Venturefest West Midlands returns for 2026

Venturefest West Midlands – the largest gathering of entrepreneurs and innovators from across the region – will take place in the Black Country for the first time.

The Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton is the venue for the popular event on Tuesday, 10 March, co-hosted by West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and Innovation Alliance for the West Midlands, and sponsored by Medilink Midlands.

Now in its 11th year, Venturefest West Midlands brings together some of the brightest minds in the business and academic worlds, offering a unique platform to raise their profile by connecting them with influential decision-makers, national investors, partners and support organisations.

The one-day event is also an opportunity to hear from inspirational speakers and take part in panel discussions and workshops. There will also be an exhibition of innovative products.

Running alongside Venturefest WM for another year will be Pitch Up, a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style competition for business owners. This year’s £15,000 cash prize is the biggest in the competition’s history.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “I’m really excited about Venturefest this year. It’s bringing together a new generation of innovators to showcase the bright ideas and cutting-edge research that I truly believe can breathe new life into our economy.

“I’m incredibly proud of our global innovation heritage, and my Growth Plan is all about backing the people who will take it forward and harnessing the entrepreneurial energy of tech pioneers working in fast-growing areas like digital healthcare, AI and the creative sector.

“What matters most to me is turning those ideas into thriving businesses and high-quality jobs right here in the West Midlands, in industries that will shape our future just as profoundly as the factories and forges shaped our past.”

Melanie Davidson, CEO of Medilink Midlands and executive lead for the West Midlands Health Technologies Cluster (WMHTC), said: “Venturefest West Midlands is a powerful celebration of the ideas, talent and entrepreneurial ambition that exist across our region.

“As Headline Fusion Sponsor, Medilink Midlands is delighted to support an event that not only inspires innovation but actively connects founders with the investors, partners and expertise they need to grow.

"Events like Venturefest play a vital role in strengthening the West Midlands as a globally competitive place to start and scale a business.”

Pitch Up is run by the Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at Aston University, University of Birmingham Enterprise and Minerva Business Angels, part of the University of Warwick Science Park.

Over the past 10 years the competition has put more than 250 entrepreneurs directly in front of investors and helped bring more than £75 million of investment to the region's small businesses.

This year’s winner will get £15,000 to invest in their businesses, £1,500 of mentoring support and direct access to Minerva Business Angels, one of the UK’s leading angel networks.

Two runners up will each get £1,000 and £1,500 of mentoring support.

To apply businesses must be based in the West Midlands, have some traction already and be looking for up to £500,000 of investment.

The deadline for applications is Monday, January 19, on the PitchUp website.

This year’s prize fund has been made possible through Venturefest WM funds and a significant contribution from Emeritus Professor Mark Hart, the first-ever Professor of Entrepreneurship at Aston University.

Information about Venturefest WM 2025, including how to register to attend and opportunities to exhibit or to sponsor is available on the Venturefest website.