Tech South West Awards 2026
Explore the 19 categories open for entry. Find the ones that fit your organisation, then start your application when you're ready.
For organisations leveraging artificial intelligence to enact positive change in the world. Whether you're using AI to identify diseases, disrupting traditional sectors like insurance or planning, powering up your e-commerce game, or using machine learning to help with fraud protection - this category is here to showcase your success.
For organisations that put their people first, foster positive working environments and empower their people to deliver change. Whether you've championed flexible ways of working, have a unique way of celebrating success, or offer health and wellness programs to keep your staff at the top of their game.
Disruptive startups are the fuel to the tech sector's engine. Is your company less than three years old from the date of incorporation? Are you bringing real change to the world? Is your team worth celebrating? Let's shine a light on your success.
This award shines a light on the amazing tech that's helping to build a cleaner, greener future. If you're working on something that tackles environmental challenges - whether it's cutting carbon, reducing waste, boosting energy efficiency, or anything else that's planet-friendly - we want to hear about it.
Creativity meets technology. For the organisations that embrace creative skills, emerging technologies and new ways to engage audiences. From virtual reality and augmented reality to 5G and other creative fields. Let's celebrate the creative side of tech.
For companies working on genuinely novel, science-based technologies that push the boundaries of what's possible. From quantum computing to advanced materials, biotech and cutting-edge engineering.
For organisations using technology to transform how we learn, teach and develop skills. From online platforms and learning tools to educational content and skills development solutions.
For organisations transforming financial services with technology. From payments and banking to investment platforms, insurance tech, and financial inclusion solutions.
For organisations demonstrating exceptional growth - whether in revenue, team size, market expansion, or user base. Celebrating the scale-ups pushing the South West tech economy forward.
For companies using technology to improve health outcomes, from research to procurement, diagnosis, treatment and systems. If you're using technological innovation to improve the health system, we want to hear from you.
If you're not moving forwards, you're standing still. For companies pushing the sector forward with fresh ideas and groundbreaking approaches.
For the organisations making waves in the marine sector. From offshore energy to navigation, underwater devices, marine restoration or ocean research - if you're making a splash with technological innovation, this one's for you.
This award celebrates the organisations supporting the development of tech talent in the region. That might mean providing knockout training for your team, encouraging greater access to the sector, or facilitating career-switches to find great roles.
For the organisations that help the sector thrive - including legal firms, marketing agencies, financial services, startup consultancies, accelerators, incubation hubs, science parks and more. You're the grease that keeps the tech cogs turning.
This one's for the people putting their money and support behind the South West's brightest tech talent. Whether you're an angel, VC, or investment group - if you're helping startups and scaleups grow with more than just funding (think advice, connections, and belief), this award is for you.
Achieved something brilliant this year? Hit record growth? Expanded your team? Broken into new markets, or rolled out a knockout marketing campaign? This award celebrates organisations with revenues knocking it out the park in every way across their operations.
This award celebrates organisations and initiatives that help to promote a better world. That might mean improving health outcomes, tackling inequality, supporting marginalised groups, or protecting the environment.
For individuals demonstrating outstanding leadership in the South West tech community. Founders, CEOs, and leaders who've made a measurable impact on their organisation and the wider ecosystem.
Celebrating women who are shaping the future of tech in the South West. For organisations and individuals championing women's contributions to the sector - whether through hiring, mentoring, or leading.
These aren't entered directly — they're decided on the night or drawn from the category winners.
For individuals who deserve a little recognition for their work. Nominated by the community, chosen on the night of the TSW Awards by the attendees. Nominated individuals must be working in the South West and connected to the tech sector. You cannot nominate yourself.
THE Tech South West Award is the highest accolade presented on the night - the 'winner of winners' chosen from across all category winners. This award recognises the organisation that most strongly exemplifies the very best of the South West tech ecosystem. It is not applied for directly in the same way as other categories, but all category winners are automatically in contention. This is the defining moment of the Tech South West Awards ceremony, celebrating the organisation that represents the highest standard of excellence across the entire region's technology community.