Think you know someone who could be the next big thing in tech? Want your tech startup to be recognised for doing some amazing work this year? Has your business gone global from the South West? Why not submit a nomination for a SPARKies 2016 award!
The SPARKies tech and digital awards, now in its fourth year, shines a light on the amazing wealth of tech and creative professionals, startups and businesses in the West of England. We want to highlight the innovation being created in such abundance in and around Bristol and Bath, and the people and businesses who make it possible.
With 21 fantastic judges and 15 categories to choose from, including the new ‘People’s Choice’ award – decided on the night of the awards itself – there’s an award to recognise a whole range of tech and digital achievements this year. So check out the SPARKies 2015/16 categories and get nominating!
The award categories:
Biggest success story
Sponsored by Ashfords
This award recognises the company, organisation, project or individual that really made the most of the last 12 months and saw a high level of success.
Future SPARK
Sponsored by Deep Blue Sky
This category recognises a member of the digital community who is 21 or under and has gone above and beyond in the digital sector. They have the potential to become the ‘next big thing’.
The ‘Totally Killing it’ award
Sponsored by KPMG
For competing globally from Bristol & Bath. The company having the biggest global impact, based in the South West.
Best innovation in digital entertainment
Sponsored by the Centre for Digital Entertainment
Celebrating digital innovation in the spheres of entertainment such as gaming, VR, 3D and novel film-making techniques.
The ‘Good’ award
Sponsored by Real World
For the best use of technology for doing good – this covers green tech, sustainable tech and hardware for assisted living.
Best startup
Sponsored by Microsoft
Starting a digital company is tough, and this award recognises a company that is doing it really well. The best startup will have achieved significantly in 2015, and will have significant potential for future growth.
Most innovative use of hardware
Sponsored by Solution IP
This award looks for a company, project, organisation or individual that has created a new device, project or service that uses hardware in an innovative way. This can be anything from robotics to the internet of Things including amazing product design.
Long-term contribution to innovation in the South West
Sponsored by Engine Shed
This can be a company or individual that represents the ‘best tech ambassador for the west’.
Best service provider
Sponsored by Cookies HQ
This award recognises an excellent service company that has provided a sustained level of support and made a clear difference to the region’s digital sector.
Best mobile app
Sponsored by Invest Bristol & Bath
This app will reward the best mobile app made in the South West. It is judged on the way the app looks and operates; its stability, speed, content and its functionality.
Best use of UX design
Sponsored by Freeagent
An award to celebrate the best web and software designs and experiences created by individuals or companies in the South West.
Founder/entrepreneur of the Year
Sponsored by Hayes Parsons
This is an award for those in our community who have consistently demonstrated a significant entrepreneurial spirit and whose digital activity has shown commitment, enthusiasm, success and achievement.
Best mentor
Sponsored by TLT
This award recognises those who have gone out of their way, providing their own time or resources to advise and support a young company or individual to achieve success in the SW in the digital and tech sector.
Best digital agency
Sponsored by Marketing Agencies Association
An award for the best digital agency serving the West of England.
People’s choice
Sponsored by Forward Space
You tell us who you think the best tech company in the South West is and the winner will be chosen by the SPARKies audience on the night of the award ceremony!
Nominations for the SPARKies are open from 24 November until 7 January and all nominees must be operating within the SPARKies South West qualifying region. Self-nominations are welcome for all categories except the ‘Best Mentor’ and ‘People’s Choice’ award. The awards night will be held in Bristol on 17 February. Keep an eye out for ticket information in the next few weeks! To keep up-to-date with all things SPARKies, follow us @TechSPARKuk or tweet with the hashtag #theSPARKies.
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