The skills and knowledge associated with STEM are the driving force of innovation in many businesses, which is what makes STEM so important to the Welsh economy. The inaugural Wales STEM Awards set out to recognise leading businesses making an impact on the Welsh economy and addressing the STEM diversity gap and skills shortage.

Originally scheduled for 1st May and nominations announced at the end of February, we've been waiting all year for the virtual ceremony hosted by Sian Lloyd on 12th November 2020. 42 companies were shortlisted for awards across 15 categories. We were nominated alongside Bombora Wave Power Europe and Paragon Engineered Timber for the STEM start-up of the year award.

Although we didn't make the final cut, we were awarded a highly commended by the judge of our category, Haus. CEO Steph Locke said: "It is an honour to be recognised amongst such outstanding businesses."

Head judge, Louise Bright said: “The calibre of those nominated for the awards was second to none and we were overwhelmed by the number of entries we received. We really feel that our shortlist represents some of the most progressive organisations and individuals at the forefront of STEM innovation in Wales."

Although the event was delayed several months due to COVID-19, the situation shone an even brighter light on the achievements of STEM companies. Wales STEM Awards co-founder, Liz Brookes of Grapevine Event Management said: “In the last year, science has allowed researchers to study the virus, technology has allowed us to work from home effectively, engineering has enabled us to build ventilators and convert buildings into hospitals, and mathematical modelling has helped the government and health professionals look at the spread and potential impact of the virus.

“Not only have STEM skills been vital in the fight against the virus, but they will continue to be essential as we recover from the crisis and we’re proud to be shining a spotlight on our innovators in Wales.”

The winners

• Innovation in Science Award – Genesis Biosciences.
• Innovation in Technology Award sponsored by CPS Group – Bond Digital Health.
• Innovation in Engineering Award sponsored by Valero – Cadarn Consulting Engineers.
• Innovation in Mathematics Award – Companies House.
• STEM Company of the Year (0-25 employees) – Aspire 2Be.
• STEM Company of the Year (26-250 employees) sponsored by Cardiff Metropolitan university – Concrete Canvas.
• STEM Company of the Year (251+ employees) sponsored by Box UK – CGI IT UK.
• STEM Educational Programme of the Year sponsored by Rolls Royce – Office for National Statistics.
• STEM Environmental Initiative of the Year – Genesis Biosciences.
• STEM International Business of the Year – Concrete Canvas.
• STEM Leader of the Year sponsored by Go Compare – Louise O’Shea – Confused.com.
• STEM Rising Star of the Year sponsored by Catapult Compound Semiconductor Applications – Charles Jones – CGI IT UK.
• STEM Scale-up of the Year – CatSci. ::: {.iframe} :::
• STEM Start-up of the Year sponsored by HAUS –Bombora Wave Power Europe.
• STEM Woman of the Year sponsored by Development Bank of Wales – Hazel Thorpe – Intellectual Property Office.

Highly Commended

• STEM Company of the Year (251+ employees) – Tata Steel
• STEM Educational Programme of the Year – Dragon LNG
• STEM Start-up of the Year – Nightingale HQ
• STEM Woman of the Year – Wajiha Afsar, Atkins