Be a Winner at #VFS22

More investment and funding opportunities than ever before at Venturefest South’s #VFS22: Festival of Innovation. 

Millions of pounds of investment, funding and development opportunities will be on offer to the South’s start-ups, scale-ups and businesses at #VFS22 Festival of Innovation – the sixth showcase event from not-for-profit partnership Venturefest South. 

The region’s biggest innovation showcase, at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton, on 17th November, is an opportunity for the brightest minds and big thinkers to share experiences, insights and knowledge. 

Ed Gould, VFS Partner and Creative Director at Carswell Gould, said:  

“Considering the current economic climate we all face, it’s never been more important to encourage, support and engage with the innovation and business community in the South.” 

Among the highlights will be the hotly-contested Battle of the Pitches competition – with a massive £10,000 prize on offer from headline sponsor CATAX. Five of the south’s top innovators will present their creative proposals live at #VFS22 in a bid to boost their business further. 

Paul Foley, Director at innovation funding specialist Catax, which specialises in R&D tax credit claims for businesses of all sizes, said:   

“We have had a great response for the competition with 15 inspirational businesses being chosen for the long list – which you can see for yourself on the website now. At #VFS22, the top five finalists will pitch live and the winner will take home £10,000 to help them take their innovation to the next stage on the road to success.  

“We are really proud to be part of the #VFS22 success story.” 

The motivational one-day event has a jam-packed programme which also includes:  

• The exciting VFS awards – celebrating the bright and best innovators from across the region 
• Pitch your Big Idea at the Open Mic competition 
• Meet the South’s top innovators and new entrepreneurs who are driving the innovation agenda 
• Innovation Talk – the chance to hear top speakers reflect on entrepreneurship, funding, finance, support, skills, opportunities and innovation stories from the frontline of business 
• Join workshops and activities focusing on topics such as maritime and digital innovation. 

James Ford, Head of Enterprise and Skills at Solent LEP and VFS Board Member, said:
“We can’t wait to open the doors to this year’s exciting #VFS22 Festival of Innovation. Venturefest South proudly showcases the region’s innovation ecosystem, which is essential for economic prosperity.  

“The partners at Venturefest South are delighted to share great funding and investment opportunities and help business people from across the South to prosper.”  

Book tickets here.