Last night the SPARKies 2018 awards brought together over 300 of the South West region’s tech and digital community to Motion in Bristol to celebrate the best startups, designs, hardware, people and more and to finally discover who had been crowned the winner in our 16 awards.
The evening, which was hosted by the wonderful comedian Jayde Adams, was made possible by our amazing sponsors – particularly our headline sponsors Invest Bristol and Bath and the West of England Growth Hub.
But, of course, the SPARKies is also made by its fabulous judges, attendees – and of course those who took the time to nominate who they thought represented the best of tech in the West.
This year’s awards saw a record number of nominations of the highest quality we’ve ever seen with our judges commenting on just how tough it was to decide on the final shortlist.
And now, saving the best until last – here are the SPARKies 2018 winners…
This award is for the best web, wearable or mobile app made in the South West. It was judged on the way the app looks and operates, aspects of its functionality and its impact.
Winner: Immersive Labs
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This award recognises the best web and software designs and experiences created by individuals or companies in the South West since January 2017. This could include anything from a brilliant e-commerce website, or a clever piece of software design.
Winner: Storm Consultancy
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An award for the projects that are pushing the limits of what we can do with data. This can include both commercial or public good projects.
Winner: Rovco
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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.
Winner: Mike Oram (Mayden Academy)
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Most Exemplary use of Virtual or Mixed Reality
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.
Winner: Interactive Scientific
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One for the under 25s. This award will go to the individual, whether an employee of a tech company, post grad 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.
Winner: Georgia Stewart
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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.
Winner: Metasonics
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Founder/ entrepreneur of the year
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.
Winner: Dr Zara Nanu
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Best digital marketing campaign
This award is 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.
Winner: Duel
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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.
Winner: Metasonics
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For the best use of technology for doing good – this covers green tech, sustainable tech and hardware for assisted living.
Winner: Gapsquare
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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.
Winner: John Courtney
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The ‘totally killing it’ award
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.
Winner: Immersive Labs
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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.
Winner: Rovco
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This award goes to 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.
Winner: Ultrahaptics
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The people’s choice
You told us who you think the best tech company in the South West is and the ultimate winner was chosen by the SPARKies audience last night!
Winner: Open Bionics
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Thanks again for all your awesome nominations. We’ll see you next year for more amazing people and innovations!
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