Shortlist unveiled: 300 entries across 25 categories
The Tech South West Awards 2025 shortlists is today being revealed with an array of categories and entrants – heralding breakthroughs in AI through, innovations in health and pioneering ways to tackle climate change.
The awards are now in their seventh year and highlight the work undertaken across the tech sector in Bath, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.
More than 30 judges, including investors and business leaders, met at the Firepool Digital Centre in Taunton to discuss and decide the finalists. This year’s awards saw over 300 entries across 25 categories.
‘The calibre of entries this year is outstanding. From early-stage startups to established scaleups, the shortlists shine a light on the ambition, creativity and impact of the South West tech community,’ says Dan Pritchard, founder of Tech South West.
‘It’s inspiring to see such a breadth of innovation, from marine and space technologies to fintech, agritech, digital health and AI.’
The AI Award finalists include: Deciphex, Ingenium AI, Rocketmakers and Olivia AI Network.
The best place to work shortlist includes: Boo Consulting, City College Plymouth, Cognition Creative Learning, Ghyston, Hiyield and Signable.
‘Region’s vibrant and innovative tech community’
‘We’re proud to return as headline partner for the Tech South West Awards, continuing our support for the region’s vibrant and innovative tech community,’ says Dan White, Accountancy Partner at Headline Partner Bishop Fleming.
‘These awards shine a spotlight on the exceptional talent and forward-thinking businesses driving progress across the South West. We are looking forward to seeing all the nominations, and coming together to mark their success in November.’
The Best Startup category sees a number of emerging businesses making the shortlist: 99Rated, Castle Combe Mercantile, Includiverse, Jam Up!, Simantea, SUITCASEƎ and Surgassist.
The CleanTech shortlist includes: Altilium Clean Technology, Energy Helper, Marine Zero, Masters Recycling, Metpow, QLM Technology and Quor.
Organisers explain that diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the region’s tech sector. The shortlist includes: Includiverse, Jam Up! and the University of Exeter Degree Apprenticeships in the Commitment to Diversity category.
The CreaTech shortlist includes Amutri, Castle Combe Mercantile, Stamp Certified and TRIO Technical Solutions.
Ground-breaking science is showcased in DeepTech, with Cineon, Deciphex and Ingenium AI shortlisted. While EdTech, sponsored by Train4Tomorrow, includes,City College Plymouth, Excode, Techosaurus and West Country Rivers Trust.
The FinTech category features Cardstream, Joiin and PixieBooks – Bluefruit Labs. While the finalists for the Growth Award, sponsored by Ashfords, are Exacta Technologies, Giraffe CCTV, Joiin and Stannp.com
Future Space: Winners of Tech South West’s Supporting the Sector 2024 award. Image: GRW Photography.
‘These awards shine a spotlight on the exceptional talent’
In HealthTech, sponsored by FDB Health, breakthroughs improving lives include Boost Innovations, Deciphex, éclateral – The O-pal Rapid Test System, Ingenium AI and MyCelsius Breakthrough Cooling System.
The Innovation category, sponsored by RWK Goodman, celebrates Altilium Clean Technology, Deciphex, MyCelsius Breakthrough Cooling System, Rapid Fusion, Sora Aviation and SpaceAM.
MarineTech innovations are represented by Blue Abyss, Marine Zero and Metpow, while the Space and Aviation shortlist includes Cineon, Sora Aviation and SpaceAM.
Supporting talent includes Adopstar, Evo Academy, Future Space and the University of Exeter Degree Apprenticeships.
The Supporting the Sector Award, sponsored by Business West, recognises the organisations strengthening the South West’s innovation ecosystem.
The finalists are City College Plymouth, Exeter Science Park, Michelmores, Science Creates, SW Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Team and the University of Exeter Degree Apprenticeships.
Shortlisted for the Sustainability Award, sponsored by Michelmores includes Green Power Solutions, Marine Zero, Metpow, MVV Environment Devonport, QED Web Design and QLM Technology.
The prestigious Tech Company of the Year category, sponsored by EY Parthenon, celebrates outstanding achievement in innovation, growth and culture. This year’s finalists are Deciphex, Exacta Technologies, Ghyston, Leafe, Signable and Stannp.
The People’s Choice Award
The shortlist for the Tech for Good category, includes: Altilium Clean Technology, Deciphex, Hobbs Rehabilitation Intensive Neurotherapy, Made Open and Tech4Good South West.
Angel Investors Bristol, Bethnal Green Ventures, FSE Group (SWIF Fund), Haatch, Maven (SWIF Fund), SFC Capital and Wealth Club are shortlisted for Tech Investor of the Year.
The Tech Leadership shortlist includes, Dr Harris, Furqan, Matt Ville, Professor John Terry, Ric Hill and TRIO Technical Solutions.
Women in Tech recognises Caitlin Gould, Dr Jenny Fitzgerald, Emily Hill, Katie Higgins, Lucy Beck & Sonia Batey, and Milaana Mainstone for their contributions to the region’s technology sector.
The Cluster Award will celebrate one outstanding entry from each cluster area, selected by cluster organisations Digital Plymouth, Digital Somerset, Silicon South in Dorset, Tech Cornwall, Tech Exeter, TechSPARK in Bristol and the Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster.
The People’s Choice Award is set up to give the wider community a chance to get involved.
Nominations are made in advance via social media, with attendees casting their votes live on the night to crown this year’s winner.
One overall winner will be revealed on the night, chosen from all the category winners for THE Tech South West Award.
Tickets for the ceremony are now available. The event takes place on Wednesday 19 November at Sandy Park in Exeter.
