Celebrating Innovation at the Tech South West Awards 2024
3D printing materials made from recycled fishing nets, yield-boosting self-tinting greenhouse glass materials and world-leading printed circuit board technology for the aviation industry. These were just a few of the innovations celebrated at the Tech South West Awards 2024.
Now in its sixth year, the Tech South West Awards showcase and celebrate the most innovative, impactful and forward-thinking organisations and individuals from across the region’s thriving tech ecosystem.
The UK’s South West is home to over eighteen thousand tech companies, generating an annual turnover of over £47 billion. And with the number of people employed in the sector set to grow by 26% by 2027, according to research commissioned by Tech South West, it’s a great time to celebrate the tech talent in the westcountry.
Torbay-based QLM took home the coveted Innovation Award, sponsored by Ryan, for their development of advanced quantum lidar cameras to detect and measure greenhouse gas emissions.
ZeroUSV, a Plymouth initiative developing uncrewed surface vessels for a range of applications, was recognised as Tech Company of the Year, sponsored by SH&P.
Bristol firm Neuronostics emerged victorious in the HealthTech category, sponsored by FDB Health, as well as taking home the overall award of the night, THE Tech South West Award, sponsored by SWBC, for their development of technology to speed up the diagnosis and prognosis of epilepsy and similar disorders. The judges praised the company’s “world-leading research, cutting edge tech, great traction with solid investment potential and huge medical impact with potential to transform lives.”
John Terry, Managing Director at Neuronostics, said: “Winning THE Tech South West Award is a huge testament to the hard work put in by the team. Given the amazing quality of other awards winners this year, it’s absolutely amazing to be recognised as the overall winner of the night. We feel privileged to be a part of the Tech South West community.”
Bristol-based Albotherm took home the AgriTech Award, sponsored by South West AgriTech, for their greenhouse technology that can increase crop yields by 34%. In the Best Education Initiative category, sponsored by Train4Tomorrow, Tech Cornwall was recognised for its wide array of talent programmes.
Cornish firm Inyanga Marine took home the MarineTech Award, sponsored by PASD Freeport, for their global work in tidal energy. Professor Tim Dodwell of digiLab was awarded the Tech Leadership Award, sponsored by RWK Goodman, while the Best Startup category, sponsored by University of Exeter and SETsquared Exeter, went to Fishy Filaments, another Cornish company developing the world’s first 3D printer filament made from 100% recycled fishing gear.
Best Application of AI, sponsored by New Future Ventures, was scooped by Additive Catchments for their use of AI in water quality management, while Plymouth firm TRIO Technical Solutions won the CreaTech Award, sponsored by Pytch.
Pippa Clarke, Chair and Head of Technology, Media and Telecoms at Headline Partner Bishop Fleming, said: “The dynamic growth and innovation in the South West’s tech sector is truly inspiring, and we’re committed to championing its success. We extend our best wishes to all participants, celebrating their achievements, creativity, and the vibrant tech ecosystem of the region.”
Professional Apprenticeships won the Commitment to Diversity category, sponsored by Howde, for creating inclusive pathways in tech, while Future Space took home both the Commitment to Talent Award, sponsored by Evo Talent, and Supporting the Sector, sponsored by Business West. Intelligent AI, an insurtech firm based in Exeter and Cornwall, won the FinTech category, sponsored by Access to Finance SW.
The Growth Award, sponsored by Ashfords, went to Graphic PLC, who also scooped the Space & Aviation Award, sponsored by Cornwall Space Cluster. The Devon-based firm was recognised by judges as “an important local employer and hidden regional gem”.
Craig Newman, founder of Get Out Get Love, won the Spotlight Award, sponsored by Bishop Fleming, for what the judges called “an amazing amount of social impact”, while Toby Osbourne, assistant head at Bournemouth School for Girls, took home the TeachTech Award, sponsored by Digital Somerset.
“The calibre of entries we received this year was truly outstanding,” said Dan Pritchard, founder of Tech South West. “The Tech South West community continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with technology, making a positive impact across a range of industries including health research, aerospace, agriculture, artificial intelligence, finance, and more.”
Rav Bumbra, founder of Cajigo, took home the Women in Tech Award, sponsored by Pragma Holis. Tech for Good, sponsored by Countex, went to Exeter-based South West Grid for Learning Trust for their work against online intimate image abuse.
The Sustainability Award, sponsored by Michelmores, went to Bristol-based WASE for their work turning wastewater into energy, with Illumo Digital winning Workplace Culture, sponsored by Angel Investors Bristol.
The popular People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Program and chosen on the night by the audience, was presented to Sophie Mortimer, manager of the Revenge Porn Helpline, which supports and advises victims of online intimate image abuse.
Outstanding entries from across the region were celebrated with the Cluster Awards, sponsored by Headforwards, which went to: iO Academy in Somerset, Cognition Creative Learning in Cornwall, Ben Franklin of BIT Group in Plymouth, Dr Connie Wilson of BAE Systems in Dorset, ExCode in Exeter, Unlock Cyber in Bristol, QLM in Torbay, and Digital Wonderlab in Wiltshire.
Barry Tottle, director of Digital Somerset and a judge at this year’s awards, said of the event: “What better way to shout about what the South West has to offer?”
For more information on the Tech South West Awards, https://www.techsouthwest.co.uk
