Startups
Published: November 27, 2023 | Updated: 28th November 2023
Southampton was the place to be last week for up-and-coming innovators and industry leaders from across the South of England.
More than 1,200 visitors, exhibitors, sponsors and partners braved the rain to attend Venturefest South (#VFS23) and together highlight all things innovation within the region.
Attendees included the Universities of Southampton, Portsmouth and Winchester, Southampton and Portsmouth City Councils, South Hampshire College Group, and hosts Carswell Gould and SWJ Events.
They were joined by leading regional organisations like The National Oceanography Centre, Maritime UK Solent, the University of Southampton’s Formula Student Team and Solent Partners, as well as Innovate UK and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL).
Ed Gould, Event Curator and Creative Director at Carswell Gould, said: “#VFS23 has once again surpassed expectations, proving that the South is not just a contender but a major force in the global innovation scene.
“This event has shown that our region’s vibrant mix of creativity, technology, and entrepreneurial spirit can rival that of San Francisco’s renowned tech landscape.
“Bringing together large-scale businesses, academia, and budding startups has created an ecosystem that mirrors the dynamism and innovation synonymous with Silicon Valley.”
Ed kicked off the event with an introductory speech, followed by talks from Aimee Dobson of Brand Conscience, Ian Wilcock of DSTL, Rachael Randall of Solent Partners, and Bruce McLelland of Innovate UK.
Bruce said: “Innovate UK has maintained its support for Venturefest South since its inception.
“The event attracts the right audiences that we seek to engage with – fledgling micro-SMEs looking for trusted collaborators and fundamental business advice and support.
“It also extends to mid-tier supply chain companies exploring new business opportunities driven by new innovative thinking or those pivoting into new markets.
“A personal highlight for us his year has been witnessing the increasing number of young engineers participating.
“More and more individuals arrive with just a business idea in hand, choosing the event as their starting point to develop a business around it.
Jim Cregan
“Plus, we’re seeing a more diverse and international crowd, many of whom are opting to stay in the UK to establish their businesses – which is hugely exciting.”
Visitors were then invited over to the Collaboration Zone, where speakers like Jim Cregan of Jimmy’s Iced Coffee took to the stage to debate and share ideas around some of the biggest themes affecting and driving innovation, entrepreneurship and business growth.
Next door was the Innovation Zone, offering guests the chance to network and explore investments in some of the region’s most exciting startups and disruptors.
Making its debut this year, the Entrepreneurs Zone provided a platform for new inventions and budding business concepts.
Carswell Gould with the BirthGlide team
Then there were sector-specific zones for space – attended by Ettera Space Systems, KISPE Space, GlobalTrust and Woodrow Scientific – and medtech – home to Axial 3D and their 3D printed hearts, as well as BirthGlide and their low-cost device designed to reduce delays in the second stage of labour.
And returning by popular demand was the Open Mic session, an interactive and informal session inviting the South’s innovators and entrepreneurs to step up and pitch not just to the audience, but also a panel of expert judges.
EarSwitch were crowned Innovator of the Year for their in-ear biometric switch and sensor tech, while BirthGlide earned the title of Early Stage Innovator, Watercress Research got Sustainable Innovation Leader, and Scannetix triumphed as Open Mic Champions.
Open Mic winners, from left: Scannetix, Carswell Gould (standing in for EarSwitch), Watercress and BirthGlide
Ed Gould added: “We’re confident that our guests left feeling not only inspired, but also more connected to a community that’s driving forward with innovation at its heart.
“The South is indeed carving out its own identity as a hub of technological advancements and entrepreneurial excellence, and we can’t wait to see the festival continue to grow for years to come.”
Read more – South Coast green innovators celebrated for helping to protect the planet at 2023 sustainability awards
