Venturefest South: Top 5 Outdoor Innovations from Previous Years
Got an awesome outdoor innovation? Perhaps you’ve designed a self-assembling tent to make camping less stressful, a piece of gardening equipment that makes weeding a doddle, or an innovative piece of wearable tech that gets people noticing you (for the right reasons)?
Want to show it off this year at Venturefest South? Why not get in touch. We’re always looking for great innovations for the great outdoors. Here are some of our favourite picks from previous years to help get you inspired.
Boaty McBoatface | National Oceanography Centre
Following an internet poll to name the UK’s new polar research ship, one suggestion captured the world’s attention. The ship was eventually named another popular choice (RRS Sir David Attenborough), but the popularity of Boaty McBoatface couldn’t be ignored and so the name instead was bestowed upon the National Oceanography Centre’s new AUV (Autonomous Underwater Vehicle). In fact, it made the vessel somewhat of a local celebrity when we welcomed it to Venturefest South last year.
Constructed in Southampton, Boaty (as it is dubbed for short) is used for scientific underwater research and exploration. Able to travel to depths of 6,000 metres, and for many miles in extreme temperatures, it, along with its numerous AUV siblings, is used to explore the ocean and chart the uncharted.
UoS Student Race car | University of Southampton
What’s cooler than an F1 Car? An F1 car that has been designed and built from scratch by passionate and talented university students. We were delighted to welcome the Southampton University Formula Student Team at VFS in 2023, who brought along their impressive Stag 9 car.
This special formula racing car was made by the students and is a seriously impressive piece of kit. Showing how they are pushing the boundaries of engineering and their love and passion for motorsport, the car drew quite a crowd. One of the team’s earlier formula cars, Stag 6B, has even found itself a place at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu. Impressive indeed.
TECH:TRUCK | Fareham College
A truck full of tech, and not just any tech – awesome tech. TECH:TRUCK is the name of Fareham College’s mobile education unit. Now a ‘mobile education unit’ might not sound like the most exciting innovation, but this one seriously breaks the mold.
Full of cutting-edge technology to get young people interested in future careers in STEM and tech industries, the truck is equipped with virtual and augmented reality systems, marine and flight sims tech, robotic arms, drones, 3D printers and more. Containing more tech than Optimus Prime (arguably), it’s little wonder it proved to be so popular with visitors.
Trimaran Boat | Adam Younger Design
Based in Southampton, Adam Younger is a talented designer of high-performance boats and powercraft for the racing and leisure industries. At Venturefest 2023, Adam exhibited his prototype trimaran – a stunning, sleek, silver vessel that was impossible to not get drawn to.
For those not in the know, a trimaran is a multi–hull vessel – typically a main hull that is connected to smaller thinner ones made up of floats. Adam was at VFS seeking options for production/partners for the project.
Wooden Bike | BEAMZ
BEAMZ is a manufacturer of bikes with hardwood frames. This gives their bikes great strength, allows their frames able to naturally absorb shocks, gives them a cool look, and makes them better for the environment. This is because wood is a sustainable material with low energy requirements for extraction and processing.
Constructed from wood that is locally sourced, each bike is long lasting, made to order and can be fully customised. We welcomed founder Nick Coates, an engineer by profession, and his team at Venturefest 2022. He brought along some examples of his wooden bicycles, sharing his passion for combining engineering with the natural environment.
Showcase your outdoor innovation at VFS24
Contact our team, who will talk through the different exhibitor options available and be happy to answer any questions. Don’t miss out on showing off your product at the South’s biggest innovation showcase.
