Last night The 2019 SPARKies awards brought together over 300 of the South West region’s tech and digital community to The Assembly Rooms, Bath 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 Bethany Black, was made possible by our amazing sponsors.
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 2019 SPARKies winners…
Best Scaleup
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: Techmodal
Also shortlisted:
Sponsored by:
Best Digital Design
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: Gravitywell
Also shortlisted:
Sponsored by:
Data Data Data
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: YellowDog
Also shortlisted
Sponsored by:
Best Mentor/ Advisor
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: Verity McIntosh
Highly commendable: Andrew Mulvenna
Also shortlisted:
- Rebecca Kedward
- Charlie Coggans
- Marina Traversari
Sponsored by:
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: Rocketmakers
Also shortlisted:
Sponsored by:
FutureSPARK
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: Harry Cobbold
Highly commendable: Lucia Velasco
Also shortlisted:
- Sarah Roberts (Versari)
- Abby Scarborough
- Patrick Benjamin
Sponsored by:
The Hardware Award
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: LettUs Grow
Also shortlisted:
Sponsored by:
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: Gareth Williams
Also shortlisted:
- Seth Jackson
- Silas Adekunle
- David Darke
- David Kelly
- Zara Nanu
- Georgia Stewart
- Christopher Sanderson
- Zoe Taylor
Sponsored by:
Best Cyber Company
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: Immersive Labs
Also shortlisted:
Sponsored by:
Most Innovative use of Tech
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: Zenotech
Also shortlisted:
- Rocketmakers
- Virti
- Bristol is Open
- Richard Norton
- Tapmydata
Sponsored by:
The Good Award
For the best use of technology for doing good – this covers green tech, sustainable tech and hardware for assisted living.
Winner: EZ Education
Also shortlisted:
- LettUs Grow
- Studio Meineck
- Virti
- Walk to Beat
- Helpfulpeeps
- Black Girl Convention
- Service Robotics Ltd
Sponsored by:
Lifetime Achievement
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: Richard Godfrey
Also shortlisted:
- Richard Godfrey
- Louise Pasterfield
- James Parker
- Phil Bates
- Lars Sundstrom
- Dick Penney
Sponsored by:
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: Open Bionics
Also shortlisted:
Sponsored by:
Best Startup
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: Virti
Highly commendable: Fourth Floor Creative
Also shortlisted:
Sponsored by:
Best Place to Work in Tech
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: Ghyston
Highly commendable: Atomic Smash
Also shortlisted:
Sponsored by:
The People’s Choice Award
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
Also shortlisted:
Sponsored by:
Thanks again for all your awesome nominations. We’ll see you next year for more amazing people and innovations!
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