Apply to be a #VFS Innovator
Are you one of the region’s leading innovators? Apply for a funded place worth more than £2,000 at the South’s flagship innovation event
Venturefest South’s Festival of Innovation brings together innovators, founders, investors, corporates, universities and public sector leaders from across high‑growth sectors including Ocean Science, Life Sciences and Health, Creative Industries, Defence, Space and Sustainable Innovation.
The Innovator Showcase is designed for high‑potential innovators and early‑stage startups ready to test ideas, build credibility and connect with people who can help take their innovation forward.
Selected innovators receive a funded exhibition place at the Festival of Innovation, giving you the opportunity to showcase your innovation, have meaningful conversations and explore real routes to market — without the cost barrier.
Venturefest South exists to champion innovation in the region, and that means investing in its innovators.
Every penny from tickets and sponsorships goes straight back into supporting opportunities like this.
What’s in it for you?
- Funded place at the Festival of Innovation for selected innovators
- Direct access to investors, corporates and innovation partners
- Opportunities to explore pilots, partnerships and early customers
- Feedback and insight from experienced founders and sector experts
- Visibility within a curated, commercially focused ecosystem
This is not pitch theatre. It’s about validation, traction and next‑step opportunity.
Who should apply
We’re looking for innovators and startups who are:
- Developing innovative products, services or technologies
- Pre‑seed, seed or early‑stage, with a clear value proposition
- Addressing real‑world challenges in growth sectors
- Actively seeking customers, partners or investment
What if I’m not selected?
Returning innovators, or those not selected for a funded place, will be offered the opportunity to exhibit at a discounted Innovator rate, so you can still benefit from the VFS audience and ecosystem.
Innovator exhibition rates (phased):
- Super Early Bird (ends 30th May): £250
- Early Bird (ends 31st July): £350
- General: £450
It’s simple to start an application, just fill out the form and answer the questions below.
We welcome all applications but, before you fill out this form please note that Venturefest South needs your contact details to respond to you about becoming an innovator. We will also use this data to create an innovator profile before the event. For information on how to unsubscribe, as well as our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy on our founder’s site.
Meet some of our previous innovators
We've helped hundreds of innovators from across the south develop and promote their ideas. Why not check out a few of past innovators.
