Applications are now open for Venture Spotlight, a university-affiliated startup pitch competition taking place at SXSW London in June 2026. The programme is designed to platform Europe’s most promising startups emerging from academic institutions across deep tech, life sciences, climate tech, and design & interactive media. Venture Spotlight offers founders a rare opportunity to present their work on a global stage: connecting with investors, industry leaders, partners, and new audiences beyond their immediate discipline.
Prizes for the competition include
• £100k as first prize;
• £50k as second prize;
• £25k as third prize
• All given in the form of ASA/SAFE investments
As a semi-finalists, you will be asked to pitch on stage at SXSW London in June 2026. If you apply, your application will be reviewed by SXSW London programming team and our jury including investors from funds including Albion VC, Amadeus Capital, Google Deep Mind, Sofinnova Partners, Cherry Ventures, Mercia Ventures, Speed Invest, General Catalyst, Local Globe and more. Full jury will be announced later this month.
Key dates for Venture Spotlight Competition 2026:
12th January 2026 – Submissions Open
8th March (23:59 GMT) 2026 - Submissions Close
10th March – 15th March – SXSW London Internal Scoring
16th March – 22nd April – Advisory Board Scoring
24th April – Successful and unsuccessful applicants notified
4th May – Top 20 Announced
1st – 6th June (SXSW London festival):
2nd June – Semi Final Workshops
3rd June – Semi Finals
4th June (AM) – Finals
4th June (PM) – Venture Spotlight Lunch
| Application Deadline |
08/03/2026 |
| Application required? |
Apply Here |
