Solent Freeport backs Venturefest innovation

Solent Freeport has partnered with Venturefest South to support businesses working across the maritime, space and defence sectors at the Festival of Innovation’s 10th anniversary event.

The partnership, approved by the Solent Freeport Board in July, will provide five fully funded Innovator spaces for selected businesses to showcase their technologies and connect with potential investors, customers and commercial partners.

“The Solent has enormous strengths in sectors such as maritime, defence and space, but turning great ideas into growing businesses depends on creating the right connections and opportunities,” said Brian Johnson, independent chair of Solent Freeport.

The spaces will be available to businesses developing innovations across the three sectors, providing an opportunity to present their work to founders, investors, corporate leaders, universities, researchers and organisations supporting innovation and business growth.

The Festival of Innovation will take place on 18 November at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton. The event marks a decade of Venturefest South, which has engaged more than 50,000 innovators and businesses and helped generate more than £250 million in opportunities, according to the organisation.

Johnson said the partnership would build on the existing relationship between Solent Freeport and Venturefest South while helping emerging businesses make connections that could support their growth.

Ed Gould, chair of Venturefest South, said the event’s decade-long history had demonstrated the value of bringing innovators and investors together, with connections potentially leading to investment, customers and new collaborations.

The five successful applicants will be able to showcase their innovations during the event and explore opportunities for investment, collaboration and commercial development.

Applications for the funded spaces close on 24 September 2026, with businesses invited to apply directly to Solent Freeport.