Top tech firms and Covid Heroes revealed as Tech South West Awards shortlists announced
Robotic underwater surveys, life-saving technology to accelerate epilepsy diagnosis and a tech platform supplying over 100 million items of PPE are amongst the array of world-leading innovations and initiatives unveiled as finalists in this year's Tech South West Awards.
Leading tech companies and individuals from across the region make it on to the 2020 shortlists.
From Bristol and Bath, the finalists are Rovco, Brian Allen of Rovco, Rocketmakers, Richard Godfrey of Rocketmakers, FluoretiQ, Tumelo, Sparkol, Neighbourly, Mayden Academy, Harry Cobbold of Haio, David Kelly or Storm Consultancy, Vlad Nanu & Andy Rogers of Amdaris, Amdaris, Storm Consultancy and One Big Circle.
From Devon and Cornwall, the finalists include Value Xd, Neuronostics, SETsquared Partnership, Chris Phippen of Hatless Studios, FDB (First Databank), Sparx, West Exe School, Anthony Martin of Exeter College, the Heart of the South West LEP Digital Skills Partnership, Software Solved, Filmily, Cosmic, Simon Goode of Cosmic, Adopstar, Applegate, Data Duopoly, Codices, Ocean 3D, Plotty, Ultramed, TECgirls, Crowdfunder, TSG Technology Services, Chess Dynamics, Moortec Semiconductor, BMT, Frontier Technical, EyeControl, imployable, Rowe IT and South Devon College.
The Awards cover Bath, Bristol, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.
Software Solved, Storm Consultancy, One Big Circle, Rocketmakers and Neighbourly are shortlisted for Tech Company of the Year (revenues up to £5m), sponsored by Plymouth Science Park. Rovco and Amdaris are the finalists for Tech Company of the Year (revenues £5m+), sponsored by Michelmores.
The new Hero Award, sponsored by Cathedral Appointments, recognises companies who moved quickly to support the response to Covid-19. The finalists are Cosmic, Applegate and Sparx.
Toby Parkins, Chairman of Tech South West, said: "In a tough year it is humbling and inspiring to witness the exceptional array of technology talent we have in the South West.
"Brilliant individuals and organisations are making waves within our region and on a global scale. A huge thank you to the tech community, our partners, sponsors, judges and of course this year's entrants who have made the awards possible this year. This collective effort is credit to the supportive and collaborative technology community we have in the region."
Shortlisted for the HealthTech Award, sponsored by FDB (First Databank), are EyeControl, Neuronostics, TSG Technology Services and Ultramed.
Airway Medical, Codices, FluoretiQ and Tumelo are shortlisted for the Best Start Up Award, sponsored by Storm Consultancy.
Finalists for the Innovation Award, sponsored by Granted Consultancy, are Codices, Data Duopoly, Filmily, Rocketmakers and Rovco.
Paul Coles, English Regions Director at BT Group, Lead Partner for the awards, said: "We are thrilled to be the lead partner of the Tech South West awards this year. We sponsored last year's inaugural awards where the very best in our tech sector were recognised and rewarded. There has been a rapid expansion of recognised tech clusters in the South West, with around 2,000 businesses now part of the network. This is hugely important for us, as it will inspire young people to think about their future working lives in the South West.
"While farming, fishing, agriculture and tourism have been bedrock sectors for the region, our burgeoning tech sector will help ensure we have a more 'balanced economy'. It's going to be another stellar awards night for the Tech South West community!"
Brian Allen of Rovco, David Kelly of Storm Consultancy, Vlad Nanu and Andy Rogers of Amdaris, Harry Cobbold of Haio and Richard Godfrey of Rocketmakers are shortlisted for the Tech Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Propeller Tech.
Finalists for the Tech Research Award, sponsored by AeroSpace Cornwall, are BMT and Ocean 3D.
The Best Education Initiative, sponsored by the Heart of the South West LEP and Cornwall & Isles of Scilly LEP Digital Skills Partnerships, sees Ocean 3D, South Devon College, Sparx and West Exe School shortlisted.
Finalists for the Tech Leadership Award, sponsored by Astley Media, are Chris Phippen of Hatless Studios and the SETsquared Partnership.
Pippa Clarke, Head of Technology, Innovation and Growth at Supporting Partner Bishop Fleming, said: "We are delighted to be supporting this year's Tech South West Awards, at a time where the world couldn't be more reliant on the innovative, creative and revolutionary ideas that tech business leaders bring to market. The quality of this year's entries was extremely high. We look forward to bringing the community together and celebrating soon!"
The International Success Award, sponsored by Stephens Scown LLP, sees Chess Dynamics, Moortec Semiconductor and Sparkol make the shortlist.
FDB (First Databank), Mintivo, Moortec Semiconductor, Rocketmakers and Singer Instruments have been shortlisted for the Best Tech Workplace Award, sponsored by Project (SW).
Shortlisted for the Sustainable Tech Award, sponsored by the UK Hydrographic Office are Frontier Technical, Neighbourly, Plotty and Value Xd.
Anthony Martin of Exeter College and Simon Goode of Cosmic are the finalists for the Teach Tech Award, sponsored by Software Solved.
Chris Dyson, Head of Tech at Supporting Partner Ashfords, said: "We are delighted to support the Tech South West Awards, which has seen tremendous backing from the region's tech leaders. Ashfords has a highly experienced team based in the South West, providing specialist legal support to South West businesses as well as national and international tech growth companies and investment funds, so we are dedicated to promoting the region and collaboration in the tech community.
"The standard and breadth of companies on the shortlist this year demonstrates how the South West is continuing to develop its already strong tech reputation."
Finalists for the Best Scale Up Award, sponsored by Rocketmakers are Amdaris, Moortec Semiconductor, Rovco and Rowe IT.
The Commitment to Diversity Award sees Mayden Academy and TECgirls nominated.
For the Contribution to the Community Award, Adopstar, Crowdfunder, the Heart of the South West LEP Digital Skills Partnership and imployable are finalists.
Individual winners for the Local Cluster Awards, sponsored by Headforwards, covering Digital Northern Devon, Digital Plymouth, Digital Taunton, Engine Shed, Software Cornwall, Tech Exeter, TechSPARK, Tech Swindon and Silicon South, will be announced on the night.
The People's Choice Award, sponsored by Xcina Consulting, will also be decided during the awards ceremony.
The live digital awards ceremony is on Thursday November 26.
More than 35 tech experts were involved in the judging, including representatives from Astley Media, BT, Bishop Fleming, Ashfords, Digital Plymouth, Digital Taunton, Engine Shed, Software Cornwall, Tech Exeter and TechSPARK, Silicon South and Tech Swindon.
Tickets to the ceremony are available at: https://hopin.to/events/tech-south-west-awards-2020
