Welcome to my weekly South West Tech News roundup, where you can get all the headlines from the past week in one place.
What has our busy tech and digital community been up to this week? From award wins and innovative breakthroughs to unmissable events and capital raised, take a moment to reflect on the hive of daily activity taking place in our region.
If you have a story to share, wizz it over to shona@techspark.co – I look forward to hearing from you!
Local early-stage deep tech venture capital firm SCVC appoints exited founder from billion-dollar tech
SCVC has appointed John Williams as its partner – a move that unites two of the country’s most successful deep tech founders for the very first time. John co-founded Kudan, which paved the way for modern computer-vision based augmented reality and achieved unicorn status in its 2018 Tokyo IPO. He will now work alongside Harry Destecroix, SCVC’s managing partner and founder of record-breaking startup Ziylo which topped the ranking of deep tech acquisitions when acquired by Novo Nordisk for up to $800 million for its smart insulin technology.
SCVC focuses on deep tech spin-outs: science and engineering discoveries that transition out of research institutions to form new start-up companies that can deliver global impact across healthcare and sustainability.
University in Bath and BANES propose new ideas for meeting local net zero targets
A joint project by Bath & North East Somerset Council and the University of Bath to reduce carbon emissions in construction by connecting local planning policymakers with academic experts in sustainable construction is one of six innovations proposed by the Key Cities Innovation Network (KCIN) in “Civic Partners in Net Zero”, a collection of peer-reviewed studies detailing innovative ways in which universities are working with their local places to achieve net zero targets.
BANES was the first UK local authority to implement local planning policies requiring that all new building developments must achieve net zero operational energy and that major developments would have to meet an embodied carbon target. Both these requirements go far beyond national building regulations, but they do now represent a growing trend among local authorities.
Cheltenham-based ReformIT becomes the first official local cyber advisor
ReformIT, a Managed IT Service and Security provider (MSP) based in the UK’s cyber-capital, become the first MSP in the local area to be accredited as both a Cyber Advisor and a Cyber Essentials Certification Body. The Cyber Advisor scheme was launched by the Government’s official National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the IASME Consortium, aimed at helping businesses to protect themselves from increasing cyber threats.
West of England Mayoral Combined Authority appoints Stephen Peacock as new Chief Executive
Experienced local Government leader, Stephen Peacock, has been appointed to take over as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority.
Stephen is currently the Chief Executive of Bristol City Council having previously been the council’s Executive Director for Growth and Regeneration with achievements including the City Leap decarbonisation project, Temple Quarter regeneration and the council’s house building programme.
Creative Cities brought the UK’s creative sector together in Bristol
The Creative Cities Convention featured Keynote Thangam Debbonaire, MP for Bristol West & Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport. Kate Phillips, (BBC Director of Unscripted), joined Philip Edgar-Jones OBE (Director, Sky Arts & Entertainment) and Hilary Rosen (Director of Commissioning, UKTV & BAFTA TV Chair) to discuss the evolving landscape of arts and entertainment.
Laura Mansfield, in her first public appearance since being appointed as CEO of ScreenSkills,l discussed the critical importance of skills in maintaining the screen industries’ creative excellence and global competitiveness. Alex Mahon, CEO of Channel 4, and Marvin Rees, OBE, Mayor of Bristol, offered perspectives on the opportunities and challenges of spearheading production growth beyond London, as well as discussing Channel 4’s Fast Forward strategy. Aardman Director and Designer Gavin Strange, also known as JamFactory, delivered a separate address focusing on new horizons in content creation.
Science Creates Outreach launches the Corporate Supporter Scheme to bridge gaps in STEM careers
The initiative aims to forge meaningful partnerships between socially-responsible businesses and the Science Creates Outreach charity, to empower tomorrow’s leaders.
The team says, “By visiting us at The Learning Lab, young scientists and entrepreneurs make discoveries, challenge ideas, and view the world with new eyes. Our programme includes curriculum-linked workshops, immersive tours of a science incubator and conversations with real scientists. Our programme has already reached over 2,000 students but we’re just getting started. We have an ambitious goal of educating thousands of children each year, and with the support of organisations also dedicated to having a positive impact, we will be able to do just that.”
Code Institute launches scholarship fund to foster inclusivity among future developers
Code Institute, a leading provider of software development education, has launched a Spring Scholarship Fund to empower aspiring developers. The Fund aims to offer inclusive education to all individuals with a passion for technology, irrespective of their financial constraints.
Code Institute’s Spring Scholarship Fund is now available to new privately funded students who enrol in software development courses from now until May 31, 2024. The fund has a generous allocation of €250,000 and is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible students. Each recipient of the scholarship will receive support of up to €1300.
