13/8/2025
Yachting Ventures (YV) is excited to announce the launch of the Innovation Zone at the 2025 Southampton International Boat Show (SIBS). The Southampton International Boat Show is owned and operated by British Marine (BM), and the Innovation Zone is part of a wider collaboration between BM and YV. This collaboration marks Yachting Ventures’ first official partnership with a UK boat show, creating a dedicated platform to showcase the next generation of marine innovation.
Now in its 56th year, SIBS will take place from 19–28 September 2025 and is recognised as one of the standout events in the global marine calendar. This year, the show expects to welcome around 100,000 attendees, and will host over 600 marine brands. This year’s edition features a revised layout and expanded programme, including ‘The Powerhub’, a curated area for powerboats, jet skis and water toys.
An ideal launchpad for innovation
The Innovation Zone will host 12 selected startups developing solutions for the marine industry, from sustainability and digital technologies to safety innovations and recreational boating products. Centrally located within the show and positioned as a ‘pop-up’ from the 24th – 28th September, the Innovation Zone will provide high visibility for these early-stage companies, positioning them alongside established brands and industry leaders.
This initiative forms part of a wider collaboration between YV and British Marine, the UK’s leading trade association for the leisure, superyacht, and small commercial marine sectors. Both YV and British Marine are committed to helping new businesses grow, providing access to networks, resources, and industry insight, while championing innovation and sustainability.
The UK is rapidly cementing its position as a hub for marine innovation, with multi-million-pound government funding programmes supporting clean propulsion, smart shipping, and sustainable port technology. Combined with the nation’s rich maritime heritage, world-class boatbuilding expertise, and a thriving leisure marine market, this creates a fertile launchpad for startups aiming to scale internationally.
Visibility beyond the show floor
Exhibiting startups will gain exposure to thousands of potential customers, investors, and partners at SIBS, supported by a coordinated marketing campaign from YV. This includes a pre-show press release, social media promotion, and tailored content spotlighting each exhibitor’s story, ensuring visibility extends well beyond the duration of the event.
Gabbi Richardson, Founder of Yachting Ventures, commented:
“We’re thrilled to be bringing a dedicated startup space to one of the UK’s most important marine events and to be collaborating with British Marine, who we feel share our vision of supporting innovation in the industry. The Innovation Zone is designed to give emerging companies a powerful platform to connect with the industry, test ideas, and accelerate their growth in a thriving market.”
Jasmine Hill, Director of Events at British Marine, said:
“The Southampton International Boat Show has always been a showcase for the very best in boating, and the Innovation Zone adds an exciting new dimension for 2025. By bringing early-stage companies into the heart of the show, we’re not only giving them valuable exposure but also connecting our visitors with fresh ideas and technologies that have the potential to shape the future of the industry. It’s a great example of how collaboration can open new doors for businesses and inspire the next generation of marine innovation”.
How to apply
Places in the Innovation Zone are limited to 12 companies. The opportunity is open first to members of the Yachting Ventures community and British Marine members before being released more widely.
Startups interested in exhibiting at SIBS 2025 are encouraged to apply via this link or contact: [email protected] for more information.
