We can officially announce the startups selected to progress to the semi-final stage of this year’s Silicon Gorge Catalyst programme.
Following a highly competitive application process, the selected companies represent some of the most exciting early-stage innovation emerging across the South West and wider UK ecosystem, spanning sectors including AI, healthtech, climate, deeptech, fintech and future mobility.
The semi-finals will take place across two sessions this May, with one held online and the other hosted in person at Bath Digital Festival.
Across both sessions, founders will pitch live to a judging panel featuring representatives from TLT, British Business Bank, Oxford Innovations and techSPARK.
The final 12 companies selected by the judges will then move forward to an expert-led investment readiness workshop, before pitching at the Silicon Gorge Investor Showcase on 24 June to investors, ecosystem leaders and partners from across the region.
The companies selected for this year’s semi-finals are Spark AI, Taught by Humans, Forward EV Ltd, Last, GANGOAI, Yuup, MAXRES, SLANT, Beat Blocks, Voibe, Collective Robotics, Siora-bio, Amaryllis Green Solutions, Shelf Conscious, Earswitch, Animotion Technologies, HyperionWave (UnaGo), Hidden Signals, Encortec, Quantail and LAYBL.
The quality of applications this year made selection incredibly difficult, with founders showcasing ambitious ideas tackling challenges across industries ranging from healthcare and sustainability to infrastructure, productivity and digital transformation.
Silicon Gorge continues to support founders by connecting startups with experienced mentors, investors and industry experts while helping strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem.
The programme forms part of a wider mission to spotlight the South West as one of the UK’s leading hubs for ambitious technology businesses and emerging founders.
The final 12 companies progressing beyond the semi-finals will be announced following the judging sessions later this month.
To follow the journey and hear more from this year’s cohort, keep an eye on Silicon Gorge Catalyst and techSPARK channels over the coming weeks.