Best of the West in Tech revealed as Tech South South West Awards shortlist announced

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.

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.

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. ”

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).

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.

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.

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.