The South West tech community has always thrived on collaboration, insight, and shared ambition. Now, those conversations are opening up even wider.
On December 3, Tech South West launched Ecosystem Pulse, the evolution of the South West Tech Leadership Forum. Meeting quarterly, Ecosystem Pulse invites entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, universities, and government stakeholders to join the dialogue shaping our region’s innovation journey.
Why the shift?
As Tech South West’s activity has grown, so too has the need for a more inclusive, dynamic platform. Ecosystem Pulse reflects this evolution, aligning with Tech South West’s strategic focus across four key areas:
- Business support and innovation
- Funding and finance
- Talent and skills
- Showcasing and raising sector profile
By opening the doors wider, Ecosystem Pulse ensures that every voice in the ecosystem can contribute to shaping the South West’s tech future.
Highlights from the first Pulse
The inaugural session set the tone for what’s to come:
- Launch of the 2025 TSW Impact Report, showcasing Growth Forge, investment summits, new partnerships with ClimateTech SuperCluster and funding updates for the region
- Budget insights from Startup Coalition, with positive moves on EMI and EIS/VCT thresholds, but calls for deeper government support.
- Breakout discussions on regional business conditions, revealing optimism around national funding and industrial strategy, alongside challenges in scaling finance and support networks.
- AI bubble debate, with participants urging clarity on AI’s long-term impact and emphasising regional strengths in defense and green technology.
Looking ahead
Ecosystem Pulse will become the quarterly rhythm for mapping regional momentum, feeding insights directly into programme planning, lobbying, and strategic initiatives. The next session will reconvene in three months, continuing to take the pulse of innovation across the South West.
Ben Cooper, Head of Funding and Finance and Director at Tech South West, said: “The Ecosystem Pulse is about opening the doors wider, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, universities and government to share insights and shape the future of South West tech. By evolving the Leadership Forum into a more inclusive quarterly rhythm, we’re creating the space for collaboration and momentum that will drive real impact across the region.”
The next Ecosystem Pulse is on Wednesday 4 March.
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