INSIGHTS / News

(The Binit Team with their award)

The recent SPARKies Awards night, hosted at Central Warehouse in the heart of Bristol, brought together the region’s tech and digital leaders to celebrate excellence in the West.

SETsquared member companies from across the South West were recognised for their achievements in various sectors, including biotech, creative tech, sustainability, and cyber. Out of 14 award categories, SETsquared-supported companies won 9, highlighting their significant impact and innovation.

 

Best Use of VR – Condense

SETsquared Bristol alumni, Condense, took home the award for the Best Use of VR. The company uses cutting-edge computer vision, machine learning and proprietary streaming infrastructure to capture and embed live 3D video (Video 3.0) into any metaverse game, mobile app or platform created with Unity or Unreal Engine.

The win comes shortly after partnering with the BBC to host events for Radio 1’s New Music Show. This series of pioneering events meant that fans were able to attend immersive live gigs from the comfort of their own homes.

 

The People’s Choice – Matter 

Former SETsquared Scale-Up Programme member, Matter, has developed the world’s first sustainable washing machine filter to fight back against the 650,000 metric tonnes of microplastic fibres which end up in our waterways each year. Its pioneering product, Gulp, can be retrofitted directly onto the washing machine’s existing hose to capture as much as 90% of these plastics before they enter the ecosystem.

Matter’s latest innovation, Regen, offers a regenerative water process to efficiently separate microfibres in domestic, commercial and industrial applications.

 

Most Innovative Use of Tech – EnsiliTech

University of Bath spin-out and FWD Project member swooped the award for Most Innovative Use of Tech. The biopharmaceuticals company is developing ensilication, a platform technology which will remove the need for refrigeration when transporting and storing biologicals.

In January 2023, EnsiliTech successfully completed its first, oversubscribed pre-seed investment round, raising £1.2 million. This funding included an Innovate UK grant and private investments from Science Angels Syndicate, Fink Family Office, QantX, and various angel investors.

 

The Good Award – Binit

SETsquared Exeter’s representation at this year’s SPARKies came in the form of Binit – a next-generation tech-led waste and recycling superbroker. At the heart of the business are core goals to tackle the environmental impacts that inefficient waste disposal currently has on our environment whilst for their customers, emptying bins in a cost-effective way.

Binit has received a range of SETsquared support over the years. Phillipa Roberts, Co-Founder said, “Starting a business can be really isolating. By being part of SETsquared you become part of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Being part of a vibrant community where other people are in the same position at the same time has been really important.”

 

Totally Killing It – Siloton

SETsquared Bristol member, Siloton is developing an at-home monitoring service for the 25% of people over 60 affected by age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of sight loss in the developed world. Siloton’s innovative Akepa chip combines a personal optical coherence tomography (OCT) system with cloud-based digital health tools, allowing patients to receive timely treatment without relying on hospital-based OCT tests.

The judges praised Siloton’s outstanding use of technology, noting that it will help more people worldwide receive essential treatment for eye degeneration.

 

Hardware Award – KETS

Swooping the Hardware Award was KETS Quantum Security – the SETsquared Bristol alumni has developed unique chip-based solutions, based on technology developed over a decade at the University of Bristol, providing ultra-low size, weight and power without compromising on performance.

Judges on the evening said that “KETS Quantum Security showed immense ambition and drive in tackling this global, generation-defining issue.”

 

Scale-Up of the Year – LOQBOX

The success of the Bristol-based FinTech company aiming to eradicate financial exclusion means it has now won a SPARKie for three years in a row, having also been named Best Scaleup last year and landing The People’s Choice Award in 2022. The SETsquared Bristol alumni develops online financial tools for consumers, helping to end financial exclusion and give users access to a richer life.

The judges highlighted Loqbox’s significant impact on financial inclusion and empowerment through innovative credit-building solutions in their impressive scores

 

Best Digital Design – Rocketmakers 

SETsquared Bristol alumni, Rocketmakers, snatched the award for their new, cutting edge AI application, YourRoom. YourRoom provides users with groups of expertly-crafted AI-powered personas reflecting different knowledge sets, perspectives and personalities, which quickly and inexpensively simulate expert panels on a variety of topics.

 

 

Awesome Human – Tamsin Denbigh

Our very own Tamsin Denbigh, who takes the lead on all things marketing-related at SETsquared Bristol, took home the coveted Awesome Human award. A knowledgeable presence within the South West innovation ecosystem, Tamsin has been championing and promoting tech talent in the region for many years and deserves to be recognised in her own right – congratulations Tamsin.

 

Founder of The Year – John Terry (Neuronostics)

A special congratulations to John Terry, who was awarded Founder of the Year. Neuronostics’ mathematical modelling techniques are pioneering the development of digital biomarkers, facilitating swifter diagnosis and more effective treatment outcomes for patients around the world.

The judges recognised John’s exceptional leadership and his pivotal role in driving Neuronostics forward over the past 12 months. Despite a challenging funding environment, the University of Exeter spin-out and SETsquared Bristol member successfully secured an oversubscribed seed round exceeding £2M, positioning the company for future success.

 

A number of other innovators from across our Business Acceleration Centres were also nominated across these categories, including LabCycle, EarSwitch and Epowar. Congratulations to all who were both nominated and awarded on the night!