Welcome Weekend 2025

The Student Enterprise and Social Impact Lab team had a hugely successful Welcome Weekend, connecting with hundreds of students eager to explore innovation, entrepreneurship, and impact. With over 500 pre-registrations already secured for the upcoming 100 Big Ideas competition, the year is off to an exciting start!

Students also heard about the Student Founder Showcase, the University of Southampton’s annual celebration of student entrepreneurship and innovation. It shines a light on every entrepreneurial pathway, from freelancers and social changemakers to small-business owners and high-growth tech start-ups, proving that innovation is open to all disciplines and career goals.

What to expect on the evening:

• Live pitches from our 2025 Foundership Cohort – hear how students developed their ideas and businesses through a 10-week programme involving mentoring, workspace, and funding.
• An energising headline speaker, we’re delighted to be joined by Jim Cregan who founded Jimmy’s Iced Coffee.
• Stories from Student Enterprise alumni who’ve paved the path before them.
• Networking opportunities with student founders, university staff, partners, and mentors during a drinks reception.
• Bonus: Your Showcase badge doubles as a free ticket to Venturefest South 2025, the Festival of Innovation held in November. Hear from the Venturefest South team as part of the event.

If you didn’t get the chance to meet us this weekend, you’ll find us at the upcoming ResLife Fairs and the All Sector Careers Fairs on 8 & 9 October.

Want to get involved? Visit the Showcase and 100 Big Ideas webpages for full details and to sign up – don’t miss your chance to be part of something big!

Want to find out more about what we do at Student Enterprise and the Social Impact Lab? Just drop us an email at [email protected] or [email protected] or book a 1:1 with us to find out more.