Tech4Good South West

In this episode of the Tech4Good South West podcast, host Arielle Tye speaks with Matt Bakall, a digital youth work specialist working at Space Youth Services, about digital youth work. They discuss the evolution of youth work in the digital age, the importance of meeting young people where they are, and the challenges and opportunities presented by technology. Matt shares insights on defining digital youth work, the need for training future youth workers, and the concept of 'Tech for Good' as an approach to using technology to positively impact young people's lives.spaceyouthservices.org

Join us on the Tech for Good Southwest podcast as we delve into the inspiring journey of Luke Ashman, co-founder of Not Impossible. Discover how this innovative platform is revolutionising work experience for young people by connecting them with meaningful placements. From the challenges of building a purpose-driven business to the impact of micro-placements, Luke shares insights on creating opportunities and fostering social mobility. Tune in to explore the power of technology in driving positive change and learn how Not Impossible is making a difference in the Southwest and beyond. For more information, visit their website at teamnotimpossible.com.

What happens when your smartphone becomes your biggest enemy in managing ADHD? In this powerful conversation, Annie sits down with Alastair Brayne, founder of Unbreakable (formerly MyCoPilot.ai), who turned his personal struggle with organisation, planning and digital addiction into a mission to help others.Alastair shares the raw reality of building a startup while neurodivergent, from developing "a really dumb little app" in his bedroom to creating an AI-powered platform that provides compassionate support for people with ADHD. We dive deep into the neuroscience behind why smartphones can make ADHD symptoms worse, the challenges of securing funding as a neurodiverse founder, and the personal cost of pursuing a mission-driven business.This episode explores the darker side of our relationship with technology, the power of AI to heal rather than harm, and what it truly means to build "Tech for Good" - even when it feels like an act of revenge against the systems that failed you.Key Topics:Digital addiction and ADHDBuilding inclusive technology for neurodiversityThe startup journey and mental healthAI as a tool for compassionate supportCommunity building in the tech spaceA perfect listen for entrepreneurs, anyone interested in mental health tech, or those curious about the intersection of neurodiversity and innovation.Connect with Alastair:Find Alastair on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/albrayneUnbreakable website: icanbeunbreakable.com (formerly MyCoPilot.ai: mycopilot.ai)All links and the full episode at our website ⁠tech4goodsouthwest.org/podcast⁠

In this episode of the Tech4Good South West podcast, host Arielle Tye speaks with Weronika Stelma, co-founder and CEO of Weaving Change, a social enterprise focused on sustainable fashion. They discuss the launch of their app, Swerve, which aims to help users digitise their wardrobes and make sustainable fashion choices. Weronica shares her journey from a chemistry background to creating a tech startup, the challenges of funding, and the ethical considerations of using AI in fashion. The conversation highlights the importance of using technology for social good and the future of digital fashion. Takeaways Weaving Change focuses on making sustainable fashion accessible. The Swerve app allows users to digitize their wardrobes. Only 10% of clothes in wardrobes are regularly worn. Funding is crucial for startups in the social enterprise space. Aura is an outfit recommendation algorithm based on personal style. Ethical considerations in AI development are essential. Digital fashion is the future of the industry. Understanding the impact of technology on the environment is vital. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tech for Good South West 01:45 Sustainable Fashion and Weaving Change 05:05 The Journey of Weaving Change 09:00 Funding and Business Model 11:20 Developing the Aura Algorithm 15:41 Ethical Considerations in AI and Fashion 21:29 Future Plans for Weaving Change 24:24 Defining Tech for Good

In this episode, we talk with Neil Morris, co-founder of Kelpi, about his journey from tech entrepreneur to impact leader with a mission to reduce plastic waste through innovative, seaweed-based packaging solutions. Neil discusses the challenges of scaling impact sustainably, including the tough decisions Kelpi has made to avoid partnerships that could compromise their mission. He shares insights into the role of purpose-driven leadership in building a business focused on people, planet, and profit, and why resilience and principled choices are key to driving change. Join us as we explore how Kelpi is working to create a plastic-free future and the essential role of leadership in shaping a sustainable tech for good movement. https://www.kelpi.net/

Promoting STEM education and environmental awareness among children through The Adventures of Scout. In this engaging conversation, co-founders Nick Parker and Matt Baron of The Adventures of Scout discuss their mission to inspire the next generation through children's literature focused on environmental awareness and STEM education. They share insights into their creative process, the impact of their books on children, and the importance of community engagement and partnerships. The discussion also highlights the role of technology in education and their vision for future growth and impact. “Technology is at the forefront of everything." The Adventures of Scout is a children's book series that aims to inspire the next generation of problem solvers to protect the planet, promoting STEM education and environmental awareness among children. takeaways Tech4Good South West aims to amplify technology's positive impact. The Adventures of Scout is designed to inspire young problem solvers. The creative process involved extensive brainstorming and collaboration. Scout's books have reached over a quarter of a million children. Partnerships with organizations enhance the reach and impact of Scout. Technology plays a crucial role in modern education and outreach. Environmental awareness is a key theme in Scout's stories. Collaboration is essential for driving real change in communities. Future plans include expanding Scout's brand and educational resources. Community engagement is vital for promoting literacy and environmental stewardship. https://www.the3engineers.com/

In this episode of the Tech4Good South West podcast, our host Alicia discuss the importance of technology in addressing societal challenges with Emily Franklin, Head of People at ⁠Kaluza⁠. They explore Kaluza's mission to make net zero accessible to everyone, the significance of company culture and values in tech for good organisations, and effective hiring practices that align with these values. The conversation also delves into diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, employee development, and the future direction of Kaluza as it expands globally. Sound Bites "Our mission is to amplify the positive impact of technology." "Kaluza is about making sure that net zero is within everyone's reach. "Culture is woven into everything that we do." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tech4Good South West 01:28 Understanding Kaluza and Its Mission 05:43 The Role of Company Culture in Tech for Good 10:17 Defining and Instilling Core Values 13:00 Hiring for Culture and Values 15:12 Effective Hiring Practices at Kaluza 18:48 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives 24:23 Employee Development and Wellbeing 30:33 Future Directions for Kaluza 31:59 Advice for Heads of People in Tech for Impact

Simon Allen, CEO of Age UK in Bath and North East Somerset, discusses his journey as a CEO of a charity and how AI can enable organisations in the social sector. Simon developed the charity Navigator using OpenAI and chat GPT to support charities in navigating regulation and governance. Simon highlights the complexity of regulation and governance in the charity sector and the need for accessible information and best practices. He explains how AI, specifically chat GPT, can be used as a learning tool and to generate insights and project plans. Simon also discusses the challenges and opportunities of using AI in the nonprofit sector and the importance of prompt engineering. "There are so many voluntary sector organisations, nonprofits, who could really benefit from that kind of technology." “I personally believe that all tech can be used for good and should be used for good. And I say that probably tentatively because I also know that we've got a lot of people in our society who are digitally excluded. The whole movement in Tech4Good SouthWest is about balancing that out. So how can we make best use of the technology? Takeaways AI has the potential to level the playing field for smaller nonprofit organisations and empower them to have a greater impact. Chat GPT can serve as a learning tool and generate insights and project plans for nonprofits. The challenges of using AI in the nonprofit sector include data protection and GDPR compliance.

Bryan Charter is co-founder and CEO of Bristol based SuSy House. In this episode Bryan discusses the mission - to make homes more energy-efficient and sustainable. Susy is a mobile app that helps homeowners assess the energy efficiency of their properties, connect with contractors, and access financing options for upgrades. The app uses data science and smart technology to provide personalised recommendations and estimate potential savings. "Innovation is all about making things faster, easier, cheaper." "Proper digital passports for homes would be a game-changer." "Finding engaged angels is a good place to start for funding."

Alicia interviews Paul Forster, the Incubation Manager at SetSquared Bristol. They discuss the enterprise programs at SetSquared Bristol, investing in minorities in the tech industry, purpose-driven technology, and the importance of Tech for Good. Paul shares his passion for amplifying marginalised voices and creating tangible change. He also highlights the need for government investment in Bristol's tech ecosystem. The conversation concludes with information on how to get involved with SetSquared Bristol. "Everybody deserves the opportunity, but we need to understand what those barriers are to optioning that opportunity for everyone." "Tech for good is a really good way of ring fencing things that are driven by purpose."

Henry Jones, consultant for the Southwest Social Mobility Commission discusses social mobility, the South West, diversity in tech and some ideas on how to close the ever growing digital skills gap in the UK. Read Henry’s report Tech Frontier, Shaping the Future of the Southwest Peninsula "Work experience is one of the big things I’m looking at, specifically year 10 work experience. My report lays out eight things that we really need to do to improve the pipeline of young talent, especially those with disadvantaged backgrounds going into tech, and number one is more year 10 work experience programs within tech! When I speak about work experience programs, I don't mean just your local tech employer ringing on someone because, albeit that's good, I'm not saying that should stop. More tech employers I think should do that. But that is much more accessible to people that just have connections there, what about the others?'' "Awareness and interest in tech, as well as the availability of non-technical roles, play a crucial role in addressing the digital skills gap and driving social mobility in the tech industry.”

Jim Cranshaw, founder of Grants AI, which helps charities research and write grants way faster discusses his passion for social change and the challenges faced by the nonprofit sector. "It's not just AI, but there's a number of technological revolutions that we're kind of really in the middle of or at the start of. And I think that's going to transform a lot about society. And I do think the sector's underprepared for that in a major way.’’ Jim Cranshaw Takeaways Nonprofits face challenges such as limited funding, stress, and burnout. Technology can help nonprofits automate tasks and improve efficiency. Grants AI aims to simplify the grants application process and reduce costs for charities. The grants system should be more accessible, transparent, and accountable. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:16 Passion for Social Change 06:23 Challenges in the Nonprofit Sector 07:12 Tech and Nonprofit Collaboration 12:31 Introduction to Grants AI 26:28 Tech for Good and the Nonprofit Sector 31:26 Desired Change in the Grants System 34:32 Closing Remarks

In this episode we are in conversation with Julia Marshall-Wessendorf, founder of the WaveSix holistic health tracker app. The WaveSix health app tracks all aspects of your lifestyle, health and wellbeing to provide insights on what’s having a positive or negative impact on your health and happiness. The app has recently launched for both Apple and Android. Julia shares her inspiration for WaveSix, and her own lived experience of managing the impact of long term illness and how she has taken her insights forward to filling a gap in the market for health trackers. As a female founder, Julia shares her business journey - how she has funded the business, the networks, and communities that have really supported her along the way and importantly how to prioritise your time and manage business growth sustainably.

Take a listen to this joint episode as both funder and grantee explore the important of digital funding to strengthen sustainability of community business. Power to Change are funders of a Powering Up programme, a 12-month funding programme to support community businesses in England that need capacity strengthening. In this episode we are joined by Sona Mahtani, Community Connector for Power to Change, and one of their programme grantees, St Werburghs City Farm. Nestled in the heart of Bristol, St Werburghs City Farm is an integral part of the local community, strengthening connections between land, animals and people for more than 40 years. St Werburghs City Farm offer a number of therapeutic services, adult engagement support and group skills building opportunities. We hear from Alex Bowsher, the Volunteer Manager as he reflects on the process to introduce a volunteer management system for the organisation - from managing data, to engaging leadership and volunteers through the implementation process.

Chris Newton is VP of engineering at Immersive Labs, a cyber security company based in Beautiful Bristol. Immersive Labs are one of the South West’s biggest sucuess stories and to date they have raised $189 million, employing over 300 folk across the UK, US and EMEA. Their technology is already helping over 300 enterprises around the world and around 5,000 labs are completed every single day. In this episode Chris talks about Immersive Labs inclusive approach to recruitment and their new initiative – Cyber Million. The cybersecurity industry currently faces an enormous talent shortage. An estimated 3.4 million security roles are currently vacant, and traditional approaches to recruiting are failing. Cyber Million will help fill these open roles, reducing barriers to entry for job seekers by increasing access to opportunities and uncovering hidden talent. Unlike traditional hiring modes, the program takes a skills-first approach to recruiting. Enjoy.

Hannah Smith shares her journey to digital sustainability, representing the Green Web Foundation, and founding Green Tech South West - a community championing the application of tech in the South West of England to heal Climate Change.

Lucy Paine talks to us about what to expect from this year's Bath Digital Festival. We discuss he digital divide, which is this year's Tech for Good theme at the festival and we talk more widely about her work with TechSpark to strengthen the tech community.

Richard Godfrey is CEO at Rocketmakers, investor, entrepreneur and technology innovator with a proven history of delivering major systems via Rocketmakers, Microsoft and Deloitte over the last 30+ years. Richard holds the Queens Award for Enterprise: Innovation and Lifetime Achievement. Based in Bath, Rocketmakers is a team of software developers that build innovative software, apps and websites for startups, scale-ups and large organisations who are working to have a positive impact in the world. Richard shares the Rocketmakers journey to tech for good, becoming B-Corp certified and hopes for the South-West as a centre for tech for good.

John Bradford is the inspiration behind Digilocal charity initiative supporting coding sessions for young people from 8 years old + across Bristol. Digilocal also refurbish and redeploy laptops to those most in need. In this episode John shares with us the inspiration for launching Digilocal in particular to tackle the diversity in tech agenda to provide access to learning spaces for those most excluded from access to technology. John explains how the Digilocal coding clubs run, the role of volunteer mentors and the impact for young people. https://digilocal.org.uk/

Ed Howarth is Programme Delivery Lead for Power to Change supporting community businesses. In particular Ed has championed the need for strengthening community businesses through digital. Ed was co-founder of Tech for Good Bristol which was subsequently merged to become and Tech for Good South West. Follow Ed's Medium page for regular work notes and further discussion of the topics raised during our conversation.