A SPACE agency programme with the 'potential to change the world' has been launched across Oxfordshire.

The programme, supported by the UK Space Agency, will see a network of seven innovation centres in the county work to find the next generation of innovators.

Businesses can submit ideas which could solve real-world problems in sectors such as transport, urban futures, maritime dock operations, agriculture and health care sectors.

Southampton University will also provide ten fully-funded interns to support winning businesses for the initialy ten-week prototyping stage.

Head of placements and work experience at the University, Ann Cooper, said: "The opportunity to partner with Oxford Innovation on this UK Space Agency sponsored incubator presents a fantastic opportunity for all parties involved.

"We are extremely excited to help place our students with the start-up organisations and cannot wait to see the outcomes of this incredible venture which will no doubt be a fantastic opportunity for both the students and the organisations."

UK Space Agency Chief Executive, Dr Graham Turnock, said: “This programme is a great way of uncovering talent and innovation in the space sector, and will build on the opportunities provided to exciting start-ups through our business incubator network, which operates across 22 locations in the UK."

Businesses and start-up founders can express interest online at oispace.co.uk by April 30.