HAMPSHIRE entrepreneurs hoping to start their own firms may soon be pitching their investments to the county’s own version of Dragon’s Den, pictured.

The new initiative was launched today with Southampton and Portsmouth universities announcing they have signed a sponsorship deal with Oxford Innovation to support investment network meeting and training sessions.

Dr Tony Raven, University of Southampton research and innovation services director, said: “Innovation is the engine of our economy and the Solent region is a hotbed of entrepreneurs with innovative technologies and ideas. By linking up we will be able to provide these start-up companies with direct access to investors which will help accelerate their growth and the growth of the local economy.”

This project will then help bosses of fledgling firms pitch their business models and inventions to wealthy potential investors who are linked to the Oxford network.

The deal builds on Oxford Innovation’s existing presence in the region with the newly constructed Ocean Village Innovation Centre, Southampton, set to open for business this month.

The long term plan is to establish a new Solent investment network.