Live pitches, alumni stories, and the chance to connect with the people, funding, and community that can help you launch your own venture.
Student Founder Showcase 2025
Be inspired to start – because you can do this too.
Wednesday 15 October 2025
đź“Ť Studio One, Mayflower Studios – right opposite the Student Enterprise Junction, University of Southampton’s City Centre Campus
Doors open 17:00
The Student Founder Showcase is 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.
Discover how 10 weeks of guidance, funding and a city-centre base helped our Foundership cohort turn ideas into real-world ventures. Being based in the city puts founders close to Southampton’s business community, opening doors to advice, testing opportunities and local customers.
Whether you’re a student with the spark of an idea, a member of staff championing enterprise, an external partner keen to give back, or a curious member of the public, this is your chance to connect, learn and collaborate.
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Interested?⚡Why Attend?
Inspiration & Insight
Hear live founder stories and an energising headline keynote.
Practical Support
Uncover funding, mentoring, skills and workspace you can use right now.
Powerful Networking
Meet students, staff and partners who will accelerate your goals.
Celebrate Success
See where it can lead through our Foundership alumni.
Ecosystem Access
Your badge doubles as a free ticket to Venturefest South 2025. Register on the night – Festival of Innovation – a student-friendly expo packed with interactive tech demos, investor Q&A sessions and free skills workshops.
Give Back
Share your expertise, offer mentorship or explore partnerships that shape the next generation of entrepreneurs.
✨What’s in it for you?
Students
Honest founder stories, actionable tips, plus a clear roadmap to the funding, mentoring and workspace available to you.
University Staff
See enterprise in action and meet innovation-driven students who can energise teaching, research and outreach.
Partners, Mentors & Investors
Spot emerging ventures, offer expertise and build relationships with the South’s next generation of founders.
General Public
Discover how university talent is shaping the city’s future economy – and get inspired to start your own journey.
đź—“Programme
17:00 - Check-in & Welcome Drinks
Mingle in the Studio One foyer. Student societies, Venturefest South, student-led businesses and the Student Enterprise Team will host pop-up stands so you can explore support and meet founders straight away.
17:30 Opening Remarks
Welcome from the Student Enterprise Team.
- Headline Keynote
Speaker to be announced.
- Foundership Cohort I Pitches
First wave of 2025 student founders share the story of their 10-week journey, challenges, breakthroughs, and progress so far.
- Alumni Foundership Spotlight
Be in spired by past Foundership success stories
- Foundership Cohort II Pitches
Second wave of founders present.
- Partner Spotlight: Venturefest South
Discover how this regional platform can fuel your growth. Closing remarks from the Student Enterprise Team follow.
19:00 – 20:30 Networking Reception
Meet founders, competition winners, partners and guests in the Studio One bar.
🤝 A Venturefest South “Rumble” Event
Your Showcase badge unlocks a free ticket to the Venturefest South 2025 Festival of Innovation at the Utilita Bowl. The festival takes place in November, giving you the perfect follow-on after the Showcase.
They work with key partners and influencers to deliver a year round programme and an annual Festival of Innovation that showcases the South’s talent, innovative companies and research capabilities through bringing together innovators, entrepreneurs and funders.
Ready to be inspired?
Secure your place now and join us on Wednesday 15 October to celebrate ideas, meet future collaborators and help shape the next wave of Southampton-born ventures.
Register for your free ticket via Mayflower Studios – link coming soon.
đź“Ť Plan your visit
- Venue: Studio One, Mayflower Studios
- Address: 142-144 Above Bar Street, Southampton SO14 7DU
- Directions & transport: Mayflower Studios – Getting Here
- Accessibility: Fully accessible theatre and bar; please contact us for specific requirements.
Seats are limited – if your plans change, please update your booking so another attendee can join.
Under 18? Please email the team so we can make appropriate arrangements.
Questions? Email the Student Enterprise Team at [email protected]