TISICS secures fast-tracked support after winning Venturefest South innovator pitch at Farnborough International Airshow
Stephen Kyle-Henney, Founder of TISICS, has secured a fast-tracked innovator support package after impressing an expert judging panel at the Venturefest South innovator pitch at Farnborough International Airshow on Friday 24th July.
The event brought together six ambitious businesses from across the innovation ecosystem, giving each founder the opportunity to present their ideas, demonstrate their potential, and connect with experienced business leaders, investors, and industry experts.
The businesses taking part were:
- Stephen Kyle-Henney, TISICS
- Pete Walker, Celeron Automotive
- Atanas Burmov, Airlytics
- Maximilian Aylward, Crafter Explorer Technology
- Dr Szymon Dworski, Eos Space Technology
- Kate Bell, Noeva
Following a series of compelling pitches, Stephen was selected as the winner by a judging panel comprising:
- Adam Morton, Head of Technology, Sustainability and Strategy at the Aerospace Technology Institute
- Robbie Bourke, Founder at Zymbly
- Eva Strang, Chief of Staff at Xelerated Fifty
- Luke Hampson, Ecosystem Manager at Barclays Eagle Labs
- Avantika Gupta, Type One Ventures
As the winning business, TISICS will receive a fast-tracked innovator support package, an Innovator Showcase spot at the Venturefest South Festival of Innovation on November 18th at the Utilita Bowl, Southampton, and early entry into the Venturefest South Awards.
While one business secured the main prize, the event created valuable opportunities for every founder who took part. Each business gained experience presenting its proposition to an expert audience, received exposure among investors and innovation leaders, and made new connections that could support future growth, collaboration, and investment.
The judges were impressed by the quality and range of ideas presented, reflecting the strength of the entrepreneurial talent developing across the Central South and beyond.
Judge Eva Strang, Chief of Staff at XeleratedFifty, said: “The standard of pitches at Venturefest South was genuinely impressive. What stood out most was how many of these innovators are coming in from adjacent sectors and applying that thinking to aerospace and defence – that’s exactly the kind of cross-pollination we need to see more of, given the pace at which the world is iterating.
“Stephen from TISICS stood out for the clarity of his thinking and the strength of the problem they are solving; cutting aircraft and spacecraft weight by up to 70% with next-generation metal composites – without sacrificing strength. It was a well-deserved win.
“Events like this matter because they create a rare space where innovators can get real feedback and real access – not just to experts, but to the investors who can help them scale. Farnborough is exactly the kind of environment where those connections turn into something tangible.”
Ed Gould, Chair at Venturefest South, added: “Open Mic is about much more than selecting one winner. It gives businesses a platform to share their ideas, test their messaging and build relationships with people who can help them move forward.
All six businesses presented exciting propositions, and we look forward to following their progress. Congratulations to TISICS, which will now have an even bigger opportunity to showcase its innovation at the Venturefest South Festival of Innovation.”
The Venturefest South Festival of Innovation brings together entrepreneurs, startups, investors, business leaders and innovators to celebrate the region’s achievements, create valuable connections and support business growth.
The best way to stay in the loop on all things Venturefest South, and to get a discount on your 10th Anniversary Festival of Innovation ticket, is to join the VFS Community.
