Cherwell College Oxford Students Join Global Entrepreneurs at UC Berkeley Bootcamp

A Unique Opportunity Through Global Partnership

This summer, students and faculty from Cherwell College Oxford travelled to California to take part in the world-renowned Berkeley Method of Entrepreneurship (BMoE) Bootcamp, hosted by the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology (SCET) at the University of California, Berkeley.

The bootcamp brought together aspiring innovators, entrepreneurs, and academics from around the world to experience a fast-paced, five-day programme focused on creativity, innovation, and the practical tools required to turn ideas into reality.

Thanks to Cherwell College Oxford’s global partnership agreement with SCET, our students enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in this prestigious international programme, gaining first-hand exposure to Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Developing Confidence, Creativity, and Teamwork

The intensive programme challenged students to step out of their comfort zones, collaborate with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds, and embrace entrepreneurial thinking. Sessions included practical workshops, team-based challenges, and pitching exercises designed to develop leadership and problem-solving skills.

Reflecting on the experience, Katya Kryvonos, faculty member of Cherwell College Oxford, shared:

“Over these five days, as a faculty member of Cherwell College Oxford, I’ve observed our students grow in confidence, creativity, and teamwork — developing entrepreneurial skills that will serve them for years to come.”

Her words capture the transformative nature of the bootcamp: students not only learned about entrepreneurship but lived it, experiencing the highs and lows of ideation, teamwork, and presenting under pressure.

Student Voices: Lessons from Berkeley

For the Cherwell delegates, the bootcamp was a life-changing experience.

Isa, a Cherwell student who attended, said:

“Throughout the week, I learned how to approach challenges with creativity, pitch ideas with confidence, and collaborate with students from all over the world.”

His reflection highlights the truly international nature of the programme, where students forged friendships and networks with peers spanning continents.

Zara, another student participant, added:

“It was inspiring to see so much energy in one room, and I realised that entrepreneurship isn’t just about standing on stage — it’s about collaboration, problem-solving, and learning from each other.”

Zara’s insight reflects one of the programme’s central messages: entrepreneurship is not just about individual brilliance but about teamwork, resilience, and shared innovation.

Cherwell College Oxford at the Forefront of Innovation Education

This opportunity underscores Cherwell College Oxford’s growing role as a bridge between UK education and global innovation hubs. Our collaboration with UC Berkeley’s SCET ensures that students are exposed to cutting-edge methods and international networks that complement their academic studies.

By integrating entrepreneurial experiences into the academic journey, Cherwell students are uniquely positioned to thrive not only at university but also in their future careers. Whether they pursue business, science, the arts, or technology, they will carry forward the skills and confidence gained at the bootcamp.

Looking Ahead: Oxbridge Bootcamp in Oxford

The experience at Berkeley also sets the stage for the upcoming Oxbridge Bootcamp for Innovation, Technology & Entrepreneurship, to be hosted at Keble College, Oxford in December 2025. This event will bring the spirit of Silicon Valley closer to home, offering young people from the UK, Europe, and the Gulf the chance to benefit from the same world-class teaching and collaborative energy.

At Cherwell College Oxford, we believe in opening doors to opportunities that empower young people to think big, act boldly, and shape the future. The Berkeley Bootcamp has shown what is possible when ambition meets the right environment — and we are proud that our students and faculty were part of it.