Venture Spotlight at SXSW London 2026 – Apply Now!
Applications are now open for Venture Spotlight, the university-affiliated startup pitch competition taking place during SXSW London (1-6 June 2026). Designed to highlight Europe’s most promising academic spinouts and research-driven ventures, the programme focuses on startups emerging from deep tech, life sciences, climate tech, and design & interactive media.
University ecosystems continue to produce world-class research and breakthrough technologies. Yet translating that innovation into scalable companies often requires visibility, capital, and the right network. Venture Spotlight offers exactly that: a chance for selected founders to pitch live on stage at SXSW London, connect with international investors and industry leaders, and position their ventures beyond the academic environment.
The competition awards growth capital in the form of ASA/SAFE investments:
- £100,000 (first prize)
- £50,000 (second prize)
- £25,000 (third prize)
Applications will be reviewed by the SXSW London programming team alongside a jury composed of investors from leading funds, including Albion VC, Amadeus Capital, Google DeepMind, Sofinnova Partners, Cherry Ventures, Mercia Ventures, Speedinvest, General Catalyst, and LocalGlobe, among others.
At Connectology, we strongly believe in the power of university-born innovation, particularly when supported with the right risk frameworks and investment readiness strategies. Programmes like Venture Spotlight play an important role in bridging research and market, giving founders the opportunity to test their narrative, attract smart capital, and accelerate responsibly.
For academic founders considering their next stage of growth, this is an opportunity worth exploring.
To learn more or submit an application, visit the official Venture Spotlight page.
https://www.sxswlondon.com/sxsw-london-venture-spotlight-2026
