Student Founder Showcase 2025

The spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship shone brightly at Mayflower Studios last night as the University of Southampton Student Enterprise team hosted their annual Student Founder Showcase – a celebration of student creativity, ambition, and innovation.

The event brought together students, staff, local business leaders, entrepreneurial supporters, the University’s Vice-President of Research and Enterprise, and even the Lord Mayor of Southampton to celebrate the achievements of student founders across every discipline – from freelancers and social changemakers to start-up creators and tech innovators.

Attendees heard inspiring stories from the 2025 Foundership Scheme cohort, who reflected on how 10 weeks of funding, mentorship, and support helped develop their businesses over the summer. The evening also welcomed alumni founders Sam and Jamie Horsnell (co-founders of MyTender.io) and Til Jordan (co-founder of Bloctopus), who shared their entrepreneurial journeys and the impact the Foundership Scheme had on their success.

A highlight of the night was an engaging keynote from Jim Cregan, founder of Jimmy’s Iced Coffee, who shared his honest insights into building a brand with purpose, navigating challenges, and staying authentic through growth.

The evening concluded with a look ahead to VFS25 with Ed Gould of VentureFest and a forecast of the upcoming opportunities from Student Enterprise and the Social Impact Lab, including targeted workshops and the much-anticipated Student Startup Challenge (14-16 Nov). Finally, connections were made during the networking drinks in the Student Enterprise Junction, the collaboration and workspace in the City Centre Campus where the Foundership Scheme took place over the summer. Here, certificates were presented to the winners of the Engineers and Scientists in Business Competition (ESBC) and Pulse for Change competition.

It was a truly inspiring night celebrating innovation, collaboration, and the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives at the University of Southampton.

Feeling inspired to start something of your own or didn’t manage to get a ticket? Don’t worry – there’s loads more to get involved in with Student Enterprise and the Social Impact Lab.

Have a look at our brand new Student Enterprise workshop series, register your interest for the Student Startup Challenge, or check out the social impact lab webpage. You can also sign up to our mailing list so that you never miss an event or announcement!

It’s not too early to register your interest for the 2026 Foundership Scheme! It could be you up on stage next year celebrating your own business success. Check out the Foundership page to find out more.