v INDEPENDENT, LOCAL AND PROUD v 9th January 2025 • The HERALD • Page 59 ASK A PROFESSIONAL Biotech, and Online Stage at Venturefest South with an insightful keynote on creativity and innovation in the dynamic gaming industry. “It was an honour to share my experiences with the next generation of game developers,” he said. Award-Winning Talent and Interactive Highlights e VFS Awards recognised exceptional talent: • Securium: Innovator of the Year • MyTender.IO: Early-Stage Innovator Award • Enertor: Winner of the Open Mic Competition Emerging talents pitched groundbreaking ideas in the New Entrepreneurs Zone, while the Investment Hub o ered crucial insights on funding and scaling businesses. Other festival highlights included: • Cutting-edge ocean science discussions in the Ocean Hub, led by the National Oceanography Centre. • Outdoor displays featuring a humanpowered aircra and an autonomous underwater vehicle. • e vibrant Gaming Hub, where participants engaged with gaming innovators and enjoyed interactive arcade experiences. A Catalyst for Innovation in the South Venturefest South’s year-long programme has positively impacted over 10,000 businesses and individuals. It is supported by key partners: 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. “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.” added Ed Gould. For more details, visit www. venturefestsouth.co.uk Continued from page 58 National Funding Boost for Regional Maritime Sector Announced Maritime UK (MUK) Solent is one of nine regional maritime cluster organisations recognised by the Government and set to bene t from the Maritime Cluster Development Fund (MCDF). MUK Solent has secured £85,000 from the total £1m fund, announced on 6th December, which is designed to help maritime cluster organisations secure investment for local industries and deliver skills, training, and educational programmes. Maritime Minister, Mike Kane, said: “The UK is a proud maritime nation, with our coastal communities being vital in unleashing our full potential and unlocking economic growth across the country. By investing in our excellent maritime clusters, we can deliver jobs, skills and training for local communities and turbocharge growth by delivering investment into the sector”. Stuart Baker, Managing Director of Maritime UK Solent, said: “This is a real boost for MUK Solent and the Solent’s world class maritime sector. This fund recognises the important role the maritime sector has for our nation, but also within coastal communities – many of which face significant social and economic challenges. A flourishing maritime sector can raise prosperity levels and improve futures. As part of this funding organisations need to provide match funding from industry – and we are so grateful for the support of the local businesses to help secure this funding. This grant funding comes at a perfect time as we work towards our ambition of cementing the Solent, along with the exceptional maritime industry, research, and training here, as a global maritime centre of excellence. We have recently launched a membership programme which, along with this funding, will allow us to work more closely with our members and this funding will help us develop a better understanding of the economic impact of the sector locally and its strategic importance to the UK economy. The funding will help us do more of what industry needs – getting young people enthused about careers in maritime, supporting businesses to grow, and convening the sector to collaborate and trade. We will also build on the international collaborations we have established and our commitment to champion the Solent’s incredible maritime sector on the global stage. The maritime sector makes up around 25% of the local economic output of our region and supports almost 140,000 jobs. Like many coastal communities in the UK, this area has its share of employment and skills challenges. It is therefore critical that the Solent’s maritime sector strives to reach its full potential and, in turn, makes a real difference for the economic prosperity of our communities”. Maritime UK Solent membership is an inclusive membership programme designed to further raise the pro les of local businesses, provide greater opportunities to network, collaborate, and in uence national maritime policies. Full details of the range of membership bene ts including unparalleled access to numerous high-pro le events can be found at https://muksolent.com/ become-a-member/
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