Welcome to our weekly South West Tech News roundup, where you can get all the headlines from the past week in one place.
What has our busy tech and digital community been up to this week? From award wins and innovative breakthroughs to unmissable events and capital raised, take a moment to reflect on the hive of daily activity taking place in our region.
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Bristol-based rail technology company One Big Circle has secured a strategic partnership with US rail maintenance leader Loram, supporting the global rollout of its Automated Intelligent Video Review (AIVR) system.
The deal includes a minority investment from Loram and will combine One Big Circle’s intelligent video technology with global rail expertise to scale adoption across international markets.
Already used across Network Rail’s infrastructure, the AIVR platform helps engineers detect issues faster, improve safety and maintain network reliability, with the partnership marking a major step in taking UK-developed innovation global.
Read the full news here
A new round of funding from Immersive Arts UK has awarded over £2 million to 142 artists, supporting projects across disciplines including music, theatre, gaming, visual arts and film.
Led by UWE Bristol with partners including Watershed and University of Bristol, the programme backs artists exploring immersive technologies such as VR, AR, AI and spatial experiences.
The initiative highlights the growing role of immersive tech in the UK’s creative sector, supporting experimentation and innovation across a wide range of art forms.
Read the full details here
Bristol’s Engine Shed, a key hub for the city’s innovation ecosystem, has announced it will close in December 2026 after 13 years.
Operated by the University of Bristol, the space has played a central role in supporting startups, collaboration and programmes such as SETsquared Bristol. Its closure reflects a shift in the university’s innovation activity, with future work set to continue at the new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus.
Engine Shed has long been seen as a catalyst for Bristol’s tech and innovation community, with its impact expected to carry forward into the next phase of the city’s ecosystem.
Read the full news here