Southern Innovation Catalyst

The Southern Innovation Catalyst brings together the region’s most influential leaders and decision-makers across innovation funding, education, skills and business support, united by a shared ambition to accelerate sustainable economic growth across the South.

Powered by Venturefest South and backed by high-impact networks within key regional clusters — including Defence & Security, Marine & Maritime, Health, Life Sciences & Biofilms, Commercial Creatives (including gaming), Tech, AI & IT, and Sustainable Innovation — this invite-only gathering convenes the people who are genuinely shaping the future of our innovation economy.

Partners include Hampshire County Council, Innovate UK, Openshaw & Co, Blake Morgan, British Business Bank, NBIC, National Oceanography Centre, Creative UK, Incuhive, UoS Science Park, Arts University Bournemouth, University of Southampton, Barclays Eagle Labs, University of Winchester, SHCG, Carswell Gould and ICURe.

If you’re serious about creating change, building business and shaping the future, you’ll want to be in the room. Register your interest now and we’ll be in touch.

At this event, we’ll align on plans for the 10th Venturefest South, a platform that has already helped tens of thousands of businesses, while revealing ambitions to scale our impact across the county, increase participation and unlock new pathways for innovators.

Expect candid insights from successful founders, board members and the doers, disruptors and connectors who are making waves in the region. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore how their brands, networks and capabilities can contribute to a shared mission: building a more prosperous, competitive and innovation-driven Southern economy.

This is a space for decision-makers with a vested interest in the region’s future — and those ready to collaborate, invest and lead the next wave of innovation.

Event Details

📍 Location: University of Winchester, Romsey Road, Winchester, SO22 5FT

⏰ Time: 16:00 - 18:30

📅 Date: Tuesday 17th March 2026

Approx running order

16:00 Badge pick up & refreshments

16:30–16:45 Welcome and Opening: mission & opportunity by Ed Gould, Creative Director - Carswell Gould

16:45–17:00 Impact: Venturefest South 10 years on & the ambitions for the South, Jo Stark - Head of Innovation, University of Winchester

17:00–17:15 Ambition: What's possible for this place? Bruce McLelland, Knowledge Transfer Manager, Innovate UK Business Connect

17:15–17:30 Making it happen, Ed Gould explores scenarios for shared growth

17:30–18:30 Roundtable: discuss solutions for the challenges raised + collaborations + needs with networking, drinks and buffet.

Your Business. Your Voice. Your Region. Your Future.

The Southern Innovation Catalyst is your opportunity to influence the tools, strategies, and partnerships that will drive business growth and innovation across the region.

Spaces are limited, and registration is required.

Apply for a place at this event today

Apply for your place at this event and join this vital conversation. We will be carefully selecting attendees. An email confirming your place will follow.

By registering you agree to be contacted by our partners.

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