The shortlist includes startups who have developed game-changing innovations including self-healing concrete to improve the lifespan and cut carbon emissions of infrastructure, dissolvable breast implants that allow natural tissue regeneration after a mastectomy, and the world’s first dexterous robot designed for minimally invasive neurosurgery.

The announcement comes as SXSW London reveals it will be hosting a Startup Village during the European debut taking place between 2nd – 7th June 2025, which will serve as the home for early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs. Partners will include Tech Stars, Hot Bed Ventures, the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme, and Start Global.

These announcements reflect the inspiration for the inaugural SXSW London, and its core commitments to celebrating and uncovering future-facing innovations across Europe.

These 20 successful startups from across Europe will come together and compete head-to-head at the SXSW London debut on 3rd and 4th June at the Truman Brewery stage, presenting a three-minute pitch on their business to an audience of angels, investors and media.

The five successful finalists will go on to pitch on 5th June on the main stage, for a chance to win prizes of up to £100,000 along with support for their business. 

Early-stage companies will be judged by SXSW London’s diverse range of advisors, consisting of world-leading investors, entrepreneurs and industry experts across life sciences, deeptech, and creative tech. Judges include leading tech investors and investment managers from Google Deepmind, Johnson & Johnson Ventures, General Catalyst, and Antler.

Anouska D’Abo, Head of Strategic Projects, SXSW London said: “SXSW London centres on celebrating and inspiring future facing innovation and creativity, which is the core of the SXSW ethos. Launching the Start Up Village and Venture Spotlight Competition in London, a beacon for innovation and entrepreneurship, exemplifies this ethos, highlighting the unique innovations driven by startups across Europe and helping the best ideas get the recognition they deserve.”

The competition is aimed at businesses that are affiliated with a university, are founded in 2020 or later, and that have raised £350,000.

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