Bristol-born tech companies Reach Robotics and Open Bionics have been named on exclusive international lists of game-changing entrepreneurs and innovative businesses.

Former Future Space resident Reach Robotics was based at the innovation hub within the University Enterprise Zone at the heart of the main UWE Bristol Campus between August 2016 and December 2017.

The roboticist company develops gaming robots that evolve as they are played with, alongside an augmented reality platform to inspire and educate the next generation of talent.

Reach Robotics became one of the original Future Space residents when founder Silas Adekunle launched the business as part of the Bristol Robotics Laboratory Hardware Incubator programme. In 2017, the company struck an exclusive distribution deal for its MekaMon robots with Apple.

As a result of Reach Robotics’ success, Silas was recently named in the 2019 Maserati 100 which, in partnership with The Sunday Times, recognises Britain’s most innovative entrepreneurs. Celebrating the positive impact of these business people on the economy and in society, the Maserati 100 is now in its fifth year.

Current resident Open Bionics moved to Future Space in August 2016, designing and engineering the next generation of accessible bionic limbs.

The start-up company has been hailed as one of the world’s 50 most innovative companies in 2019, according to American business magazine Fast Company.

The list honours the companies having significant impact on industry and culture. Half of the businesses on this year’s list are appearing for the first time and Open Bionics has been ranked sixth in the list’s Europe category.

Future Space offers a range of office space, shared and dedicated laboratories, workshops and coworking facilities designed specifically for such high-tech, science-based start-up and growing companies.

Both Open Bionics and Reach Robotics have utilised the commercial business support and facilities provided by the innovation centre to establish and grow their companies, becoming leading Future Space success stories. 

Marty Reid, centre director at Future Space, said: “The centre is a hub of collaboration, innovation and growth, and it’s fantastic to be part of the journeys of such amazing businesses.

“The inclusion of Reach Robotics and Open Bionics in such prestigious lists is testament to the amazing minds behind the businesses as well as to the incredible work they’re doing.”

Submitted on 09/04/2019