Tech North has officially revealed the winners of its prestigious Northern Stars competition, highlighting the best of the region’s tech talent.
During a live event in Manchester, selected companies made their final pitches to a distinguished panel of judges, securing a variety of coveted awards.
The Grand Finale in Manchester
The Northern Stars competition concluded with an exciting live pitching event in Manchester. Over 200 applicants were whittled down to 20 finalists who presented their innovative ideas to a panel of esteemed judges. This event not only showcased the talents of the finalists but also underscored the vibrant tech scene in the North.
Judges included notable figures such as James Foster from ADV and Suzanne Ashman from LocalGlobe. In front of more than 300 attendees at Stoller Hall, each finalist had three minutes to pitch their ideas, followed by a question-and-answer session.
The Victorious Ten
The competition celebrated ten winners, each representing a different area within the northern tech ecosystem. These companies are BigChange, Membr, Nivo, Relative Insight, Ruler Analytics, Sport:80, Synap, Technically Compatible, Tutora, and VYPR.
Spanning across cities like Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Sunderland, Sheffield, and Lancaster, these winners exemplify the diversity and innovation inherent in the region. Their sectors include SaaS, cloud technology, education technology, and communications, among others.
An Insight into the Prize Package
A significant prize package was awarded to each winner, designed to propel their businesses forward.
Prizes included a stand at TechCrunch Disrupt Berlin, subsidised travel, presentation slots at investor pitch events in London, entrance to the Northern Tech Awards, and more.
Each company also received specialised support, such as pitch training from Sunderland Software City and media training from Citypress. This comprehensive package aims to provide the winners with both the visibility and skills necessary to succeed on a larger stage.
Voices from Tech North
Esme Caulfield from Tech North expressed pride in the competition’s role in highlighting regional digital talent. She noted that the calibre of applicants was exceptionally high this year, reflecting the region’s dynamic tech industry.
Caulfield emphasised the impact of the initiative, stating, “Initiatives like Northern Stars help us to showcase the wealth of digital talent we have across the region.”
A Glimpse into the Judging Process
Some finalists advanced to the grand finale by securing victories in regional heat events. Companies like Synap, Ruler Analytics, and SkillsForge impressed the judges early on with their innovative approaches.
The judging panel, which included experts from various tech accelerators like Collider, Mass Challenge, and TechStars, ensured a rigorous selection process that focused on each company’s potential for impact and growth.
Engagement Beyond the Awards
Beyond the award ceremony, winners benefit from ongoing support and networking opportunities. They gain access to the Northern Stars alumni network and are invited to exclusive dinners with previous winners.
These engagements are designed to foster collaboration and growth within the tech community, providing the winners with opportunities to learn from and connect with industry leaders.
Looking to the Future
The Northern Stars competition, now in its third year, has proven to be a vital platform for emerging tech companies in the North. It continues to evolve, promising even greater opportunities for future participants.
The Northern Stars competition has once again illuminated the exceptional talent present in the North, providing invaluable opportunities for its participants. As the winners embark on the next stage of their journey, they carry the potential to significantly impact their respective sectors.
This year’s triumphs underscore the importance of initiatives like Northern Stars in fostering innovation and growth within the tech industry.