NBIC Announce Partnership with Venturefest South

The National Biofilms Innovation Centre (NBIC) are pleased to announce a new partnership with Venturefest South (VFS), the fastest-growing innovation and business growth programme in the South.

With Venturefest South launching for its eighth year, along with NBIC, the programme has announced a number of influential partners to elevate VFS24 to unprecedented heights.

Professor Jeremy Webb, NBIC Southampton Co-Director said:

“We are extremely pleased to be part of VFS, as new partners we are excited to see growth in collaboration across the region.  There is significant strength and potential in our regional innovation ecosystem, which is demonstrated by the success of VFS to date. I’m immensely proud to be part of such a great group.”

The 2024 programme also welcomes new partners; Arts University Bournemouth, Blake Morgan, Barclays Eagle Labs, Openshaw & Co.,  and the National Oceanography Centre.

Mark Hamson, Innovation Centre Manager at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) said:

“Innovation is key to what we do at NOC and we’re looking forward to working with Venturefest South to reach more businesses and individuals that can help turn great science and technology into advice and applications.”

They join an impressive line-up of existing partners including DSTL, South Hampshire College Group, Carswell Gould, University of Winchester, University of Southampton, University of Portsmouth, British Business Bank, and Solent Partners.

Paul Stoodley

Last year’s showcase event from the Venturefest South programme

Dan Cox, Arts University Bournemouth said:

“Bringing so many voices from different sectors this year is powerful and it’s so great to be partnering with people who want to do something and make a difference. We’re excited to bring something new to the partnership by hosting Rumble Events that focus on the key themes driving innovation in the South, and also by bringing our students and business partners to the showcase event in November.”

Venturefest South is a collaboration between government, education, and business to foster growth and innovation. This year’s programme began with a partnership meeting hosted by Barclays Eagle Labs in Southampton, where the new leadership team discussed regional issues and opportunities.

Mark Rands, Barclays Eagle Labs said:

“We are excited to be sponsoring Venturefest South this year and are really looking forward to the programme ahead”.

Since its inception, VFS has supported more than 8,000 entrepreneurs with funded or free resources, and a platform to showcase their innovative businesses. This not-for-profit programme nurtures, celebrates and promote the South’s powerful innovation ecosystem.

New this year, Venturefest South will hold a series of exciting  ‘Rumble Events’, focusing on topics including as funding, investment and IP protection to be held at partner venues in the run-up to the grand showcase event on 14 November 2024 at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton.

The VFS team announced that applications for innovators are open and are now inviting innovators and businesses from across the South to be part of this year’s programme.

Successful applications can win a spot in the showcase and will have the opportunity to access funding, receive support, and connect to new opportunities while, at the same time, being part of the South’s biggest showcase of innovation.

Visit the Venturefest South website to find out more about the programme and to get involved.