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!
Data3 Secures £200K Investment To Fuel Growth and Hire New Talent
Data3 has secured a £200,000 loan from the British Business Bank’s South West Investment Fund, as it looks to scale up its growth and expand its team.
The investment for the Bristol-based AI & Data Consultancy will support both local and international growth, helping the consultancy reach new markets and create more jobs in the region.
Founded in 2017 by Helen Tanner, Data3 has become a leading player in Bristol’s tech ecosystem.
Space Forge Successfully Launches First In-Space Manufacturing Satellite
Cardiff-based Space Forge has confirmed the successful launch and first contact of ForgeStar®-1, the UK’s first satellite designed for in-space manufacturing.
Developed entirely in Wales, ForgeStar-1 represents a major breakthrough for British space technology. It is the first time a UK-built spacecraft has been launched into orbit specifically to produce new materials in the unique conditions of space.
The mission will also test Space Forge’s innovative re-entry technology, designed to safely bring the manufactured materials back to Earth.
Penny Win Two Awards At The Europe Fintech Awards
The pension platform Penny has won two awards at this year’s Europe Fintech Awards in London. They picked up the Wealth Tech of the Year and Personal Finance Tech of the Year last night, marking another key milestone in their growing success.
The Bristol-based company help people trace, manage and consolidate lost pensions and helps to solve a key issue that affects millions of people across the UK. The Penny platform combines smart tech with expert support to help users to take control of their finances.
After the win, the team highlighted the impact of local networks such as FinTech West and techSPARK, praising their efforts in building connections, sharing expertise, and supporting the growth of Bristol’s fintech ecosystem.
CyberCon 2025 Tickets Go Live As Bristol Explores The Future of Cybersecurity and AI
Tickets are now on sale for this year’s CyberCon, returning as part of BTF+ this October. The one-day conference, taking place on Monday 7th October at The Watershed, will tackle the big question: what does the future of Cyber look like as AI continues to reshape how we live, work and defend?
We are still looking for speakers, so if you have fresh ideas and perspectives on the role of AI in cybersecurity then get in touch. Apply to speak here.
This year’s event promises industry-leading speakers, inspiring keynotes, impactful product showcases and more.
Under Two Weeks To Until The SPARKies…Have You Got Your Ticket?
In just under two weeks, the techSPARK team will be taking over Green Park Station in Bath for this year’s SPARKies!
Join us for the biggest night of the year in South West tech as we come together to celebrate the outstanding individuals and organisations shaping our ecosystem, all voted for by the community.
Our industry judges have shortlisted over 100 people and companies across 18 award categories. You’ll see the return of much-loved categories like Mentor of the Year, Founder of the Year, and Startup of the Year, alongside exciting new awards including Marketing Campaign of the Year.
Don’t miss your chance to see who takes home a renowned SPARKies award, meet brilliant people from across the region, and build new connections in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.