A record year for entries sees several Gwent companies selected as finalists in the 2018 Wales Technology Awards.

They include Pontypool-based Quote Detective, Newport Waferfab and Chepstow-based TXO Systems.

Powered by the ESTnet, the network for Wales’ technology sector, and supported by headline partner GoCompare, the awards champion the outstanding achievements and innovations made by the diverse Welsh technology sector which enhance the lives and operations of consumers and businesses across the globe.

This year’s shortlist was selected by a judging panel comprised of some of the UK’s leading business and technology experts, and chaired by one of Wales’ most successful entrepreneurs, Ashley Cooper.

Egidijus Jankauskas, a graduate CIM enginner, from Newport Wafer Fab Ltd, has been shortlisted for the Best New Talent Award, which rewards an individual working in their first technology role who shows great promise.

Pontypool-based specialist insurance broker Quote Detective is in the running for the Sir Michael Moritz Tech Start-up Award, which recognises a newcomer to the Welsh tech scene.

Three Gwent-based organisations have been shortlisted for the International Impact Award, which seeks to recognize businesses that have achieved significant, sustainable growth through international trade. Two awards will be presented on the night, one for a hardware business the other for a software company.

Newport manufacturer, Silvertel, which specialises in the design and supply of low cost electronic modules to a global customer base that includes blue chip names such as Samsung and Panasonic, has been shortlisted the hardware award. Chepstow-based telecommunications specialist, TXO Systems has also been shortlisted for the hardware category of the International Impact Award.

Additionally, a partnership project between Airbus and Cardiff University has made the software shortlist.

The winners will be announced on May 3 at an awards celebration in Cardiff.

Avril Lewis, managing director of the ESTnet, said: “The sheer number of high-quality entries we received for this year’s Wales Technology Awards is a clear demonstration of the strength, diversity and value of the Welsh tech sector.

“The innovations and successes that have been revealed prove what we in the sector have known to be true for many years.

"Here in Wales we design, develop, and integrate some of the world’s leading technology that will and continue to, advance the way we all work and live. These innovations are pervasive and enabling, they underpin every sector, and their value to our economy and future prosperity cannot be denied."

“Thanks to the support of our partner companies the Wales Technology Awards will ensure that these achievements, and the talented individuals that made them possible, receive the recognition they rightfully deserve.”