Revealed: Five Pitchfest finalists to take centre stage at Venturefest Yorkshire

Venturefest Yorkshire, an event for entrepreneurs, innovators and investor, is set to take place on Wednesday 16 November at York Racecourse.

This year’s line-up of keynote speakers include Kate Russell, Technology Reporter for the BBC, Tony Fish, Co Founder of Fab Lab London and serial entrepreneur, Hull-based Jonathan Elvidge, founder of the Gadget Shop and RED5.

As part of the event, 48 Pitchfest entrants from Yorkshire have now been whittled down to five finalists covering medical diagnostics, healthy skincare, an online solution for supply teachers, a digital quiz application and Desi High Street, a company specialising in ethnic fashion.

Each of the five entrepreneurs will be competing in the live finals in front of the public, and investors, for a £5k cash prize and a package of business growth support.

The five Pitchfest finalists are:

Rocket Horse Ltd (Kwizzbit) - Mark Walsh - Leeds

Kwizzbit is the worlds’ first cross network interactive pub quiz played using a smartphone or smart device.

Clearsky Medical Diagnostics - Dr Stephen Smith - Cottingham

ClearSky Medical Diagnostics specialises in medical devices for the diagnosis and monitoring of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and a range of other neurodegenerative conditions.

Myroo Skincare - Rachael Dunseath - Harrogate

The UK’s first totally ‘free from’ skincare brand. All the products are natural, organic and vegan. The skincare range is free from all 14 food allergens, for those with sensitive skin.

Desi High Street - Kuljit Thiaray - Leeds

An online marketplace for businesses and retailers who sell ethnic/desi/South Asian goods.

Supply Box – Chloe Mortimer - Bradford

Supply Box is an online platform matching schools with high quality, fully vetted supply teachers.

Dermot Boylan, project manager for Venturefest Yorkshire, said: “We have put together an action-packed day that is designed to be thought provoking, stimulating and entertaining.

“8 keynote speakers, over 70 exhibitors, 5 Pitchfest finalists, 20 Innovation Showcase finalists, 8 seminars, 16 ‘meet the expert’ sessions, 2 Google Digital Garage sessions and 2 Sky master-classes means there is something for just about everyone but with a real focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.

James Newman, chair of the Venturefest organising committee added that “this year Venturefest Yorkshire will have a real creative buzz about it with some fantastic new ideas and innovations, a real opportunity for the investor community to spot some great businesses for the future.”

Venturefest will also offer attendees free sessions with financial and skills advisors, master-classes led by Google and Sky and the DIT touring export hub. The Export Hub will bring together advice and practical guidance for all businesses on how they can find customers overseas for their products and services.

Dermot added: “As well as it being a very valuable day for business people, we also want to make it an entertaining day with the emphasis on ‘festival’.”

“We have created a mock-up elevator for real, live ‘elevator pitches’, we have someone demonstrating a ‘smart’ stable for horses and, to close the day off, we’ll be serving curry and beer with some rather innovative entertainment.

“We have worked hard to ensure that Venturefest Yorkshire 2016 is relevant to the whole of Yorkshire and we hope that as many people as possible invest a day in what is a fresh and exciting programme. It’s certainly not to be missed.”

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