From AI tools and breakthrough healthtech innovations to pioneers tackling the climate crisis, the Tech South West Awards 2026 shortlists have been revealed.
Now in their eighth year, the awards celebrate the very best in tech from across the South West, spanning Bath, Bristol, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.
This year’s awards drew more than 370 entries across 21 categories, with more than 30 judges from the region’s tech ecosystem meeting in September to select the finalists. They included business leaders, educators, investors, sponsors, and cluster leads.
Dan Pritchard, founder of Tech South West, said: “The calibre of entries this year is outstanding. I’m always impressed by the ambition and achievements of our companies and support organisations. This year’s impressive line up shines a light on the huge impact and growing scale of the South West tech community. It’s inspiring to see such a breadth of innovation, from marine and space technologies to fintech, agritech, digital health and AI.”
The prestigious Tech Company of the Year category, sponsored by Womble Bond Dickinson, celebrates outstanding achievement in innovation, growth and culture. This year’s finalists are Chorus, Digital Wonderlab, Hiyield, Giraffe and Signable.
The shortlist for the Tech for Good category, includes DRIFT Energy, Dynamic Therapeutics (DTx), Hiyield, Oxi-Tech Solutions and The Rock Pool Project.
The FinTech category, sponsored by RBC Wealth Management, features GoodHub, Intelligent AI, Mia Wealth and Sync Savings.
In the AI Award, sponsored by Cazenove Capital, the finalists are Cineon Training, Digital Wonderlab, Forceteck, Intelligent AI and Micrima.
The Best Place to Work shortlist features A2Z Cloud, Chorus, Hiyield, Kascade (Computer World) and Signable.
Emerging businesses making an impact feature in the Best Startup shortlist are DRIFT Energy, Dynamic Therapeutics (DTx), First Light Pianos, Forceteck, Nusku and TDX.
Ground-breaking science is showcased in the DeepTech Award, with Cineon Training, DRIFT Energy, Fetch Energy, Latent Drive, Nautexe Global and Revolver Therapeutics shortlisted.
In HealthTech, Dimension Biotechnologies, Dynamic Therapeutics (DTx), Ferryx, Micrima, MyCelsius and Revolver Therapeutics are shortlisted.
MarineTech innovations are represented by DRIFT Energy, Fetch Energy, Nautexe Global and Voxmar.
The Supporting the Sector Award recognises the organisations strengthening the South West’s innovation ecosystem. The finalists are Business West, Digital Catapult, Digital Plymouth, Future Space and the University of Bristol’s School of Computer Science & Industrial Liaison Office.
Angel Investors Bristol, Clean Growth Fund, Maven Capital Partners, The FSE Group and YFM Equity Partners are shortlisted for Tech Investor of the Year, sponsored by RWK Goodman.
Women in Tech recognises Dr Despina Moschou (TDX), Ghyston, Frances Lucraft (Eco Hygiene Care), Jane Pearce (Rookwood Operations) and Sarah Brooks (Intelligent AI) for their contributions to the region’s technology sector.
The celebration also includes the People’s Choice Award, giving the wider community a chance to get involved, with the winner voted for live on the night. One overall winner will be revealed on the night, chosen from all the category winners for THE Tech South West Award, sponsored by Natwest.
The ceremony takes place on Thursday 26 November at Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol. Tickets available now: https://buytickets.at/techsouthwest/2149430
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