A foldable electric motorbike and a robotics company that aims to eliminate bias are among the innovative South West businesses to scoop a share of £1.25m, it has been announced.
The eight companies from across the region, which are all founded by entrepreneurs under 30, have won a slice of funding from UK innovation agency Innovate UK as part of its annual Young Innovators competition.
The awards recognise young people with great business ideas who have the potential to become successful entrepreneurs and future leaders in innovation. The South West winners join a cohort of 94 young people aged between 18 and 30 with business ideas that could "change the world".
Each will receive a £5,000 grant, one-on-one business coaching, and an allowance to cover living costs. This year there were nearly 700 applicants - up 25% on the year previously - and 50% more winners (94 versus 63), making it the largest cohort of young entrepreneurs to date.
According to Innovate UK, of this year's winners 46% are female; 39% are black, Asian or from another ethnic minority group; and 11% have identified as disabled.
“The level of creativity, passion, and commitment to positive change within our society and environment in this year’s Young Innovators Award winners is beyond inspiring," said Emily Nott, head of equality, diversity and inclusion programmes at Innovate UK.
"With the financial uncertainty this year brings, it’s fantastic to see these entrepreneurs starting businesses that will improve the world and boost innovation in the UK. We can’t wait to see what they will achieve next.”
George Freeman, science, research and innovation minister, added: “Innovation is about developing new and better ways of doing things - something young minds naturally do. Our Innovation Nation mission - and 50% increase in Innovate UK budget - is about investing in R&D in all parts of the UK to help drive economic investment and create exciting new career opportunities."
The South West Young Innovators winners 2023
Alasdair Aegerter, 28
The aerospace engineer from Bristol has created a hybrid aircraft - dubbed the ‘plane-o-copter’ - that can land anywhere. It can be used to transport goods more efficiently and to combat illegal logging, poaching and human trafficking.
Alberto Morón Hernández, 25
Originally from Madrid and now living in Bristol, Alberto Hernandez has created Dellista, which develops privacy-preserving machine learning algorithms. He hopes to fill a gap in the algorithm market by creating safer, language-inclusive anonymised data.
Claudia MacGregor, 27
The Cheltenham-based entrepreneur has created Soil Snack where users grow their own snacks. For example, the 'chill shake' grows into flowers that can be picked and turned into a relaxing tea.
Elizabeth Chandler, 22
Elizabeth Chandler, from Exeter, has created the Good Robot Company which aims to help businesses detect and eliminate bias in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) systems, helping companies create better, more inclusive services.
Ethan Wilkin, 23
Filton-based Ethan Wilkin is developing a foldable electric motorbike aimed at urban commuters without secure off-street parking. His prototype, the Hornet, can fold down to the size of a large suitcase.
He said: “I grew up building devices and contraptions anywhere I could get away with so when I didn’t get into an Airbus aerospace engineering apprenticeship I was gutted. Instead, I studied product design at university where I found a new channel for my inventive energy in green and eco-friendly technologies.
"I am honoured to be a winner of Innovate UK’s Young Innovators Award and grateful for their expert mentorship to help my project reach the next level. I hope my winning the award encourages other young inventors not to give up – even if your career journey deviates from your original plan!”
Jake Biele, 28
The Bristol entrepreneur says he is "passionate" about creating technology that fights climate change. He is developing electronic sensors that convert light into electricity. The idea is it will be used by companies and scientists trying to develop new technologies that utilise light to help tackle major challenges such as climate change or the ageing population.
Samuel Graham, 29
Bristol-based Samuel Graham has created Revolv - an on-the-go power solution for cyclists who plan and track routes via apps. The rim-mounted device harnesses wheel motion to fast-charge smartphones and other devices as you ride.
Waleed Lattouf, 22
Waleed Lattouf, from Bath, is the creator of Flinke, a web-based platform that allows online businesses to optimise their supply chain. He hopes his platform will help the movement of goods around the world to be easier, faster, smarter and more sustainable.
