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.
We’re looking for ambitious businesses to join the Innovator Showcase & Awards, with a particular interest in companies that have gained some traction and are now looking to scale, secure investment, develop partnerships or open new routes to market.
Selected businesses receive a fully funded exhibition place, facilitated investor introductions, entry into the Innovator Awards and opportunities to raise their profile with investors, industry leaders and potential partners.
Apply to the Venturefest South Innovator Showcase
What selected Innovators receive
Selected Innovators benefit from:
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- 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
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.
Meet a previous Innovator
It's simple to start an application, just fill out the form and answer the questions.
