Win a Place in the Venturefest South Innovator Showcase & Awards

Venturefest South’s Festival of Innovation brings together innovators, founders, investors, corporates, universities and public sector leaders from Ocean Science, Marine & Maritime​, Life Sciences and Health​, Creative Industries & Gaming​, Defence, Security & Space​ and Sustainable Innovation.

The Innovator Showcase is designed for high‑potential innovators, early‑stage startups, and growing businesses that are ready to test ideas, build credibility, and connect with people who can help take their innovation to the next stage.

Selected innovators receive a funded exhibition place at the Festival of Innovation and entry into the Innovator Awards, giving you the opportunity to showcase your innovation, have meaningful conversations and explore real routes to market.

What selected Innovators receive

Selected Innovators benefit from:

    • A funded exhibition place in the Innovator Showcase
    • Facilitated introductions to investors
    • Automatic entry into the Venturefest South Innovator Awards, including consideration for Innovator of the Year
    • Video interviews with the Venturefest South team, creating high‑quality content to support your profile beyond the event
    • Feedback and insight from experienced founders, funders and sector experts
Innovator of the Year
The Innovator of the Year award may include either a cash prize or a package of partner‑provided benefits and perks. Final prize details will be confirmed closer to the Festival.

Who should apply

The Innovator Showcase is for startups and innovators who are:

  • Developing innovative products, services or technologies
  • Addressing real‑world challenges in priority growth sectors
  • Looking to validate demand, customers or partners
  • Preparing for investment, pilots or early commercialisation
  • Ready to engage openly with collaborators, investors and customers

You may be at idea stage, pre‑revenue or early traction — but you should have a clear value proposition and ambition to scale.

If you have any questions about the selection process, please email engage@venturefestsouth.co.uk.

How selection works

A limited number of Innovators are selected in each cluster to ensure a high‑quality, high‑impact cohort.

Selection focuses on:

  • Strength and originality of innovation
  • Relevance to sector challenges
  • Scalability and growth potential
  • Readiness to engage with investors, partners and customers

If you have any questions about the selection process, please email engage@venturefestsouth.co.uk.

Not selected this time?

Innovation journeys don’t follow a straight line. If you’re not selected for a funded Innovator place, you can still be part of the Festival.
Non‑selected or returning Innovators will be offered the opportunity to:

  • Exhibit at the Festival at the discounted Innovator rate
  • Access the Venturefest South audience and ecosystem
  • Build visibility and maintain connections within the VFS community
Innovator exhibition rates (phased):
  • Super Early Bird (ends 30th May): £500
  • Early Bird (ends 31st July): £650
  • General: £750

It's simple to start an application, just fill out the form and answer the questions.

Start your application

Meet some of our previous innovators

We've helped hundreds of innovators from across the south develop and promote their ideas. Why not check out a few of past innovators.

Check them out


Rewind to #VFS25

Check out the #VFS25: Festival of innovation photo gallery.

View the gallery