The SPARKies 2021 nominations have officially opened! You’ll have about a month to get in your nomination before things are handed over to our wonderful judges.
With the difficult times we’ve been all going through, it might be nice to take 5 minutes every now and then to sit down and nominate a person or company you’ve been really impressed by, or indeed, yourselves for the work you’re particularly proud of from the last year.
If you’re unfamiliar – the SPARKies tech and digital awards, now in its nineth 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, Bath and the wider West of England, and the people and businesses who make it possible.
Back in Bristol
The SPARKies will be back October 14th, at 7pm – watch this space for coming tickets soon!
This year we’re back in Bristol and super hopeful that we’ll be meeting in person, but ee’re committed to running an event that is safe. We don’t yet know whether this will be virtual, hybrid or in-person with social distancing. We’re watching to see how guidance and the R number changes and will make a decision based on that later in Summer.
Ben Shorrock, Managing Director, TechSPARK says, “Now, more than ever, it’s important we come together as a community to recognise and celebrate the work that tech companies across the region are doing, Across our ecosystem people are developing technology that is having a positive impact and shining a light on that is something we absolutely should be doing.”
With fantastic judges set to pour over your nominations in 17 categories, there’s an award to recognise a range of tech and digital achievements this year.
The Awards
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.
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.
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.
This award recognises the best web and software designs and experiences created by individuals or companies in the South West since January 2018. This could include anything from a brilliant e-commerce website, or a clever piece of software design.
This award recognises the achievements of any Cyber Security company operating in the West of England.
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.
Best 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.
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.
For the best use of technology for doing good – this covers green tech, sustainable tech and hardware for assisted living.
For the person, company or project using tech in the most innovative way.
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.
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.
For companies with over 10 people or a turnover of over £1million who are showing great growth.
This award is for the individual or company that are doing the most to support the tech scene in the West of England.
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.
he People’s ChoiceYou tell us who you think the best tech company in the South West is and the ultimate winner will be chosen by the SPARKies audience last night!
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.
You can find out more about the SPARKies process and how you can get involved here!
