Nominations have opened for the SPARKies, the awards that showcase the best of the West of England’s tech sector.
Now in their sixth year, the awards shine a light on the firms and individuals operating in areas as diverse as apps, touchless technology and healthcare.
Two new categories – Best Scale-Up and Most Innovative Use of Tech – have been added this year, taking the number to 16 representing the brilliance of the tech scene in the West.
As well as the products and companies that are driving innovation in the sector, the SPARKies also celebrate the people who work tirelessly to support and grow the cluster.
This year’s awards will be held at Motion Bristol on June 21, with organisers promising a great night for digital debauchery, comedy and community.
And after last year’s record-breaking number of nominations, this year’s SPARKies are expected to be even more hotly contested.
The categories are:
FutureSPARK. One for the under 25s. Sponsored by Engine Shed, 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. Sponsored by Shaw & Co.
Best Mentor/ Advisor. This award, sponsored by South West Founders, 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.
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 2016. This could include anything from a brilliant e-commerce website, or a clever piece of software design. Sponsored by Bristol Calling.
Best Digital Marketing Campaign. This award is sponsored by Shift and 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.
Data Data Data. Sponsored by Creditcall, this is 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.
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. Sponsored by Bristol VR Lab
The Hardware Award. This award, sponsored by Future Space, 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.
The ‘Good’ Award. For the best use of technology for doing good – this covers green tech, sustainable tech and hardware for assisted living. Sponsored by Real World.
Most Innovative Use of Tech. Sponsored by SETsquared, this award is for the person, company or project using tech in the most innovative way.
Lifetime Achievement. This award, sponsored by NatWest, celebrates the person who has had a clear impact and demonstrable long-term contribution to strengthening the tech cluster in the South West.
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. Sponsored by Interaction.
Best Startup. This award, which is sponsored by Oracle Startup Cloud Accelerator, 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.
Best Scaleup. For companies with more than 10 people or a turnover of £1m-plus which are showing great growth. It is sponsored by Smith & Williamson.
Best Place to Work in Tech. This award, sponsored by Adlib, 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-shareholders only.
The People’s Choice. You 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! It is sponsored by Invest Bristol & Bath and the West of England Growth Hub,
