Ten technology businesses in Gwent businesses have been shortlisted in the 2015 ESTnet Awards, which celebrate the success of Wales’ technology industry.

Finalists from Gwent include start-up businesses Learnium and Enjovia, both recent graduates of the Alacrity Foundation programme, who are both nominated for the Sir Michael Moritz tech start-up award.

Software businesses Interceptor Solutions and Blurrt are finalists in the innovative software category.

Axiom Manufacturing Services and SPTS Technologies are both in the running for the prestigious title of company of the year.

This year the awards will celebrate young people in Wales’ technology industry and local talent Luke Fletcher from Newport-based IAC Ltd is in the running for the title young engineer of the year while his colleague Luke Elsemore is up against Nick Gibbons, from Gwent Cables, for young apprentice of the year.

A new category for 2015 will celebrate role models within the industry. Shortlisted individuals for this include graduate systems engineer Laura Jones, from General Dynamics UK, for her work in breaking down barriers to STEM subjects and careers in engineering for women in Wales, and Mary Curtis, of IR Newport Ltd. Starting as front line operator, Mary’s career trajectory over 25 years has established her as a senior research and development engineer, contributing to several patents in one of Wales’s most advanced high tech centres.

Ian Menzies, chair of the ESTnet, the network representing electronic and software technologies businesses in Wales, said:

“The ESTnet Awards are now in its third year and it is so encouraging to see entries continue to grow year-on-year. While we will celebrate the achievements and growth of those new technology businesses in Wales we will also pay tribute to the anchor companies and SMEs that are so well represented in our sector and who continue to offer skilled and well-paid career opportunities while remaining at the forefront of technology development and manufacturing in Wales and the UK.”

The ESTnet Awards will be held on March 5 at the Millennium Centre and are judged by a panel of industry experts chaired by Professor Julie Lydon, vice chancellor of the University of South Wales.

The ESTnet awards 2015 are supported by SPTS Technologies, Sony UK technology Centre, Software Alliance Wales, IQE Ltd, Coleg y Cymoedd, Finance Wales, Taylor Dowding Innovation, EIP, Lloyds Bank Commercial, IR Newport (an Infineon Technology company), Smart Solutions Ltd and EBV Elektronik.

The ESTnet has established itself as a high value network, providing the voice of the industry for the industry. It promotes the electronic and software technology solutions designed, developed, manufactured and integrated in Wales. These technologies are vital to economic success and underpin many of today’s markets. It exists to give its members, an environment where they can grow, create opportunities for strong business relationships to encourage trade, exchange knowledge, nurture talent and innovate.