Home - VentureFest

30th & 31st March 2022

Welcome to VentureFest 2022

Bringing the North East business community back together, VentureFest North East is set to inspire with opportunities for regional start-ups, scale-ups and entrepreneurs to network, collaborate and learn.

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The leading innovation conference in the North East

VentureFest North East is a leading innovation conference designed to help North East entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs grow their business through connections, inspiring speakers and practical workshops.

The event will take place on Wednesday 30th March and Thursday 31st March 2022 and is set to be the most accessible VentureFest North East yet.

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Speakers

Meet the speakers

VentureFest North East speakers are a diverse range of inspirational local and global talent who draw on their experience to inspire North East businesses to innovate.

Simon Allocca

CFO, Rarecan

Roderick Beer

Managing Director, UK Business Angels Association

Carol Bell OBE

Strategic Advisor for the North of Tyne Cultural & Creative Sector Investment Programme

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Programme

This years highlights

We are busy planning this year’s event but take a look at last year’s agenda

Networking

Fireside Chat: Changing the face of investing

Welcome to the Accelerating and Investment Summit with Estelle Blanks, CEO of Innovation SuperNetwork

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Awards

North East Innovation Awards

The North East Innovation Awards celebrate the diverse range of innovation happening across the region in six categories.

Creative & Digital

In partnership with Jumping Rivers

This award shines a light on those regional businesses who are truly disrupting business or society with innovative creative or…

Energy & Sustainability

In partnership with Northumbrian Water

Innovation in the energy industry has never been more important. This award celebrates businesses that are positively impacting the environment…

Healthcare & Life Sciences

In partnership with Ward Hadaway

Healthcare innovation is critical to ensuring we're living our happiest, healthiest lives for longer. Here we celebrate the innovative products,…

Innovation of the Year

In partnership with North East BIC

Innovation of the Year celebrates the most inspiring and transformative innovation to be demonstrated as part of the VentureFest North…

Manufacturing

In partnership with SAM Project, University of Sunderland

This award celebrates those regional companies who are saving costs, quickening turnaround or using innovative manufacturing techniques to become more…

Social

In partnership with believe housing

Meet the innovators who are changing the word, enriching society and transforming lives through social innovation.

Showcase

Innovation Showcase

The Innovation Showcase is our chance to shine a light on innovative businesses across Tyne and Wear, Northumberland and Durham.

Affotek

Affotek produces wearable technology that monitors brain function, allowing monitoring of chronic diseases, the environment, and vulnerable people in the…

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