Around 300 startups, investors, and policymakers gathered for the London launch event, which featured a showcase of pioneering technologies ranging from next-generation neural implants to biodegradable aerogels for extreme environments.

With a global track record of activating 20 innovation ecosystems from Cambridge (MA) to Tokyo and Berlin, Venture Café is bringing its signature Thursday Gatherings to London, where it is based at the FORA Jellicoe building in the heart of the knowledge quarter, from 5th June.

Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, said: “The opening of Venture Cafe London is a great opportunity for our talented startup founders to link with investors, test bold new ideas, and grow their businesses. Ensuring our city leads innovation is vital as we continue to build a thriving, fairer, more prosperous London for all.”

Tim Rowe, Chair and Founder, Venture Café Global Institute, said: “Collaboration is innovation’s greatest ally – the best idea in the world cannot flourish in a vacuum. The UK is already buzzing with know-how, talent and ambition – we’re here to help connect those dots and facilitate the tech breakthroughs of the future.”

Innovation showcase highlights:

• MintNeuro – London-based company pioneering semiconductor-based neural implants to enhance treatment for neurological conditions
• Quantum Dice – spin-out from the University of Oxford, specialising in quantum random number generators (QRNGs) for secure communications
• TG0 – London-based company transforming physical surfaces into intuitive touch interfaces using proprietary sensing technology
• Nanoplume – Cambridge-based startup developing biodegradable bio-aerogels for high-performance thermal insulation
• Prospectral – Cambridge-based startup creating ultra-compact hyperspectral imaging cameras for material detection and analysis
• Connectome – Zurich-based neuroscience-powered brain scanning platform that uses a 30-minute hardware-based neuroimaging session to measure 45+ neural markers

Two additional UK Venture Cafes will be launched in partnership with ARIA in Autumn 2025.