Startups
Published: November 19, 2024 | Updated: 19th November 2024
“A busy buzz of a day.”
That was the verdict from event partner British Business Bank after the record-breaking #VFS24: Festival of Innovation last week.
Held at Southampton’s Utilita Bowl, the festival welcomed more than 1,000 visitors, from startups to established businesses, as together they showcased the South’s thriving innovation ecosystem.
“This year’s brilliant event spanned all stages of the business journey, from startup to scaleup,” said Susan Elliott, senior manager at the British Business Bank.
“It featured hands-on innovation showcases, expert speakers, and countless valuable conversations among entrepreneurs, investors, universities and business support providers.”
Participants at the Innovation Zone explored a mix of sectors ranging from ocean science to startup funding and advanced technologies.
And this year’s theme – Seed, Grow and Sell – ran throughout the day’s keynote sessions, workshops and innovation talks.
Mike Hawkyard
BAFTA-nominated gaming entrepreneur Mike Hawkyard opened the festival with a keynote on creativity and innovation in the dynamic gaming industry.
“It was an honour to share my experiences with the next generation of game developers,” he said.
The VFS Awards recognised fledgling successes, with Securium crowned Innovator of the Year, mytender.io taking home the Early-Stage Innovator Award and Enertor winning the open mic competition.
Emerging talents pitched groundbreaking ideas in the New Entrepreneurs Zone, while the Investment Hub offered insights on funding and scaling businesses.
Other festival highlights included ocean science discussions at the Ocean Hub, led by the National Oceanography Centre; outdoor displays featuring a human-powered aircraft and an autonomous underwater vehicle; and the Gaming Hub, complete with interactive arcade experiences.
Ed Gould, chair of Venturefest South, added: “What a day!
“Seeing so many startup and scaling businesses connect, collaborate and thrive was truly inspiring.
“This event caps off an incredible year of activity across the South, cementing the region as the go-to destination for turning good ideas into great businesses.”
“This not-for-profit programme continues to build the South’s reputation as a hub for innovation, offering early-stage businesses a platform to grow and scale, while attracting investors and collaborators to the region.”
