It’s the BIG one: what’s on at Venturefest South 2026
Venturefest South turns 10 this year, and the Festival of Innovation on 18 November is shaping up to be the biggest one yet. Gadget Show favourite Jason Bradbury is hosting, the Main Stage line-up is stacked with five Innovation Talks sessions plus a founder panel, and the best innovators from across the South’s key sectors will be under one roof at the Utilita Bowl for the day.
Here’s what’s happening, and why it’s worth being in the room for it.
Jason Bradbury takes the mic
Best known for hosting Channel 5’s The Gadget Show, Jason Bradbury is fronting the 10th anniversary Festival. Expect energy, sharp questions and a host who knows how to make tech and innovation genuinely entertaining to watch.
Main Stage: the day at a glance
10:15–11:00 | Innovation Talks 1: Show Me the Money
Funding opportunities, expert advice and practical support to help your business start, scale and grow. From finance and grants to procurement and investment, hear from the organisations helping innovators turn ambition into action.
Powered by Barclays Eagle Labs
11:15–12:00 | Innovation Talks 2: The Business of Creativity
How creativity fuels innovation, business growth and competitive advantage. Industry experts share insights into the power of creative thinking and collaboration across sectors.
Powered by Southern Creative Catalyst and University of Bournemouth
12:15–12:45 | Founder Panel
Founders share honest insights into building and growing successful businesses. Practical lessons, personal experience and advice for entrepreneurs at every stage of the journey.
Powered by Blake Morgan and Openshaw Co
13:00–13:45 | Innovation Talks 3: Mission Critical
How innovation is shaping the future of defence, space and security. Emerging opportunities, collaboration and the technologies driving resilience across these fast-moving sectors.
Powered by Innovate UK, Barclays Eagle Labs and BattleLab
14:00–14:45 | Innovation Talks 4: Innovating for Tomorrow
The innovations helping businesses tackle environmental challenges and build a more sustainable future, from experts driving change through climate-focused technology and solutions.
Powered by Barclays Eagle Labs and TechSolent
15:00–15:45 | Innovation Talks 5: Intelligent Innovation
How artificial intelligence is transforming the way businesses innovate, operate and grow, with practical insight into emerging trends, real-world applications and the opportunities AI presents for organisations of all sizes.
Powered by Futurescape
More than talks
Alongside the programme, there’s incredible support, funding and growth opportunities to tap into throughout the day, and Open Mic is back, giving founders and innovators the chance to pitch and get themselves heard. Add a genuinely great venue in the Utilita Bowl, and it’s a day built for making real connections, not just watching from the sidelines.
Something for businesses of every size
This isn’t just a founder and startup event. Big corporates get real value too, from supply chain connections to new partnerships and a direct line into the region’s innovation pipeline. Whatever size your business is, there’s a reason to be there, and there’s plenty more still to be announced.
Meet the partners and sponsors
The Festival is powered by a brilliant network of partners and sponsors. Take a look at who’s involved: venturefestsouth.co.uk/partners-and-sponsors
Get your ticket
Tickets are £50, with 20% off for group bookings of eight or more. Places are capped at 1,000, and last year’s event sold out with a record 818 delegates through the door, so don’t wait.
