
SXSW London Venture Spotlight
Extending Deadline for Submissions to Thursday 19th March.
What is Venture Spotlight?
Venture Spotlight is SXSW London’s university-affiliated pitch competition, designed to platform emerging startups developing technologies that felt like science fiction just a few years ago. From deep tech and life sciences to climate solutions and immersive media, Venture Spotlight exists to accelerate ideas that have the potential to shape the future.

2026 Prizes

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First Prize: £100k investment + on-stage slot at SXSW Pitch in Austin

In 2025, first prize (£100,000) was awarded to the Kneu Health, a health-tech app that turns your mobile phone into an FDA-approved device to monitor and manage Alzeihmer's and Parkinson's. Caroline Cake has since raised <£4M as they expand to the UK.

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Second Prize: £50k investment + tickets to SXSW in Austin

In 2025, second Prize (£50,000) was awarded to a Mimicrete, new type of concrete manufacturing company that has developed a biometric lattice, which can be used to deliver any and all self-healing agents, extending the lifespan of concrete from 6 to 60 years.

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Third Prize: £25k + ticket to SXSW in Austin

In 2025, third Prize (£25,000) was awarded to XRLabs, a company that uses Artifical Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) to help surgeons prepare for real life surgeries and to train. Ali Hadad's technology at XRLabs was named Best Technology of 2025 by Time.
Why Apply To Venture Spotlight?

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Pitch in Front of Decision-Makers

Your startup will be seen by venture capitalists, angel investors, corporates, media and early adopters — all actively scouting what’s next in deep tech, life sciences and beyond.

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Access Capital & Early Adopters

Compete for up to £100k in investment and unlock a pathway to SXSW Austin. Venture Spotlight connects founders with capital, visibility among early adopters and international opportunity at a critical stage of growth.

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Founder-First Experience

Semi-finalists receive hands-on support, workshops, marketing exposure and professional content designed to help you grow long after the festival ends.
Venture Spotlight Key Dates
Applicants Notified (Successful & Unsuccessul)
24 April 2026
Top 20 Announced
4 May 2026
Semi Finals
3 June 2026
Finals
4 June 2026
Applicant Experience
Every application is reviewed by the SXSW London programming team and an advisory board of 20+ venture capital and angel investors.
Semi-finalists receive:
Feature across SXSW London marketing channels (social, email, website, press)
2 x SXSW London Festival Passes
A surprise giveaway at the festival
1 VC-led workshop on how to pitch
1 executive coaching workshop on culture management & development
3-minute live pitch on stage (professionally filmed and recorded)
Professional photography on stage and with competitors
Potential press coverage with SXSW London media partners
Complimentary travel and accommodation for non-London founders

Eligibility Criteria for 2026
To apply, startups must:
Have raised at least £350k in equity funding
Be founded in 2021 or later
Be non-US based
Be university affiliated (alumni, faculty or students; not limited to spinouts)
Eligible sectors include:
Life Sciences, Biotech & Healthtech
Deep Tech & Robotics
Climate Tech & Sustainability
AR, VR, Design & Interactive Media
Full eligibility details are available in the Terms & Conditions.

Venture Spotlight Jury
Festival Passes
Choose the perfect pass for your SXSW London experience
Fast Track Platinum Pass Pick-Up
Priority Advance Booking Access: Choose Two Conference Sessions per day
24-hour Window for Special Music & Screen RSVP Events
Priority Queue Access at Venues
Platinum Lounge Access with Complimentary Refreshments
Platinum Opening Mixer Party
Priority Access to Music Festival & Party
Priority Access to Screen Festival & Party
Festival Opening Party
Includes All Festival Pass Benefits
Conference Access to an Incredible Line-up of Keynotes, Panels and Fireside Chats
Music Festival Access
Screen Festival Access
Mentor Sessions & Workshops
Networking Meet Ups
Brand Experience & Brand Houses
Festival Opening Party
Music Party
Screen Party
SXSW London Pitch Sessions
Screen Festival Access
Access to Screen, Sound & Story track in Conference only
Screen Mentor Sessions & Workshops
Networking Sessions (Screen only)
Brand Experience & Brand Houses
Music Party
Screen Party
Festival Opening Party
Music Festival Access
Access to Screen, Sound & Story track in Conference only
Music Mentor Sessions & Workshops
Networking Sessions (Music only)
Brand Experience & Brand Houses
Music Party
Screen Party
Festival Opening Party
Join SXSW London 2026. Shape the Future.
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