#VFS25: Festival of Innovation

Venturefest South 2025 (#VFS25) took place on Wednesday 12 November, once again proving why the South is one of the UK’s most dynamic and collaborative innovation regions. The not-for-profit initiative – driven by a network of people, organisations, and businesses passionate about supporting entrepreneurship – brought together innovators, investors, and industry leaders for a day of inspiration, connection, and celebration.

This year’s showcase featured dedicated innovation zones across key growth sectors including the Blue Economy, Creative Industries, Life Sciences, Gaming, Defence, Security & Space, Bio Films, Sustainable Innovation, and Standout Innovation. Each area highlighted the ingenuity and ambition driving the region’s economic future.

A standout of the day came from the Student Enterprise community, as current students and alumni showcased their ventures and connected with potential investors. Student Enterprise-supported businesses among the exhibitors were:

• Vladi Popova, founder of VMP Operations, developing custom AI-integrated tools for business efficiency.
• Helena Virag, creator of untangl-d, a personal organisation platform designed by and for neurodivergent people.
• Szymon Dworski, innovating the future of electric propulsion systems.
• Tamara Ivanocova, founder of Amara Automotive, pioneering truly sustainable vehicles without compromise. She was there with her custom-built Elecy and pitching for sponsorship for her upcoming world-tour.

The energy and collaboration on display at #VFS25 underscored Venturefest South’s mission: to champion innovation, foster connections, and celebrate the ideas shaping the South’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. It was also a proud moment for the University of Southampton, with so many of its students and alumni showcasing their ventures and thriving within the region’s innovation community.

Another fantastic year for Venturefest South – and another strong step forward for the South Coast’s innovation economy.

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.