Venturefest South’s Festival of Innovation showcases the region as a powerhouse for business growth and investment opportunities

Venturefest South’s annual Festival of Innovation showcased and celebrated the South’s position as a powerhouse for business growth, innovation, and investment – with this year’s event marking the most successful festival in its nine-year history with a record 1,386 ticket registrations. 

The flagship event, held on 12 November at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton, attracted entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and business leaders from across the region. With over 60 start-up and scale-up businesses showcasing breakthrough ideas and products, alongside a full agenda of keynote talks, panel discussions, hands-on exhibits, and open-mic pitching sessions, this year’s event delivered a powerful platform for collaboration, investment, and commercial acceleration. 

In fact, the show was opened by the winners of the 2024 Open Mic Award – a company called OneHive and a pair of innovators that embody the spirit of Venturefest South. In 2022, and at just 17 years old, Ben O’Nion and Charlie Gray made history as the youngest-ever winners of the Open Mic Pitch competition — a breakout moment that put the duo firmly on the regional innovation map and on the road to achieving £2 million in funding. 

This year’s Festival of Innovation featured sector-focused zones highlighting the region’s most important innovation clusters, including: 

• Marine & Maritime / Blue Economy – led by the National Oceanography Centre 

• Creative Industries & Gaming – led by Southern Creative Catalyst 

• Biofilms & Life Sciences – powered by the National Biofilms Innovation Centre 

• Defence, Security & Space – in partnership with Hampshire Prosperity Partnership and Innovate UK Business Connect 

• Sustainability & Stand-Out Innovators – led by Carswell Gould 

The agenda was packed with standing-room-only sessions, including Navigating the Blue Economy, The Science of Tomorrow, and Building a Resilient World Through Technology & Innovation, providing unique insight into future opportunities and emerging market trends. 

The new Investment Hub was highly popular, giving start-ups direct access to organisations such as the British Business Bank, Innovate UK Business Connect and the FSE Group, offering guidance on funding, grants, and growth support. Several businesses secured follow-up investor meetings on the day. 

The highly coveted VFS Awards took place and recognised emerging and exceptional talent in the following categories: 

• Innovator of the year – NexGen Carbon Zero 

• Early-stage innovator award – Brainalyze 

• Sustainability leader award – MyPrintPod 

• Overall Open Mic winner – Esme Brinsden, Phage Collective 

 

Ed Gould, Chair of Venturefest South, said: 

“This year’s Festival of Innovation has shown – loudly and proudly – that the South is one of the most exciting and collaborative innovation regions in the UK. We saw extraordinary ideas, powerful pitches, and conversations that will turn into partnerships, investment, and future success. 

“Businesses left the event not just inspired, but connected – with investors, mentors, and supporters who can help them scale. The energy in the room was incredible; it proves that innovation in the South is thriving, and Venturefest South is right at the centre of that growth.” 

Feedback from participating businesses shows that the #VFS25 Festival of Innovation created real commercial outcomes – from new leads and investment introductions to collaborative R&D opportunities. Many exhibitors reported significant interest from investors and potential clients. 

Stephanie Richardson from Blake Morgan said, “It’s been a fantastic day of turning ideas into business and seeing the potential around us.” 

George Scott-Welsh from Incuhive said, “Once again Venturefest South did not disappoint. If you haven’t been before this really is one for your diaries next year as it’s amazing for innovators, entrepreneurs and business owners.” 

Venturefest South is set to return in 2026 to celebrate its 10th year with an expanded programme of activity and support for innovation across the region, including pitch and showcase opportunities, sector-focused innovation events, and access to the partner support network throughout the year. 

The not-for-profit Venturefest South programme is delivered thanks to the continued support of its partners. Businesses and business leaders that are interested in joining the network and contributing to #VFS26 are encouraged to get in touch – engage@venturefestsouth.co.uk