Know a startup that could be the next biggest thing in tech? Fancy shouting about some amazing VR developed in the region? Is the tech company you work for simply the best in the West? Why not submit a nomination for a SPARKies 2017 award (or three)! But hurry, you only have hours to do it!
The SPARKies tech and digital awards, now in its fifth 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 the full list of 20 fantastic judges announced and 15 categories to choose from, including several new awards to get involved in – there’s something to recognise a whole range of tech and digital achievements this year.
So check out the SPARKies 2017 categories and get nominating!
The award categories:
People’s choice
Sponsored by Gradwell Communications
This one’s supported by our fabulous headline sponsors, Bath-based communications company Gradwell.
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!
Nominate someone for the SPARKies 2017 People’s Choice award
The ‘Totally Killing it’ Award
Sponsored by Bristol & Bath Science Park
This award recognises the company that the judges believe really made the most of the last 12 months, increasing turnover, expanding, making an impact and capitalising on their successes, both in the region and where relevant, further afield.
Nominate someone for the SPARKies 2017 ‘Totally Killing it’ award
Lifetime Achievement Award
Sponsored by Invest Bristol & Bath
This award celebrates the person who has had a clear impact and demonstrable long-term contribution to strengthening the tech cluster in the South West.
Nominate someone for the SPARKies 2017 Lifetime Achievement award
Founder/ Entrepreneur of the Year
Sponsored by NatWest
This is an award for those in our community who have consistently demonstrated a significant entrepreneurial spirit and has shown commitment, enthusiasm, success and achievement.
Nominate someone for the SPARKies 2017 Founder/ Entrepreneur of the Year award
The ‘Data Data Data’ Award
Sponsored by Oracle Startup Cloud Accelerator
This is for the projects that are pushing the limits of what we can do with data. This can include both commercial or public good projects.
Nominate someone for the SPARKies 2017 The ‘Data Data Data’ award
Best Startup
Sponsored by Just Eat
This award recognises the achievements of any tech or digital business started up within the last 3 years that has achieved significant success and that the judges believe will be ‘one to watch’ in the future.
Nominate someone for the SPARKies 2017 Best Startup award
Most Exemplary Use of Virtual & Mixed Reality
Sponsored by The Yogscast
This award recognises the best way virtual or augmented reality, 360 video or merged media has been utilised within a product or application. It could have the highest impact, or be the most spellbinding product.
Nominate someone for the SPARKies 2017 Most Exemplary Use of Virtual & Mixed Reality award
Future SPARK
Sponsored by The Engine Shed
One for the under 25’s. This award will go to the individual, whether an employee of a tech company, postgrad or entrepreneur, that has already demonstrated true commitment and initiative within the tech and digital community and whom the judges believe will go far in this industry.
Nominate someone for the SPARKies 2017 Future SPARK award
Best Digital Design
Sponsored by the Hayes Parsons Insurance Brokers
This award recognises the best web and software designs and experiences created by individuals or companies in the South West since January 2016. This could include anything from a brilliant e-commerce website, or a clever piece of software design. The key is being able to describe what makes it great to the judges!
Nominate someone for the SPARKies 2017 Best Digital Design award
Best Place to Work in Tech
Sponsored by Interaction
The company that the judges believe has gone the extra mile, above and beyond, for someone who works for them, or for all those that work for them. This should be nominated by employees, ex-employees and non-share holders only.
Nominate someone for the SPARKies 2017 Best Place to Work in Tech award
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.
Nominate someone for the SPARKies 2017 The ‘Good’ award
The ‘Hard’ Award
Sponsored by Future Space
This award looks for a piece of new hardware or new application of existing hardware that solves problems in new ways. This can include standalone hardware, components or devices.
Nominate someone for the SPARKies 2017 The ‘Hard’ award
Best App
Sponsored by University of Bath Innovation Centre
This award for the best web, wearable or mobile app made in the South West. It is judged on the way the app looks and operates, aspects of its functionality and its impact.
Nominate someone for the SPARKies 2017 Best App award
Best Mentor/ Advisor
Sponsored by TLT
This award recognises the individual, or organisation, that has truly gone over and above to advise and support a tech company or individual to achieve success in the South West digital and tech sector.
Nominate someone for the SPARKies 2017 Best Mentor/ Advisor award
Best Digital Marketing Campaign Award
Sponsored by Edo
This one’s for digital marketing campaigns from the South West that have had the greatest success, through the best combination of design, engagement, reach, conversions and virality.
Nominate someone for the SPARKies 2017 Best Digital Marketing Campaign award
Nominations for the SPARKies are open from 7 April until 19 May and all nominees must be operating within the SPARKies South West qualifying region. Self-nominations are welcome for all categories except the ‘Best Mentor/ Advisor’ ‘Lifetime Achievement’ and ‘People’s Choice’ award. The awards night will be held in Bath on 29 June. To keep up to date with all things SPARKies, follow us @TechSPARKuk or tweet with the hashtag #theSPARKies.
- You may like: The SPARKies tech awards returns to Bath this June
