Who are the South West tech companies of tomorrow? Our experts reveal their picks

Our new feature focuses on the up-and-coming technology companies that are breaking into new markets through their innovative use of technology

James Black, Innovation Manager at Warwick Manufacturing Group

With autonomous vehicles an ever-increasing reality on our roads, there is a gap to provide robust safety solutions. Baro Vehicles was founded in 2015 in Nuneaton, Warwickshire and envisions a world without road accidents.

The company develops devices for automated vehicles to enable companies to rapidly develop and test self-driving systems. They recently secured an Innovate UK grant to develop a modular safety system. With a growing client book including automotive OEMs, Tier 2 companies, and other startups they are solidifying this vital new supply chain.

Warwick-based Flux Aviation is building a future for aviation that is clean, quiet, and affordable. They develop high-performance electric motors and batteries that will electrify passenger and cargo aircraft. Their technologies will enable zero emission aviation from two-seat trainer aircraft and up to 50-seat regional airliners. Their core innovations focus on electric motors and battery modules that have been designed from the ground up specifically for aviation applications.

London-based Zenway.app is on a mission to unlock sustainable mobility in real estate. Imagine you can choose from multiple high-end e-bikes, e-cargo bikes, e-scooters or EVs, in your building’s garage. Zenway helps property managers provide an electric mobility service as an amenity, exclusively for their residents.

They leverage IoT technology so tenants can hire an e-bike with the push of a button. For potential tenants choosing properties, it’s a big plus and it also provides solutions to create Net Zero cities going forward. We are expecting big things for creators Mohamed Makni and Sam Pattuzzi.

As a safer, lighter, and stronger alternative to conventional battery packs, The Structural Battery Company, based in Bedfordshire, has patented an innovative sandwich panel design incorporating standard cylindrical cells that can absorb mechanical load whilst storing electrical energy. Working with a niche vehicle manufacturer, they integrated structural batteries into a carbon fibre monocoque chassis to create a supercar that is 200kg lighter with batteries that contributed 50 per cent to the overall torsional stiffness of the car. Having proven the concept with the supercar car, there are other exciting applications ahead.

Richard Yorke, Director of Cyber Cheltenham (CyNam)

Lexverify is a Birmingham-based, start-up, and National Cyber Security Centre for Start-ups alumni, that has developed an AI-powered risk management and compliance product. Full disclosure - I'm one of the Angels that have invested in them.

Tulpa.ai is developing a platform that brings together human and machine intelligence to tackle complex, critical tasks. Effectively, AI with humans put very much at the centre.

Red Maple Technologies, based in Cheltenham, is a cyber security company with heritage in the National Security and Intel sector. Primarily based in the services and consultancy industries, they have launched a number of new projects over the last 18 months which are starting to gain traction.

North Green Security, also based in Cheltenham, is a highly regarded cyber security and resilience start-up providing cyber security as a service and managed security services to clients. They are passionate about solving the skills gaps and focus a lot of their efforts on training and upskilling. They are developing an ‘Academy’ platform and do awesome work in schools to inspire the next generation.

Daniel Bond (Partner) of business advisors and accountants Hazlewoods

Bristol-based Wanderlands is an environmental consultancy that offers pioneering sustainability solutions for UK clients.

Putting transparency and traceability (two of the key challenges currently faced in the carbon offsetting space) at the forefront, they have recently launched a Habitat Bank - a blockchain-secure platform that maximises the quality and integrity of connecting users to local natural capital projects.

Users can invest in verified carbon offsets and biodiversity units that comply with government standards. The platform is also in a strong future-proofed position for new nature market opportunities.

Qontrol is a rising player in the young field of quantum photonics infrastructure. It underpins photonic quantum computing, neuromorphic photonics and other advanced integrated optics technology through its bespoke electronics control platform.

The Bristol company’s deep integration within the quantum photonics market has allowed it to stay uniquely ahead of the curve, and it is now the trusted partner to a global customer base of 100 major technology organisations.

Conectar, an emerging B2B lead generation company, uses AI technology for data-driven strategies, offering precise targeting from vast datasets and better ROI.

They have made strides in niche markets like insurance broking and green energy solutions, with their recent partnership with Green Financial Services further solidifying their industry leadership.

Conectar’s committed focus on leveraging AI technology for analysis has proved a success in providing qualified leads to diverse industries, in what is a competitive landscape.

Bath-based T-Cup, a leader in organisational wellbeing, uses machine learning to craft a nuanced understanding of team dynamics and individual growth.

Their team Connection pillar fosters empathy and support, reducing employee attrition and increasing team satisfaction. Their Unlocking Potential pillar uses machine learning to increase self-awareness and proactive wellbeing measures among users.

T-Cup’s transformative strategies have impacted on over 500,000 lives, underscoring its relevance in today’s workforce.