Last chance to attend the North East’s leading innovation event – VentureFest 2025
The countdown is on! With one week to go until VentureFest North East 2025, businesses across the region are gearing up for a day of innovation, collaboration, and game-changing opportunities. Taking place at Newcastle’s Civic Centre on 18 March 2025, this flagship innovation event will bring together entrepreneurs, SMEs, investors, and industry leaders for a packed agenda designed to spark growth and unlock potential.
Delivered by Innovation SuperNetwork (ISN), powered by UMi, VentureFest is returning for its 11th edition, promising a dynamic mix of keynote speeches, expert panels, practical workshops, live pitching sessions, and the brand-new Cyber Local Supplier Village. For businesses looking to scale, secure investment, or connect with the right people in the right places, this is the event to attend.
This year’s event is backed by leading organisations in the North East’s innovation and funding landscape, supported by the North East Combined Authority, as well as sponsors of the Innovation Showcase; Creative UK, Innovation Awards sponsors; Northern Accelerator, main stage sponsors; British Business Bank, and workshop sponsors; NortHFuture.
Final call - why you can’t afford to miss VentureFest
With a full agenda of inspiring sessions, networking opportunities, and expert-led discussions, VentureFest is the event for businesses looking to overcome barriers to innovation.
“We’re one week away from what promises to be one of the most impactful innovation events in the North East” says Leanne Miller, Digital Programme Manager at UMi. “VentureFest has always been about creating opportunities for businesses to innovate and grow. This year, we’ve built on that legacy with new programme features designed to help SMEs make meaningful connections and take their ideas to the next level.”
What’s on the agenda?
This year’s agenda builds on a decade of success with some exciting new additions:
Exhibition & Innovation Showcase: Open all day, this is your chance to see groundbreaking regional innovations, providing a platform for businesses to demonstrate their creativity and connect with potential collaborators. Limited spaces are still available if you want to seize the opportunity to engage with up to 700 innovative North East businesses.
Keynotes & Fireside Chat: Hear from Professor Richard Harding, an expert in Assistive Technology and scaling innovations, as he shares insights on driving sustainable growth, as well as Hannah Underwood, a champion of co-creation, open-source collaboration, and unlocking potential in businesses and communities.
Panel Discussions: Choose from expert-led sessions including:
- Demystifying the Due Diligence Process: How to get the deal done.
- Driving Innovation: How the UK ecosystem supports business growth.
- NortHFutures Digital Health Challenge: Harnessing Regional Strengths for Innovation Collaboration.
10 Innovations in 10 Minutes: A rapid-fire showcase of some of the most exciting new innovations in the North East.
Pitching & Workshops: Businesses can pitch to investors, join expert-led sessions on entrepreneurial mindset, and explore opportunities in the region’s growing 5G ecosystem.
North East Innovation Awards: Celebrating the very best in regional innovation with categories including Innovation of the Year, Innovation Champion, and Start-Up
Cyber Local Supplier Village: A showcase for cyber security suppliers to connect with decision-makers and help businesses strengthen digital resilience. Limited spaces are still available for businesses interested in exhibiting their cutting-edge cyber products and services.
A decade of impact
Since its inception, VentureFest has been a catalyst for transformative business connections and opportunities in the North East. Past attendees have gone on to secure funding, land major contracts, and form strategic partnerships that have fuelled their growth.
Nicki Clark, CEO at UMi expressed her enthusiasm for the return of VentureFest, saying: “This event has a legacy of delivering real results for businesses in the North East. From helping companies refine their pitches to connecting them with investors and collaborators, VentureFest is where innovation becomes action.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing these opportunities to businesses in the region. It’s also testimony to the strength and power of partnerships that we can come together as one innovative ecosystem and drive real impact for the businesses and communities in our region and beyond.”
Mark Stamper, Head of Economic Delivery, North East Combined Authority said: “VentureFest is a key event in the North East calendar and an exciting opportunity for innovative businesses with ambitions to grow to collaborate and share experiences.
“We are committed to supporting businesses achieve their goals – whether through growing a network, winning work or preparing for investment. Through the North East CA and devolution we are able to fund programmes including Pathways to Funding to get our businesses and our people ready to grow and innovate”.
Register Today – time is running out
With just one week to go, now is the time to secure your place at VentureFest North East 2025. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the North East’s largest celebration of innovation. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, SME, startup, or investor, VentureFest is your opportunity to connect, innovate, and grow.
Visit supernetwork.org.uk/venturefest to register and learn more about the event.