Cornwall’s Tech Scene Shines: Slush’D Success Spurs New Support for Startups

Published On: 15 November 2024Last Updated: 15 November 2024By CornishStuff

Cornwall’s burgeoning tech sector gained fresh momentum last month as the Cornwall Slush’D 2024 event spotlighted the region’s innovative startups and underscored Tech Cornwall’s dedication to fostering entrepreneurial growth.

Celebrating Innovation at Slush’D

The event brought together tech entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders, showcasing the county’s expanding reputation as a dynamic tech hub. A highlight of the event was the Pitch Competition, featuring nine startups presenting cutting-edge solutions spanning artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and more.

Mike Wright, Co-founder of output.industries, emerged as the winner with his Busroot manufacturing analytics platform, which leverages real-time data to improve efficiency and sustainability in manufacturing. As part of his prize, Mike will attend the global Slush 2024 event in Helsinki this November, representing Cornwall’s vibrant tech community.

Mike shared his excitement, saying, “It was an absolute honour to be part of the pitch competition, and I never expected to win. The support and introductions since winning have been amazing, and I’m excited about how Q4 is shaping up for us with new customer conversations and positive feedback rolling in.”

Strengthening Startup Support

Building on Slush’D’s success, Tech Cornwall is launching a quarterly demo night in collaboration with Canopy Community. This initiative aims to bolster resources for local entrepreneurs and further establish Cornwall as a leading tech hub.

Niki Davies, Co-CEO and Director of Tech Cornwall, highlighted their mission: “We are focused on building a vibrant community for tech startups in Cornwall, offering access to investors, business support, and tech networks. Our goal is to ignite innovation in the region and provide the resources needed for startups to thrive, both locally and internationally. Through our efforts, entrepreneurs like Mike Wright now have the opportunity to attend the global Slush’D event in Helsinki, expanding their network and opportunities for collaboration.”

A Collaborative Ecosystem

The event also featured a Venture Village with 16 startups showcasing their technology and an exhibition of 15 local businesses offering services to support entrepreneurs. An International Demo Night, sponsored by Cornwall Trade & Investment, provided Cornwall-based companies the chance to present their innovations to a live and online audience.

Adrian Poole, Director at Google Cloud UK & Ireland, said, “At Google Cloud, we recognise the critical role startups play in driving innovation. By providing mentorship and exposure, we aim to empower these entrepreneurs and contribute to the UK’s growing tech ecosystem.”

Key supporters of Cornwall Slush’D included Cornwall Space Cluster, Google Cloud, Cornwall Trade & Investment, and consultancy Iusegenius.

Looking to the Future

With a 20% growth in membership this year, Tech Cornwall is amplifying efforts to support startups across industries, including Marine and Tourism. As 2025 approaches, the organisation is determined to ensure Cornwall remains a prominent player in the UK’s tech landscape.

For more details about Tech Cornwall’s activities and upcoming events, visit Tech Cornwall.