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.
If you have a story to share, wizz it over to will@techspark.co – I look forward to hearing from you!
Nick Struge MBE Joins Business Advisory Board For New Metro Mayor
techSPARK Chair Nick Sturge has been appointed Interim Chair of the new Business Board, alongside Jo Dally, to advise Helen Godwin, the newly elected Metro Mayor for the West of England.
The new board has been created to drive economic growth, support key sectors across the South West and help attract investment into the region.
It will serve as the central platform for businesses to engage with the region’s strategic priorities, including a new Growth Strategy launching this September.
More appointments are expected soon, with all local council leaders set to join the board and help shape the region’s economic future.
Ghyston’s Early Careers Network: Women in Tech Set To Continue
Earlier this year, Bristol-based software company Ghyston launched a new event to support women at the early stages of their tech careers, or those looking to make the leap into the industry.
After a brilliant response to the first event, the meet up is now set to become a regular monthly gathering.
Designed to “support, inspire and connect women” exploring tech, the meet up offers a friendly, welcoming space to hear from others, share experiences and build new connections.
The next session is on Thursday 16th September at the Ghyston office in Bristol. Register your place here.
Horizon Europe Announce New Funding Opportunities For The UK Digital Sector
Horizon Europe is the world’s largest research funding programme, and it has been running since 2021 to help support UK digital organisations with creativity and innovation.
£58m has already been secured by UK digital businesses. There is still plenty of funding left, as it is offering a total of £80 billion until 2027.
The Digital, Industry and Space strand focuses on developing globally competitive and trusted technologies. Previous funding has helped to support everything from AI in manufacturing to environmental data systems.
If you would like to know more, head to the Innovate UK website to explore current funding, eligibility, and partner support.
iungoworks Launches Dynamic New High-Tech Coworking Space In Bristol
iungoworks has created a state-of-the-art coworking space set to redefine how professionals, startups and creatives work, connect and grow in the heart of the Bristol city centre.
Aimed at remote workers, start-up, scale-up, SME businesses and satellite operations of larger businesses around the South West, iungoworks offers completely flexible solutions.
The coworking space is the brainchild of Jessica Leigh Jones MBE and Tom de Vall, who run iungo Solutions, a multi-accredited centre providing learning programmes focused on digital and green skills.
Read the full story.
Secure Innovation Security Review Scheme For UK Tech Startups Launched
Business West is partnering with Innovate UK, the Department of Business and Trade (DBT), and the Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) to deliver a new government-backed scheme supporting early-stage tech companies with expert security guidance.
The Secure Innovation Security Review Scheme is designed to help founders and leaders of innovative early-stage tech companies to strengthen their cyber and protective security practices at a critical stage in their development.
Read the full story.