South West StartUps, we see you.
Hot on the heels of an unforgettable night in the Midlands, the UK StartUp Awards tour landed in Bristol. This time to celebrate the South West’s boldest, brightest, and most brilliant founders.
Taking centre stage, EnsiliTech was named South West StartUp of the Year for pioneering a breakthrough in vaccine and biopharmaceutical stability. Their game-changing technology could transform global access to life-saving medicines especially in areas that need it most. A huge congratulations on a win that reflects impact, vision, and world-changing potential.
The South West has always been full of character, but now it’s full of founders. People who’ve taken risks, backed themselves, and turned “what ifs” into real, growing businesses.
We’re proud to spotlight the very best start-ups across the South West and the people behind them.
Let’s meet this year’s winners.
The 2025 South West StartUp Awards in Bristol
AI StartUp of the Year – Aidx
Aidx is revolutionising access to mental wellness through AI-powered therapy and coaching tools. Designed for individuals, practitioners, and businesses, it delivers expert-backed support that’s affordable, accessible, and built to boost emotional wellbeing at scale.
Business to Business StartUp of the Year – BUY ARTISAN MADE
BUY ARTISAN MADE is on a mission to help 10,000 independent food and drink producers thrive by 2030. Through expert support, strategic partnerships, and access to major retail and funding opportunities, BAM empowers artisan brands to scale sustainably and succeed on their own terms.
Business, Consulting & Management StartUp of the Year – The Marketing Plot
The Marketing Plot serves as an outsourced Chief Marketing Officer for B2B companies, delivering strategic direction and hands-on execution.
Consumer Products StartUp of the Year – Kostume
Kostüme is reinventing fashion with a small-batch, pre-order model that eliminates waste, overstocking, and discounting, delivering exceptional quality using recycled fabrics without luxury markups.
Consumer Services StartUp of the Year – Wiltshire Wild Sauna
Wiltshire Wild Sauna is an off-grid, wood-fired sauna experience set in the peaceful Wiltshire countryside—complete with cold dips, fire pits, and space to unwind. Whether it’s a wellness retreat, a team-building day, or a quiet moment for yourself, it’s all about reconnecting with nature, relaxation, and community.
Creative StartUp of the Year – Fusion AI
Fusion AI is an all-in-one content creation platform that uses advanced AI to streamline scripting, editing, and competitor analysis eliminating the need for multiple tools. From auto-generating brand-aligned scripts to editing viral-style videos in minutes, it’s built to help creators and businesses scale content production effortlessly.
Education & Training StartUp of the Year – Paseda360
Paseda360 is the rule-breaking coach training academy redefining what effective coaching looks like. By fusing coaching, therapy, psychology, and neuroscience, they equip leaders and aspiring coaches with practical, outcomes-driven skills that go far beyond traditional models—creating real transformation, not just conversation.
Equity-Backed StartUp of the Year – Micro Mobility Labs
Micro Mobility Labs is a Bristol-based startup making smart e-trailers to replace short car trips. Their CONVOY trailer attaches to bikes for easy school runs and errands. The goal: cut one billion car journeys by making cycling practical for everyday life.
Food & Drink StartUp of the Year – Lucid
Lucid is a functional lifestyle brand helping people feel and perform at their best through products powered by mushrooms and adaptogens.
Global StartUp of the Year – Innovisual Digital Marketing Agency
Innovisual Digital Marketing Agency blends journalism, storytelling, and data-driven strategies to help brands connect with audiences in powerful, human ways.
Green StartUp of the Year – Little Green Change
Little Green Change is an award-winning social enterprise dedicated to environmental education for primary and secondary school children across the South West. Through free school programmes, community projects, and engaging events, they inspire young people to take action for a healthier planet and brighter future.
Health & Wellbeing StartUp of the Year – Kuutch
Kuutch is a workplace wellbeing and leadership consultancy focused on embedding wellbeing into business strategy, especially within STEM organisations.