN SDGs, and led the London Fashion Fund, supporting sustainable startups backed by the Mayor of London. His contributions were featured by the BBC at COP26, and again at COP28, in collaboration with Therme Group and COP29 organizers.
An Internationally Recognized Leader
Professor Xiong’s global leadership is widely acknowledged. He’s received honors including:
• The Global Gandhi Award by the UK Parliament
• The May 4th Medal by Chongqing Youth Federation
• Named a London Olympic Torchbearer in 2012
• Former Fellow of the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
• Current Senior Research Associate at the University of Oxford’s Technology and Management Centre for Development
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Global Commercialization Leadership
Professor Yu Xiong's recognition by the University of Oxford is not just a personal milestone—it underscores his broader influence as a global leader in research commercialization. Whether building companies, guiding government policy, or shaping the future of sustainable innovation, Xiong continues to redefine what’s possible at the intersection of academic excellence and entrepreneurial execution.