Open Bionics named sixth most innovative company in Europe
Open Bionics, a start-up that developed in Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL), has been named in a prestigious annual list of the world's most innovative companies for 2019.
The list, published by American business magazine Fast Company, honours the companies making the most profound impact on both industry and culture. Half of the businesses on this year's list of 50 innovative organisations are appearing for the first time. Open Bionics has been ranked sixth in the list's Europe category.
The company creates advanced multi-grip bionic hands called 'Hero Arms' for amputees. It uses 3D technologies such as 3D scanning and 3D printing to radically reduce costs.
Samantha Payne, Open Bionics' co-founder and COO, said: “We're thrilled to be recognised by Fast Company as a business changing an industry. We're excited to be named one of the best in Europe and are very excited to launch in the US this year.”
This year, Fast Company's editors and writers sought out groundbreaking businesses across 35 industries. They also judged nominations received through their application process. The magazine says the list provides both a snapshot and a road map for the future of innovation across the most dynamic sectors of the economy.
Samantha Payne and Joel Gibbard, named by The Europas startup awards as the 'hottest founders' in Europe, founded 'tech for good' company Open Bionics in 2014. The multi award-winning business developed its technology at BRL's Hardware Incubator before relocating to the neighbouring Future Space innovation centre at the University of the West of England's Frenchay campus.
The recognition for Open Bionics from Fast Company comes one month after the company received a £4.6 million investment deal from backers including Formula 1's Williams.
Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies issue (March-April 2019) is now available online here.
Related news
28 November 2024
Entrepreneur and advocate for workplace equality awarded honorary degree by UWE Bristol
Dr Zara Nanu MBE, an innovator in addressing workplace inequalities and tackling the gender pay gap, has been awarded an honorary degree by UWE Bristol.
21 November 2024
Crypto-trader training platform among eight graduate businesses to receive funding boost
A platform that trains people to trade cryptocurrency safely is one of eight graduate businesses to have received funding through UWE Bristol’s Entrepreneurial Futures Award.
20 November 2024
Innovative university-business partnership to power economic growth and devolution for the West of England
A new centre created by the University of Bath with UWE Bristol and Futures West will pioneer new approaches to economic research and data analysis for the West of England.
29 July 2024
Student who dedicated his time at university to helping disabled people graduates
A student who has dedicated his time at UWE Bristol to helping people with disabilities has graduated.
21 May 2024
Growth for tech innovation in Bristol as Future Space expands
UWE Bristol’s award-winning innovation centre, Future Space, has opened its doors to 10,000 square feet of brand-new office and laboratory facilities.
18 January 2024
The new programme powering upskilling across the West of England
UWE Bristol have launched a new programme aimed at upskilling workers across the West of England, which aims make it easier to access the knowledge and expertise to boost their careers.
14 December 2023
'Wearable bodyguard' among ten new businesses by young entrepreneurs to receive funding boost
A business developing a ‘wearable bodyguard’ for safer solo journeys is among 10 growing businesses that have received a vital boost, thanks to funding donated by UWE Bristol alum Peter Fane.
04 December 2023
Prestigious fellowship awarded to UWE Bristol academic to fund development of music technology
A UWE Bristol professor has been awarded a fellowship which will fund the development of a radically new approach to digital musical instrument design.
15 August 2023
Former inmates to benefit from enterprise education course shown to reduce reoffending and boost employment
UWE Bristol has successfully secured funding from the City & Guilds Foundation to deliver enterprise education to previously incarcerated people.
16 May 2023
UWE Bristol expands support for start-ups with new incubation facilities
UWE Bristol has transformed its incubation space on campus, bringing together two technology incubators into one area.
20 April 2023
UWE Bristol's award-winning green skills programme returns for 2023
Applications are now open for the transformational Green Skills for Jobs and Entrepreneurship programme.
25 January 2023
Changemaker podcast series shines a light on UWE Bristol's champions and catalysts for change
UWE Bristol’s new Changemaker podcast series talks to those tackling global challenges through outstanding learning, research and a culture of enterprise.