South Coast Tech & Innovation Awards 2025 - Winners Announced!

Leading lights from Hampshire and Dorset's tech sector gathered at the Hilton Utilita Bowl in Southampton last night for the South Coast Tech and Innovation Awards 2025.

Hosted by The Business Magazine in partnership with Insider and compered by science writer, broadcaster and presenter Timandra Harkness, the awards celebrated winners across 13 categories – from start-ups to major industry players and rising stars within the sector.

Headline sponsor for the event was Spectrum IT Recruitment, along with BDO, Blake Morgan, Menzies, S&W Group, and University of Southampton Science Park. Aphasia Support was the event's charity partner.

AI Excellence in Innovation Award
Sponsored by Spectrum IT Recruitment
Winner: ICS.AI
The judges hailed ICS.AI as having a mature product offering and a proven track record, with the team already helping local councils unlock scalable solutions that achieve major cost savings.

Shortlisted:
Absolar Solutions
AugmentAero
Bonjour AI
Dootrix
Echo AI
ICS.AI
Red Volcano

High Growth Tech Company of the Year
Sponsored by BDO
Winner: Tekever
Tekever has achieved exceptional growth through securing key contracts, said the judges, expanding its workforce and footprint while keeping agility and innovation at the core of its culture.

Shortlisted:
entrustIT
Gravity Industries
Tekever
Total Security
Vizst Technology
WeBuyAnyPhone.com

Innovative Tech of the Year
Winner: Canary Care Monitoring System
Canary Care's technology-enabled care makes good on its pledge to keep our most vulnerable safe in their homes, said the judges, offering peace of mind to those who care for them.

Shortlisted:
Akixi
AugmentAero
Canary Care Monitoring System
Dootrix
Kiki, Wren Games
Medilogic UK
NKT Photonics
TrouDigital

Large Tech Enterprise of the Year
Sponsored by S&W Group
Winner: Total Security
Total Security has seen significant transformational growth in the last few years, said the judges, and has really focused on its core strengths and market positioning.

Shortlisted:
Bespoke IT Solutions
CloudTech24
Cobweb Solutions
Codestone
entrustIT
Tailor Made Technologies
Vizst Technology

Outstanding Achievement in Tech Award
Winner: Sarah Neenan - IBM
The judges hailed Neenan as incredibly innovative, resourceful, and tenacious. Passionate about inclusivity, she is making a real difference in communities that others would overlook.

Shortlisted:
Sarah Neenan - IBM
Scott Richardson - Douglas Stewart
Darren Ridge - Ridown Group
Mike Yarrow - NKT Photonics

Rising Star in Tech Award
Winner: Emma Dawson - IBM
As a senior inventor at IBM, Dawson exemplifies excellence, said the judges. She is an accomplished innovator, inspirational leader, role model and mentor.

Shortlisted:
Yi Ren Chang - Kiki, Wren Games
Emma Dawson - IBM
Chéz Gray - CV-Library
Jamie Horsnell - mytender.io
Emaan Jamshed - IBM
Ben O'Nion - Echo AI
Jack Pauley - Red Volcano
Grace Robinson - IBM

South Coast Tech Company of the Year
Sponsored by Blake Morgan
Winner: CV-Library
The judges celebrated CV-Library's staff-led innovation, local engagement and market growth in tough conditions.

Shortlisted:
Caspian One
CV-Library
Qware
NKT Photonics
Procode Technology
Ridown Group
Total Security
Vizst Technology

Tech Employer of the Year
Sponsored by Spectrum IT Recruitment
Winner: Trellint UK
Guided by its core values, Trellint UK has built an inclusive culture where personal development is encouraged, achievements receive tangible recognition and staff feel empowered to thrive, said the judges.

Shortlisted:
Codestone
CV-Library
Douglas Stewart
Ridown Group
Sumillion
Total Security
Trellint UK
TrouDigital
Vizst Technology

Tech for Good (Sustainability) Award
Sponsored by University of Southampton Science Park
Winner: Absolar Solutions
Absolar has developed an innovative technology that helps design efficient and effective solar installations, noted the judges. Its company ethos is one of practicing what it preaches, with a strong desire to have real-world social impact.

Shortlisted:
Absolar Solutions
Codestone
Sumillion
Trellint UK & KERBSight
UPOWA
Vikoma International

Tech SME of the Year
Sponsored by Menzies
Winner: Qware
The judges praised Qware's enthusiasm, technically challenging work, client-first mindset and success against major tech competitors in tenders.

Shortlisted:
Akixi
Bespoke IT Solutions
entrustIT
Medilogic UK
Qware

Tech Start-Up of the Year
Sponsored by University of Southampton Science Park
Winner: My Local Surgery
My Local Surgery has demonstrated exceptional innovation and foresight, said the judges. The company identified a clear gap in the market and has developed a solution that genuinely benefits customers.

Shortlisted:
Echo AI
GoBig
My Local Surgery
Trellint UK

One to Watch
Sponsored by Spectrum IT Recruitment
Winner: Echo AI
During the judging meeting, it was unanimously agreed by both the panel and independent judges that a new category was needed to recognise this business. Founded by two friends who invented the idea while at college, the judges hailed Echo AI as a fantastic success story. The original concept has evolved into a fully-fledged software product in record time, and with such strong momentum already, big things are expected from the duo in the months and years ahead.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Originally posted by Insider Media here