In a year where Cornwall faces unprecedented economic shifts with the removal of Shared Prosperity Funding, a housing and skills crisis, the need for a more connected, inclusive growth strategy, events like Slush’D are no longer “nice-to-haves.” They are economic infrastructure.
And the proof is in the feedback: overwhelmingly positive, filled with thanks, momentum, and a clear call to “do more of this.”
As we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, we want to take a moment to reflect on why Slush’D is becoming the standout event for startups, scaleups and investors in the South West, and why it needs your support.
A Platform for a New Cornwall
Slush’D isn’t just another event, it’s a manifestation of the Cornwall Growth Plan, the Events Strategy 2025-2030, and the long-term vision for a clean, fair, and inclusive economy.
We are working to make Cornwall:
- Economically diversified
- More confident in its green, digital and tech sectors
- Better connected to national and global investors
- A place where young people stay to build, not leave to survive
Slush’D answers that call. It brings investors, innovators, and ideas directly into the heart of Cornwall, helping to rewrite the narrative of our region, from a seasonal destination to a year-round innovation engine.
Why Tickets Aren’t Free?
Let’s talk about this.
We know some people have questioned why there’s a ticket price. The reality is: Cornwall Slush’D is completely unfunded.
We’ve received no public funding and Slush are unable to support financially. There’s no big pot of government support. The event only happens because of:
- Our generous sponsors
- Your ticket purchases
- Tech Cornwall managing the organisation for free
Every pound of ticket income goes directly into making the event happen. From the speakers and venue to the infrastructure that allows startups to connect with capital, we’re doing this with purpose, not profit.
Making Cornwall Investable
In the wake of the Shared Prosperity Fund cliff-edge, Cornwall needs to create new mechanisms for attracting investment and innovation.
Slush’D does exactly that.
By convening:
- National and international investors
- Entrepreneurs
- Policy-shapers and civic leaders
- Curious students and future founders
…we’re creating a space for growth. Slush’D is just the start of an ongoing movement.
It supports:
- The Cornwall Events Strategy by growing a year-round, regenerative event calendar
- The FutureDotNow roadmap by raising digital confidence and skills in our region
- The new industrial strategy by making our distinctive sectors: marine, space, agri-tech, digital and renewables all investable and visible
The messages of thanks, the energy in the room, the collaborations already in motion, they all point to one thing: we’re on the right track.
We believe Cornwall can lead the UK in showing how rural regions build resilient, tech-powered economies. This is a community-powered event so do drop us a message if you’d like to talk more [email protected].
