b'Accelerating Biofilm Innovation and Entrepreneurial Growth on the South CoastCORE UNIVERSITY HIGHLIGHTSNBIC at the University of Southampton has continued to play a vital role in fostering innovation and supporting the growth of the South Coasts biofilm innovation ecosystem. Through regional partnerships, business engagement, and thought leadership, the University of Southampton has positioned itself at the heart of efforts to connect cutting-edge research with entrepreneurial opportunity.In 2024, NBIC Southampton deepened its partnership with Venturefest South (VFS), the Souths fastest-growing innovation and business growth programme, by holding an active seat on its board, helping to shape the regions innovation agenda. As part of Venturefests annual Rumble Event series, NBIC participated in twoNBIC at Venturefest Souths Festival of Innovation.key events in October and November: Exploiting EveryNBIC are pleased to be a key partner in Southamptons Aspect of Your Business and the Festival of Innovation.Precision Biosciences Innovation Hub (PBIH) and The latter offered an important platform for NBIC toto support PBIHs Biology for a Better Tomorrow engage directly with SMEs and innovators working in orcampaign, which is a comprehensive digital adjacent to microbiology and biofilm technologies. Theseries created in partnership with the Royal event enabled the centre to highlight the wide rangeSociety of Biology and Content With Purpose. of support available through the network, includingThis series delves into the vital work of biologists, translational funding, Innovation Vouchers, Flexiblehighlighting how their expertise is driving progress Talent Mobility Account opportunties, and industrytowards a sustainable and equitable future. NBICs membership. NBIC Southampton Co-Director ProfessorProfessor Webb, who is Professor of Microbiology Jeremy Webb, has played a key role on the VFS Board. within PBIH, and NBIC Interdisciplinary Research Alongside this public engagement, NBICFellow, Dr Callum Highmore took part in the Southampton contributed to regional innovationUniversity of Southamptons campaign video, strategy through its representation on thewhich highlights how PBIH is using computational Southern Innovation Catalyst Board, a groupapproaches to solve challenging issues around food of the regions leading business and innovationsecurity, climate change, AMR and healthy ageing.stakeholders, helping to shape and strengthen the Souths collaborative innovation landscape.NBIC also participated in Applied Microbiology Internationals Molecular Microbial Ecology Group 2024 meeting, held at the National Oceanography Centre in December, where the NBIC team engaged with delegates to raise awareness of theProfessor Jeremy Webb centres resources and funding programmes. NBIC Southampton Co-Director17'