Immersive holographics, life-saving technology for watersports and next-generation bionic limbs are amongst the array of world-leading innovations from finalists in this year’s Tech South West Awards announced today.
Leading tech companies, initiatives and individuals from across the region make it on to the 2019 shortlist. Celebrating the best ‘tech in the west’, the awards cover Bath, Bristol, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.
Shortlisted for Tech Company of the Year (revenues under £5m) are DeGould (Exeter), Lineal Software Solutions (Barnstaple), Oneserve (Exeter), Rocketmakers (Bristol) and Software Solved (Exeter).
Amdaris (Bristol), Open Bionics (Bristol) and TDK Lambda (Ilfracombe) are the finalists for Tech Company of the Year (revenues £5m and over).
Toby Parkins, Chairman of Tech South West and founder of Cornwall-based software firm, HeadForwards, said: “The South West is pushing the boundaries of technology and it’s brilliant to be celebrating so many achievements with the Tech South West Awards. With so many extraordinary submissions from a huge range of companies, individuals and initiatives, the judging process was incredibly difficult. Huge congratulations to those who have made it through to the shortlist.”
Organisations from Bristol, Bath, Exeter, Plymouth, Taunton and North Devon are amongst those shortlisted.
One Big Circle (Bristol), People Matter Technology (Bournemouth) and Virti (Bristol) are shortlisted for the Best Startup Award, sponsored by DeGould.
Finalists for the Innovation Award, sponsored by Granted Consultancy, are DeGould (Exeter), Neuro Ai (Bath), Cornish Lithium (Cornwall), Paddle Logger (Cornwall), Sparx (Exeter), Tiny Giant (Bristol) and Ultrahaptics (Bristol).
Georgia Stewart of Tumelo (Bristol), Paul Hetherington of Neuro Ai (Bath) and Zara Nanu of Gapsquare (Bristol) are shortlisted for the Tech Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Michelmores.
Finalists for the Tech Research Award, sponsored by the UK Hydrographic Office, are Sparx (Exeter), the University of Plymouth, and UKHO Pipeline (Taunton).
The Best Education Initiative, sponsored by the Heart of the South West LEP and Cornwall & Isles of Scilly LEP Digital Skills Partnerships, sees Exeter College, Software Cornwall, South Devon College and Unlock Cyber (Bristol) shortlisted.
Finalists for the Tech Leadership Award, sponsored by Astley Media, are Richard Godfrey of Rocketmakers (Bristol), Richard Hillum of Claritum (Bath), and Elixel (Plymouth).
The International Success Award sees DeGould (Exeter), Email Hippo (Plymouth), Rockit (Bristol) and Sparkol (Bristol) make the shortlist.
Bluefruit Software (Redruth), Ghyston (Bristol), Rocketmakers (Bristol), Singer Instruments (Roadwater) and Storm Consultancy (Bristol) have been shortlisted for the Best Tech Workplace Award.
More than 25 tech experts were involved in the judging, including representatives from Astley Media, BT, Cosmic, Digital Plymouth, Digital Taunton, Engine Shed, Software Cornwall, Tech Exeter and TechSPARK.
Shortlisted for the Sustainable Tech Award are LettUs Grow (Bristol), PyroCore (Bristol) and SunGift Energy (Exeter). Stephen Amor (Cornwall) and Petroc (North Devon) are the finalists for the Teach Tech Award. Finalists for the Best Scaleup Award are Oneserve (Exeter) and Ultrahaptics (Bristol). The Commitment to Diversity Award sees _nology (Bristol), Bluescreen IT (Plymouth) and ExIST (Exeter) nominated.
For the Contribution to the Community Award, sponsored by the Western Morning News, Alex Roland of Your IT Now (Taunton), Heath and Care Videos (Torbay) and Web Wise Media (Exeter) are finalists.
Gary Hall, CEO of Cornwall-based internet service provider WebMate, Headline Sponsor of the awards, said: “We’re delighted to be helping celebrate and showcase some of the amazing organisations and individuals across the region that are driving forward innovation and growth, helping to make technology the fastest growing sector in the region’s economy. Congratulations to the finalists. The variety and world-leading quality of work that is being recognised is incredible.”
Judges also looked at the standout entries in local areas, for special Cluster Awards covering Digital Northern Devon, Digital Plymouth, Digital Taunton, Engine Shed, Software Cornwall, Tech Exeter, and TechSPARK that will be announced on the night.
The winners will be announced at the Tech South West Awards ceremony at Exeter Castle on Wednesday 27 November. Tickets to the ceremony will go on sale on Eventbrite in the coming weeks.
