A festival celebrating innovation in the South welcomed more than 1,000 participants.

The record-breaking Venturefest South (VFS24) festival took place at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton.

The event brought together a range of businesses and startups to showcase the region’s innovation.

Participants explored various sectors, including ocean science, startup funding, and advanced technologies.

The festival featured keynote sessions, workshops, and innovation talks, all following the Seed, Grow, and Sell theme.

The festival was opened by BAFTA-nominated gaming entrepreneur Mike Hawkyard, who delivered a keynote speech on creativity and innovation in the gaming industry.

The VFS Awards recognised notable talents, with Securium named Innovator of the Year, MyTender.IO receiving the Early-Stage Innovator Award, and Enertor winning the Open Mic Competition.

New talents also had the chance to present their ideas in the New Entrepreneurs Zone, while the Investment Hub provided valuable insights on funding and scaling businesses.

Chair of Venturefest South, Ed Gould, said: "What a day! Seeing so many startup and scaling businesses connect, collaborate, and thrive was truly inspiring. This event caps off an incredible year of activity across the South, cementing the region as the go-to destination for turning good ideas into great businesses."

"This not-for-profit programme continues to build the South’s reputation as a hub for innovation, offering early-stage businesses a platform to grow and scale, while attracting investors and collaborators to the region."

The festival had various highlights, such as ocean science discussions in the Ocean Hub, led by the National Oceanography Centre.

Outdoor exhibits displayed a human-powered aircraft and an autonomous underwater vehicle.

The Gaming Hub provided interactive arcade experiences and engagements with gaming innovators.

Venturefest South is more than just a one-day event.

Its year-long programme has benefited more than 10,000 businesses and individuals.

It is supported by partners including Arts University Bournemouth, Blake Morgan, Barclays Eagle Labs, Openshaw & Co., Innovate UK, National Biofilms Innovation Centre, Innovate UK ICURe, FSE Group, National Oceanography Centre, DSTL, South Hampshire College Group, Carswell Gould, University of Winchester, University of Southampton, University of Portsmouth, British Business Bank, Creative Network South, and Solent Partners.