Tech South West

A storm brews in the bowels of the UK’s innovation engine. 🌩️ The country’s technological and economic advancement is underpinned by a world-class higher education sector. But that industry teeters precariously on the edge of a financial crisis. Find out why that could spell bad news for tech, and for regions like the South West in particular: https://lnkd.in/dyxUSFrS #TechFunding #Universities #TechSector #InnovationFunding Rob Nicholls Ben Cooper Alan Furley Magdalena King Edward Tellwright Chris Wardle Wo King Paul Jones Paul Coles

Exciting news from a South West marine firm that just can't stop innovating!

Oof - what a year! 🙇 We've had more plates spinning at Tech South West than we have sticks to balance them on. Challenging? Absolutely. Boring? Not a chance. 2024 was a huge year for us, with new projects, landmark events and fresh collaborations. And we kept the receipts: 🚀 Supported 60 companies through Growth Forge 🤝 Collaborated with 10 partners and 8 coaches ⏰ Delivered 1000+ hours of support 💰 Helped secure £2m in equity and grants 🌐 Ramped up the Access to Finance SW community 📊 Created the first-ever Tech Prospectus for the South West 👥 Brought together 150+ tech leaders at our Tech Leaders Summits 🏆 Celebrated trailblazers at the Tech South West Awards From SW Investment Summits to our big South West Showcase in London, the region's first tech prospectus and our new Social Value Partnership with Microsoft, we've been dedicated to driving connection, collaboration, and growth. Our Advisory Board, quarterly Leadership Forum, and members have been instrumental in shaping a thriving tech ecosystem that supports founders, investors, startups, and established businesses alike. 2024 was about building bridges, creating opportunities, and proving why the South West is becoming a true tech powerhouse. Has it all been plain sailing? Negative. Are there learnings for 2025? BIG ones. The journey continues - and we can't do it alone. Be part of the community in 2025. Sign up to our weekly email and plug into the region's fastest growing sector: https://lnkd.in/dqs7Zybz #TechSouthWest #Innovation2024 #TechEcosystem #TechFromTheCuttingEdge Hazel Tucker Martin Barnes Anthony Story Todd Gifford Daniel White Lucy Savin (Cert CII) Eifion Jones Tom Kennard Caroline Orr Isobel Shaw Thanh Quan-Nicholls John Terry Jason Coleman Hannah Sprague Sarah Fasey Richard Potter Niki Davies Paul Bird Kris Sum Alan Furley Barry Tottle Lizzie Tottle Lucy P. Anthony Peake Andrew Ellis, FRSA Rob Nicholls Rob Passmore, FRSA Ruth Farenga Alicia Grimes Rhona Munro Toby Parkins Elly Rowley Emma Mallett Professor Tim Dodwell Karin Rudolph Alex Watts Caitlin Gould Colin Dart

Last Friday the Tech South West team got together at Firepool Centre for Digital Innovation in Taunton - with Joe Bevan dialling in from Spain - to reflect on 2024, to solidify plans for 2025 and to refocus on our core mission and objectives. This week we followed up with our online Christmas Quiz, organised by our own Laura Bond! Proud to say I shaved it by half-a-point! 💪 🎅 It's amazing to look back and think about how much such a small, mainly part-time, team has delivered this year, including: 👏 two sold-out investment summits in Exeter and Bristol 🤩 a Growth Forge programme with a cohort of over 60 SW-based tech firms 😵💫 x3 Growth Forge Days 😍 the launch of a SW Tech Prospectus 🤪 a fantastic London showcase and dinner at Howden's head office 🥳 a leadership summit 😎 engaged with Westminster and the many new MPs from across the region 🤯 and yet another amazing Tech South West Awards at Ashton Gate And 2025 looks even more intense! I'm looking forward to recharging over Xmas and New Year! 😅 We've helped firms raise millions in investment, grants and debt, worked with dozens of companies to improve their operations and become investor ready, showcased the best of the SW both locally and nationally, and we've worked with West of England Combined Authority, Western Gateway, Great South West and Plymouth and South Devon Freeport - amongst many others - to shine a light on the South West and the amazing tech sector. Of course, we couldn't do any of this work without the support of our numerous sponsors, partners, coaches and mentors! A huge thanks to (and a big apology to anyone I've not included - my memory is shocking - and I've also hit the maximum mention limit!). Thanks to you all! Bishop Fleming Chartered Accountants Ashfords LLP Howden Evo Talent Angel Investors Bristol Program | B Corp™ Microsoft ISL Talent British Business Bank North Devon Council Torridge District Council Future Space - Bristol Exeter Science Park Michelmores Pragma Holis Ryan Innovate UK Business West South West Business Council Petroc Official Maven Capital Partners Mercia Asset Management PLC The FSE Group New Future Ventures QantX RWK Goodman University of Exeter Countex Finance Ltd Exeter Innovation Accelerator Creative UK Merry Christmas everyone - have a great festive break and see you in 2025 for more amazing, impactful programmes! 🎄

📢 The Somerset Economic Growth Board needs your input to shape our county's economy. Share your insights in our online survey to help develop a new Economic Strategy for Somerset. 📝 Take the survey now: https://orlo.uk/QF6i8 Harry Singer Singer Instruments Emma Warren Elite Staffing Solutions (South West) Ltd Rebecca Bevins Numatic International Tom Filer Family Adventures Group David Evans Thales Bev Milner Simonds eat:Festivals Jake Elsmore Wrencon Limited Dave Tomaney UK Hydrographic Office John Revill Strode College Mark Bolton Yeovil College Matt Tudor Bridgwater & Taunton College Somerset Chamber of Commerce Yeovil and District Chamber CIC Wincanton Chamber Wells Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Wells Business Forum CIC Chamber of Commerce Taunton Street & Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce Heart of the South West Growth Hub Business West Digital Somerset South West Visitor Economy Hub

🔔 Stay ahead in the tech world with our latest news & events round-up! Subscribe now: https://lnkd.in/dqs7Zybz Here’s what’s happening: 💡 Join 300+ thought leaders and innovators on 27 February at The Atlantic Hotel, Newquay for The BIG Cornish Tech Showcase. Delivered by Tech Cornwall, this flagship event invites diverse speakers for its technical and vendor tracks. Get your tickets now: https://lnkd.in/eFwNrc_3 🌟 Timewade are celebrating 40 years of , MD Jordan Westcott shares insights on growth and the importance of "having the right people in the right seats." From apprentice to leader, his journey is a testament to resilience and vision. Read his blog: https://lnkd.in/ep9hRP8g 🚀 Cornwall Space Cluster recently showcased at a major space event in Bremen, Germany. Cornwall Space Cluster is making waves in the global space community. Partnerships include the UK Space Agency, ESA, and more. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ejar7_Q4 🤖 Portishead-based Q5D Technologies has raised £2m, including £500,000 from Maven Capital Partners. Their revolutionary five-axis robotic platform is set to transform industries like automotive and aerospace. Read the story here: https://lnkd.in/esngymtZ 💻 Bath-based Rocketmakers introduces Rocketmakers Labs, focusing on enabling technologies to automate and accelerate software creation. Their motto: innovate, create, disrupt. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/et5cHJ9N 🔐 BSides Exeter Returns for 2025. The South West's cyber security conference is back on 26 April at the University of Exeter, aiming to attract 400+ attendees. Co-organiser Peter Jones highlights its focus on inspiring the next generation of cyber professionals. Discover more: https://lnkd.in/e3PD-cAw Stay up-to-date with all the latest tech news and events by subscribing to our newsletter: https://lnkd.in/dqs7Zybz #TechNews #CornishTechShowcase #SpaceInnovation #Robotics Rocketmakers BSides Exeter Tech Cornwall #SubscribeNow

The future of the South West is in your hands. The Government is consulting on ending core funding for Pan-Regional Partnerships, such as the Great South West Partnership and Western Gateway. At Tech South West, we believe that these partnerships are essential to ensure regional strengths in technology, innovation, and digital transformation remain at the forefront of national policy. The consultation closes on Monday 16 December, so time is running out to have your say. By taking part, you’ll help secure the funding and support needed for these partnerships to continue driving investment, creating high-value jobs, and working with parliamentarians to champion the South West in #Westminster. Respond to the consultation here: https://lnkd.in/eNwYG55T #Collaboration #GovernmentFunding #Consultation Tech Cornwall | Digital Plymouth | Digital Somerset | techSPARK uk | Silicon South | Tech Exeter | Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster | Yeovil Chamber | Cornwall Space Cluster | TECwomen CIC | SETsquared Partnership

Huge congrats to Tech South West #StartUpStudio alumnus GroundWaves, which has busy been scooping national awards this week. Groundwaves is developing haptic footwear that lets people feel music through their feet, enhancing the audio experience. Yes - it's every bit as fun as it sounds. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/du_CXxM6 #Haptics #TechAwards #SouthWestTech

Amazing news for GroundWaves, and for the South West tech sector. It’s great to see another StartUp Studio cohort member flourishing!

NPK Recovery, based at the University of the West of England, is pioneering a process that converts waste urine into ammonium nitrate - a key nutrient for plant growth. https://lnkd.in/ddk4KHY7 Lucy Bell-Reeves PEEQUAL Ben Cooper