Two Pembrokeshire based businesses have been announced as winners at the inaugural Wales STEM Awards in a virtual awards ceremony hosted by Sian Lloyd on November 12.

The awards were launched last year in a bid to recognise the innovative STEM work being undertaken in Wales, address the diversity gap and skills shortage, and inspire and raise the aspirations of the next generation.

The ceremony saw finalists from across all parts of Wales compete for 15 awards in a variety of different categories, ranging from STEM Start-Up of the Year to STEM Leader of the Year.

Bombora Wave Power Europe were named winner of the STEM Start-up of the Year award after growing their staff from 4 to 24 in just 2 years, along with their securing an ERDF grant and backing of an international energy consultancy to launch a £17 million project.

Milford Haven based Dragon LNG received highly commended in the STEM Educational Programme of the Year category for their vision of sharing expertise with Pembrokeshire pupils and enhancing the curriculum.

Dragon LNG formed a partnership with the Darwin Centre in 2005 with the project successfully engaging, enthusing, inspiring and raising STEM aspirations of students. The project has ultimately supported the youth of Pembrokeshire to reach their full potential, whilst improving their career opportunities.

Head judge Dr Louise Bright, founder of the Wales Women in STEM network, said: “We would like to offer a huge congratulations all of the winners of the very first Wales STEM Awards.

“The calibre of those nominated for the awards was second to none and we were overwhelmed by the number of entries we received.

“We would also like to congratulate all of those who were shortlisted, we really feel that all of the finalists represent some of the most progressive organisations and individuals at the forefront of STEM innovation in Wales.

“We are very much looking forward to the future of the Wales STEM Awards and the future of the STEM sector in Wales.”

Organiser Liz Brookes of Grapevine Event Management said: “While it was a shame that we weren’t able to celebrate the awards in person, we are extremely happy that we were able to celebrate virtually.

“I would like to offer a huge congratulations to all of the winners and to all of those shortlisted. Your work is incredibly important, and we thank you for your contributions to STEM in Wales.

On winning the Wales STEM Award Chris Williams, Bombora’s Commercial Manager, commented: “As a team, we are passionate about what we do and how new technology and innovation can positively impact our environment and future generations. STEM disciplines are central to enabling us to harness the sustainable power held within the ocean.

“Winning this award not only recognises the success of our team at Bombora but also the wider supply chain and supporting organisations throughout Wales we work closely with, who champion the environment and a belief in a better way to do energy. We’d like to thank the organisers and sponsors for hosting this excellent event.”

The Wales STEM Awards, co-founded by communications agency jamjar and Grapevine Event Management, were supported by headline sponsors GS Verde Group, which comprises law firm Greenaway Scott, corporate?finance boutique Verde Corporate Finance, and patent attorney firm Alchemie IP.

Other sponsors included Box UK, Business News Wales, Cardiff Metropolitan University, CPS Group, Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult, Development Bank of Wales, Haus, Rolls-Royce, and Valero.

The nominated charity partner for the awards was Cancer Research Wales, which is dedicated to developing life-changing treatments, diagnostic techniques, and research for people with cancer.