Dear Students and Parents,

At Hinksey Labs, we believe that high school is not just a time for learning—it’s a time for dreaming big and taking the first steps toward making those dreams a reality. That’s why we’ve created a programme that bridges the gap between academic excellence and real-world impact, offering an unparalleled opportunity for ambitious young minds to dive into the world of research, business, and social impact.

My name is Simon Kotlerman, and I’m honoured to serve as the Director at Hinksey Labs. Growing up, I was driven by an insatiable curiosity and a hunger to learn. I enrolled in countless online courses and sought out every practical experience I could find. My early career saw me pursuing the rigorous path of law, where I became a certified attorney. Yet, it wasn’t until I pursued my MBA at the University of Oxford that I truly discovered the transformative power of bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. While my legal training honed my analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, it was my time at Oxford that revealed how these skills could be leveraged in innovative and impactful ways.

During my MBA, I co-founded Orzila Strategy, an initiative designed to support investment readiness for startups in emerging markets. This entrepreneurial project gave me invaluable insights into the unique challenges faced by organisations in the Global South and strengthened my understanding of how research, business, and social impact intersect. As part of this work, I also undertook a research fellowship with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Resilience Partnership, conducting a comprehensive analysis of blended finance strategies supporting organisations in 19 developing countries. These experiences were pivotal in shaping my belief in the power of using business as a force for good.

Equally influential were my years serving on the board of Secure Future, an NGO dedicated to preventing violence among young people. Leading initiatives to promote safe and inclusive environments for youth was incredibly rewarding and gave me firsthand insights into the challenges and potential of young minds. This experience solidified my belief in the importance of empowering the next generation early on, providing them with the tools to harness their passion for positive change.

In addition to these roles, I bring years of experience in consulting and start-ups, where I worked on a wide range of projects—building partnerships, advising on strategy, and helping teams bring innovative ideas to market. It was during these diverse experiences that I saw the transformative potential of equipping young people with the skills to think critically, work collaboratively, and tackle global challenges with confidence.

These experiences inspired the creation of Hinksey Labs—a practical educational organisation named after the renowned Hinksey Stream in Oxford. It is designed to give high school students the opportunities I wish I’d had at their age: learning from top academics and industry practitioners in the most practical, hands-on way. At Hinksey, we empower students to dive into the stream of knowledge, learn to navigate its currents, and channel their passion for research and interest in business to drive meaningful change.