The North East’s leading innovation event returns to drive business growth
After a year’s hiatus, VentureFest, the North East’s premier innovation event, is back and ready to empower businesses across the region. Set to take place at Newcastle’s Civic Centre on 18 March 2025, this highly anticipated event will bring together the brightest minds in business, innovation, and investment for a full day of insight, collaboration, and growth opportunities.
Delivered by Innovation SuperNetwork (ISN), powered by UMi, VentureFest 2025 marks its 11th edition, with an agenda designed to address the key challenges faced by SMEs and startups: access to expertise, funding, and markets. Packed with keynote speeches, practical workshops, pitching sessions, and for the first time ever, a Meet the Buyers feature, this year’s event promises more value than ever for businesses ready to innovate and scale.
This year’s event is backed by leading organisations in the North East’s innovation and funding landscape, including sponsors of the Innovation Showcase; Creative UK, Innovation Awards sponsors; Northern Accelerator, main stage sponsors; British Business Bank, and workshop sponsors; NortHFuture.
Why VentureFest?
SMEs are the backbone of the North East economy, but too often they face barriers when trying to innovate or expand. VentureFest solves this problem by acting as a hub for connections and resources, offering attendees the chance to access the tools they need to thrive.
“VentureFest has always been about creating opportunities for businesses to innovate and grow,” says Leanne Miller, Digital Programme Manager at UMi “This year, we’re taking it to the next level, making it an event where every session, every conversation, and every pitch is designed to deliver tangible outcomes for participants.”
What’s New in 2025?
This year’s agenda builds on a decade of success with some exciting new additions:
- Meet the Buyers: Businesses can schedule pre-booked appointments to pitch their products and services directly to key buyers, potentially securing lucrative contracts.
- Keynote Speaker Professor Richard Harding: Known for his expertise in Assistive Technology and scaling innovations, Professor Harding will inspire attendees with actionable insight.
- Innovation Showcase: A spotlight on groundbreaking regional innovations, providing a platform for businesses to demonstrate their creativity and connect with potential collaborators.
- North East Innovation Awards: Celebrating excellence in categories such as Digital Innovation of the Year and Innovation Champion, these awards highlight the region’s talent and ingenuity.
- Pitching Sessions: Designed for SMEs seeking investment or feedback, these sessions connect businesses with experts and investors to refine their pitches and unlock future funding opportunities.
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.”
Register Today
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 2025 is your opportunity to connect, innovate, and grow. Visit supernetwork.org.uk/venturefest to register and learn more about the event.