Software Cornwall has rebranded into Tech Cornwall, following a £450k grant from the Good Growth Fund.
The announcement came during the recent first-ever Cornwall Festival of Tech and Big Cornish Tech Showcase. The two-week long event brought 3,000+ people together to celebrate everything tech, digital and software in Cornwall. Following the success of the festival, Tech Cornwall has confirmed it will host the event again next year.
Cllr Louis Gardner – Cornwall Council portfolio holder for Economy, said: “Huge congratulations to the Tech Cornwall team – through funding initiatives such as this, we demonstrate our commitment to helping Cornwall become a prime hub for tech business, both locally and nationally.
“It puts a spotlight on Cornwall’s thriving tech industry and will work to inspire individuals to explore career pathways and help bolster our local economy in the long term.”
Software Cornwall, now Tech Cornwall, recently celebrated its tenth anniversary. Since its inception it has grown to 90 members and a 3,000 strong community. It has also hosted over 30 ‘Mission to Mars’ work experience weeks and delivered more than 100 ‘Tech Jam’ events.
The Tech Jams (free introductory coding sessions) have engaged with over 600 young people and caregivers, and provided workshops to more than 4,500 participants.
Tech Cornwall has also received further funding from the Shared Prosperity Fund to host a second UK-based Slush event. With the main event held in Helsinki, Slush is Europe’s largest startup conference – bringing together a global network of founders, leaders, investors, and media ready to collaborate, network, advise and support.