What’s on at #VFS25?
Got your ticket for #VFS25? Awesome! We can’t wait to welcome you to the Utilita Bowl on Wednesday 12 November 2025 for what promises to be the biggest and most inspiring Venturefest South yet.
This year’s line-up is packed with innovation, investment, and inspiration — all designed to help you connect, collaborate, and grow your business. There’s so much happening that we can hardly squeeze it all into one article, but here’s a taste of what’s in store…
Check out the full agenda and start planning your day!
Zone 1: The Innovation Zone
The Innovation Zone is the main hub of #VFS25 – and where the magic happens! Gather here at 9:30am, where Venturefest South Chair, Ed Gould, will be joined by returning innovators Echo AI who after pitching at #VFS24 generated £2million funding! From there, it’s full steam ahead with a jam-packed programme of ideas, inspiration and incredible conversations.
Throughout the day, this zone will play host to our Innovators, Exhibitors and Partners – all showcasing their latest ideas, products and technologies. Be sure to meet us back here at the end of the day for the VFS Awards and drinks reception – the perfect way to wrap up your day of discovery.
Zone 2: The Innovation Talks
Join our expert speakers and panelists. The Innovation Talks return with even more energy and expertise this year. Held in the Robin Smith Suite, these one-hour sessions combine short talks and a panel discussion to give you fresh insights from founders, investors and industry leaders.
Navigating the Blue Economy: Innovation, Opportunity & Impact: 10:15 – 11:00
Dive into how ocean innovation is creating new opportunities and driving sustainable growth across the South’s maritime sector.
The Science of Tomorrow: Innovations to Enhance Life: 11:15 – 12:00
Discover the breakthroughs that are improving lives through science, tech and research – from healthcare to environmental impact.
The Impact of Creativity: 12:30 – 13:15
Join a dynamic session exploring how creativity fuels innovation and business growth, featuring a panel of creative leaders and entrepreneurs.
From Microbes to Market: Translating BioInnovation into Impact: 14:00 – 14:45
Uncover how life science innovation is turning research into real-world products and solutions that improve everyday life.
Building a Resilient World through Technology & Innovation: 15:00 – 15:45
Explore how technology and forward-thinking ideas are helping businesses and communities adapt, evolve and thrive in a changing world.
Zone 3: The Think Tank
The Think Tank, is where ideas turn into action. It’s the space to roll up your sleeves, join in, and take part in practical sessions designed to inspire and empower your growth potential. Throughout the day, you’ll find workshops and talks that dive into the real challenges of building, funding, and scaling a business – delivered by people who’ve been there and done it.
Highlights include Startup Investor Horror Stories, a candid look at lessons learned from the funding front line; The Snowball Effect: Generate Leads Without Spending a Dime on Ads, revealing creative ways to grow your audience organically; Driving Growth Through High-Potential Innovation Clusters, exploring how collaboration fuels success; Go to Market Strategies and Robust Commercialisation Plans, for founders ready to scale; and Creative Growth Hack, showing how imagination can unlock new opportunities.
Zone 4: The Investment Hub
The Investment Hub, is where opportunity takes flight. It’s the space where investors, entrepreneurs and innovators come together to explore the South’s dynamic investment ecosystem – from early funding to major partnerships. Expect sessions on Investment, Funding & Opportunities, plus Bridging the Gap: How ICURe Connects Investors and University Innovation, revealing how groundbreaking research is turning into real commercial success.
The zone also plays host to the crowd favourite — the Open Mic Pitch Contest. In just three minutes, innovators will take the stage to pitch their big ideas to a panel of judges and a live audience. Add to that a special Security & Aerospace Cluster showcase, and you’ve got a zone buzzing with ambition, creativity and opportunity.
Zone 5: Meeting of Minds
Meeting of Minds, is where meaningful connections take shape. Set within the hospitality boxes, this zone is designed for intimate roundtable discussions, investment conversations and networking opportunities that drive genuine collaboration and growth.
Across the day, you’ll find sessions like the Creative Round Table Discussion led by Fred Bassett, Hampshire Growth Partnership Skills Connect, and an Open Round Table for spontaneous discussions. There are also specialist sessions including the Blue Economy & Marine Roundtable (invite only, registration required), the exclusive IRIS Investment Event, and Health and Care Innovations Impacting Lives. Whether you’re there to share ideas, forge partnerships or discover new opportunities, Meeting of Minds is the place to connect, collaborate and make things happen.
