Dr. Rakesh Roshan: A Strategist of Light, Vision, and
Human Impact
Illuminating the Intersection of Science and Humanity
In the world of innovation, a few minds stand apart not
merely for their brilliance but for their ability to transform ideas into
movements that touch human lives. Dr. Rakesh Roshan, a
physicist-turned-entrepreneur and strategist at the University of Oxford,
is one such visionary. His journey — spanning cutting-edge research,
high-growth startups, and global technology partnerships — exemplifies the
power of science when fused with entrepreneurial vision and human purpose.
From Physics to Market Strategy
Armed with a PhD in Quantum Physics and a finance
qualification from the University of Oxford, Roshan bridges two worlds —
science and strategy. At Sharp Laboratories, he helped pioneer intelligent
backlight technologies and contributed to breakthroughs in solid-state
lighting, paving the way for today’s energy-efficient LED systems.
His early work using quantum dots in display
technology laid the foundation for the QDLED TVs now found in homes
worldwide. Even at the start of his career, Roshan recognized that
technological brilliance must be coupled with sound economic models to make a
meaningful real-world impact.
Architect of Oxford Innovation
Roshan’s most defining chapter unfolded at Oxford
University Innovation (formerly Isis Innovation) — the university’s
technology transfer powerhouse. For nearly a decade, he served as Deputy
Head, overseeing hundreds of licensing agreements and guiding the creation
of over 320 spinouts that collectively raised more than $400 million
in equity and debt financing.
His portfolio spanned medical devices, clean energy,
advanced engineering, and more — all unified by a single theme: transforming
academic breakthroughs into scalable enterprises. Roshan also extended
Oxford’s innovation reach globally, forging partnerships with nations such as India
and advising governments on technology-driven economic growth.
OXSIGHT – Where Vision Meets Humanity
In 2016, Roshan co-founded OXSIGHT Limited, a company
born from Oxford research that reflects his dual commitment to innovation and
human impact. OXSIGHT’s AI-powered smart glasses help restore and
enhance remaining vision for people living with sight loss, placing it at the
forefront of assistive technology worldwide.
From lab bench to global market, Roshan guided OXSIGHT
through challenges in fundraising, regulatory approvals, manufacturing, and
international distribution. The result: a company recognized by BBC features,
global awards, and acclaim as one of the world’s most innovative
vision-tech ventures.
As Roshan states, “We don’t just sell devices; we restore
dignity and independence.”
A Global Investor and Mentor
Beyond his executive role, Dr. Roshan is an active investor
and board member, nurturing high-potential technology companies across
continents. He co-founded the UK-China Enterprise Fund to foster
cross-border innovation, serves as Non-Executive Director of China Tea
Culture Limited, and formerly held the role of Executive Chairman at
ZYTCA Limited, an Oxford spinout developing low-cost, high-accuracy
point-of-care diagnostics for both human and veterinary health.
He continues to advise ventures pushing boundaries in AI
for healthcare, tissue and cell engineering for organ regeneration,
and haptic technologies for medical applications.
The Roshan Principle
Whether as a scientist, CEO, or strategist, Roshan’s guiding
philosophy is clear:
“Research is the seed, but strategy is the soil in which revolutions grow.”
For him, the true measure of technology lies not in patents
or valuations, but in its ability to uplift lives — whether it’s a student in a
lab, a start-up seeking direction, or a person regaining the gift of sight.
Looking Ahead
Today, Dr. Rakesh Roshan chairs several pioneering ventures:
