Welcome to our 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 will@techspark.co – I look forward to hearing from you!
Dancing with the cells: How acoustically levitating a diamond enabled a redesign of biotech automation
Engineers have created a new technology that can move cells without touching them, enabling critical tasks of a large biomedical laboratory to be shrunk into a bench top device. This invention could accelerate the discovery of new medicines and unlock possibilities such as personalised medicine screening in the clinic.
The new technology uses acoustic waves to move cells, which appear to “dance.” This capability replaces the need for many large pieces of equipment in a lab and could make it significantly easier to automate cell growth and help scientists discover new drugs faster. It also opens up new possibilities in the clinic, such as personalised medicine screening, where many different drugs can be tested to find the most effective before being given to a patient.
Access Creative College Launches Content Creation T-Level
Access Creative College has announced that it will be offering students the opportunity to study for a Content Creation T-Level – one of the first education providers in the UK to run the course – as it continues to lead the way in providing hands-on experience for young digital creators in Bristol.
Commencing this September, the level 3 T-Level, which spans two years, will allow digital media students to gain valuable experience in creating media content across a variety of platforms, including social media, online, video, and print. The course blends theoretical classroom learning with hands-on practical experience and a minimum of 315 hours of industry placement, ensuring real-world exposure – serving as a strong alternative to A-levels and apprenticeships.
Have you registered for the BridgeAI Roadshow yet?
Discover how AI can drive innovation in your sector at Innovate UK BridgeAI’s upcoming regional events. These interactive sessions are designed for individuals and organisations keen to explore the role of AI in tackling real-world challenges and shaping future tech strategies.
Whether you’re just starting out or already exploring AI solutions, these events offer a great opportunity to connect with your local innovation community and gain valuable insights.
The showcase is set to come to Bristol on Tuesday, 29 April 2025, and will take place at Engineers House in Clifton. If you’d like to attend, you can register for a place here.
Blu Wireless appoints Anthony Murray as new Chief Executive Officer
Blu Wireless, a leader in advanced mmWave connectivity solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Anthony Murray as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. His appointment marks a significant milestone as the company enters a new phase of international growth, with a strong commercial focus on its core markets – Defence and High-Speed Transport.
Commenting on his new appointment, Anthony said: “Joining Blu Wireless at this pivotal stage presents a unique opportunity to help shape the future of advanced connectivity. The company’s innovation in mmWave technology is not only enabling use cases previously
not possible, but it’s also achieving this in difficult environments within defence and high-speed transport where many have failed.”
Just over two weeks left to submit your nominations for this year's SPARKies
Do you know someone or a business making a big impact in the South West tech scene? Why not nominate them for an award!
This year’s SPARKies will feature 18 award categories – ranging from Startup of the Year to Commitment to Talent – celebrating everyone doing brilliant things across the region.
Nominations close Tuesday 28 April 2025! Don’t miss your chance – get yours in before the deadline and help your chosen people or businesses get the recognition they deserve.
