Four individuals who are using technology to drive positive change and generate social impact have been chosen as the first cohort of ‘champions’ for Tech4Good South West, the not-for-profit organisation on a mission to strengthen links between society and technology.
The four were selected by a panel of experts and peers as they adhere to Tech4Good’s guiding principles of commitment to protect the planet, ensuring accessibility for all and empowering innovation. 
Tech4Good South West aims to build a regional ecosystem, fostering partnerships and opportunities for knowledge sharing, amplifying the impact of tech for good initiatives across the region.
It plays a key role in supporting projects across the South West. One notable project and champion example is the Digital Divide Collective, incubated by Tech4Good South West, which focuses on addressing digital inclusion in Bath & North East Somerset.
The 2024 Tech4Good Champions are: 
- Richard Wheatley. Richard’s co-founded HeadX, which focuses on the development of a wearable device to help manage sports-related concussions. He’s also worked with DEEP, focusing on advancing technology for underwater exploration. Richard, pictured, is an active mentor with the Institute of Engineering & Technology and a trustee for Crossroads Care Gloucestershire looking at how technology can enhance social care services. He has over 20 years’ experience improving processes in engineering and IT.
- John Bradford. John, pictured, founded DigiLocal following a skills and diversity event. Working with the Somali Resource Centre and other community partners, it aims to improve access to coding skills for young people. Launched in 2015, DigiLocal has supported over 200 volunteers and 3,000 young people through weekly coding clubs in community venues across Bristol. Participants have gone on to study Computer Science and many return as volunteers inspiring the next generation. Digilocal is also the NASA Space Apps Challenge Lead for Bristol.
- Frazer Meakin. A former teacher, Frazer, pictured, has completed a 10-month Fellowship in Residence with Bristol’s MyWorld project. He is using technology as a tool for good by empowering young people to pursue careers in creative technologies.
He has engaged with more than 700 young people through the project, including 100 from SEND (special educational needs) provision schools and 25 from Alternative Learning Provisions. - John Stienlet and Sabita Ravi (Quartet Community Foundation). As a regional funding organisation Quartet has been championing the power of local philanthropy for 37 years investing in £1.7mi in grants with a tech element in the past five years. Projects have included supporting 100 children to make their own podcasts; capacity-building grants to improve digital infrastructure and start-up grants.
Tech4Good South West founder Annie Legge said: “These champions represent the very best of how technology can be harnessed for social good.
“What they all have in common is passion, creativity and a commitment to making a difference in their communities.
“This is the first cohort of Tech4Good South West Champions, who have been chosen by a panel of experts and peers. We’re honoured to shine a light on their incredible work.”
Tech4Good South West launched its member community in 2022 to celebrate and support the region’s thriving ecosystem of technologists, social innovators and community leaders driving positive change through digital solutions.
To nominate a future Champion visit https://tech4goodsouthwest.org/champions
The next Tech4Good South West event is the Unconference on 6 December, tickets and information are available here: Tech for Good Unconference | Tech4Good South West | MatterPay
