Sponsored by Gateshead College

Click Start by TechUP Women

Click Start by TechUPWomen is giving women and non-binary people from underserved communities living in the North the skills and confidence to put themselves forward for the diverse and rewarding range of jobs and careers available in the tech sector.

It has so far enrolled 231 learners onto the programme, of which 82% of learners have graduated and over 70% of graduates have reported positive outcomes including new employment, enrolling in further education and volunteering.

Kinewell Energy

Kinewell Energy is revolutionising the tech sector through innovation and setting new standards for equity and inclusivity. With 31% female representation, agile working practices, and unique recruitment strategies, they far exceed tech industry averages. Their EduKLOC program, participation in inclusive employment schemes, and efforts to make their KLOC software multilingual demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to diversity. Kinewell’s approach not only enhances their technological capabilities but contributes to a more equitable and innovative digital sector overall.

Opencast

Opencast’s success is built on a diverse team who enjoy working in an inclusive, supportive environment. Where the UK tech workforce has 15% ethnic minority and gender diversity of 19%, Opencast’s has 39% women and people from more than 30 nationalities. As a B Corp, we support recruitment diversity, encourage return post career breaks, and support young people and the ex-services community. Our people rate our commitment to EDI 8.6 out of 10.

Sponsored by Oliver Wyman

Ezoic

Ezoic tackled the challenge of balancing ad revenue with user experience, common in digital publishing, by creating Ad Tester, a data-driven monetization solution that uses AI to test and optimize ad layouts dynamically. Serving over 1.5 billion visits a month across 30,000 websites, each pageview receives a unique, personalized ad experience. This innovative approach enables publishers to maximize revenue and user experience simultaneously, providing a sustainable, data-driven solution that empowers publishers to succeed in the digital landscape.

Newcastle University – Service First

The Service First programme was established to address significant service failings in end user IT support at Newcastle University. Following a major reorganisation, several issues led to a large backlog of service requests and a high level of stakeholder dissatisfaction. A project team was created to understand root cause failings, address performance issues, and rebuild customer confidence. Service First has delivered big against all objectives!

Northumberland County Council

NCC is all in on data, setting an exemplar approach in local government. NCC harnesses data to improve service delivery for residents, businesses, employees, and visitors. Their Data Strategy sets out a 5 year vision focusing on Engineering, Skills and Culture. NCC are using data in meaningful ways, to help families access much needed financial and welfare support to improve their quality of life, and we’re documenting the stories of Northumbrian life through a creative ‘story-focused’ Data Observatory.

Sponsored by Neptune North

CREATE – The Metaverse Project

‘Create’ Metaverse project was set up by the international partners of the Swiss National Agency to collaborate with European educational institutions to produce a collaboration project using innovative technology to bring colleges together. To do this, collaborative college partners have produced a unique virtual campus that brings in elements of new technologies in games, immersive experiences and virtual mapping to give all international students including their own at Newcastle College an opportunity to collaborate and study with Create.

PANDAS-V® Overhead Line and Pantograph Monitoring Solution

PANDAS-V® is an advanced monitoring system designed to keep the rail network running smoothly by monitoring the overhead lines and equipment that provide power to electrified trains. The system can detect potential issues in real time, allowing faults to be fixed before they cause delays or safety concerns. This means fewer disruptions for passengers, improved safety, and significant cost savings for operators, setting a new standard for rail reliability and efficiency. 

Self-healing network brings the focus back to the customer – Forfusion & Newcastle Building Society

An ambitious cross-sector collaboration between two Northeast organisations – Forfusion and Newcastle Building Society (NBS) – introduced an innovative self-healing network to the mutual’s branches. This future-proof foundation has enabled better access to banking and money management for thousands of residents in rural areas, more reliable connectivity for staff in branch and offices, and the launch of customer-focused initiatives including community safe spaces and free multi-bank cash kiosks.

The DWP Garage – Whitemail

DWP receive over 22k items of miscellaneous items of post each day. These are often hand written letters that can be a complete mix of topics, from providing feedback on a recent job centre visit to more urgent situations for potentially at risk citizens. This solution utilised AI (LLMS) to be able to review and triage these documents on the same day that they arrive – meaning that we are able to identify and direct potentially at risk citizens to the relevant teams.

Sponsored by Community Foundation

Accenture

As a forward-thinking organization, Accenture proactively identify skill needs through market data and offer innovative apprenticeship programs, including a no-minimum entry Degree Apprenticeship and a Masters conversion for non-technical graduates. Since launching in Newcastle in 2013, they have expanded to 664 apprentices across the UK, emphasizing diversity and community investment. Accenture partner with various organizations to support underrepresented groups and foster continuous learning, offering industry-leading digital training and opportunities for career growth.

Apexon

Apexon’s innovative training and initiatives positively impact both the company and the regional skills pipeline. Diverse entry pathways, from T-Level students to degree apprenticeships, and an in-house graduate programme ensure high standards. Continuous learning is encouraged through client-specific programmes and technology courses tailored to job roles. With a 100% success rate in graduate training leading to billable work within 12 weeks and over 80% completion of upskilling programmes, Apexon demonstrates significant business and regional impact.

Bede Gaming

Bede Gaming is a global gaming brand with local workforces looking to disrupt the gaming industry. At the heart is developing their people to perform at their best to serve clients.
A key strategy around ‘Make Bede the Best Place to Work’ encompassing a focus on:
● Development of Leadership & Technical capability
● Owning your learning and progression
● Identifying and developing high potential with an outward view for future talent at Bede

Layers

Layers Studio takes a holistic approach, understanding that in order to really make lasting impactful change, it’s not enough to solely focus on employees, but the need to get involved with the wider community and see this as a collaborative effort for the good of the region. Layers also understand the importance of developing skills that fall outside of job roles, softer skills such as confidence, empathy, teamwork, resilience, and communication.

Leighton

Leighton is dedicated to developing the North East’s tech skills pipeline through innovative training and educational initiatives. The company offers fully funded certifications, individual training budgets, and apprenticeships, enabling colleagues to shape their career paths. With 100% of its technical team AWS certified, Leighton fosters a culture of continuous learning and thought leadership. Community engagement through blogs, podcasts, and speaking events, alongside a low attrition rate of 1.8%, makes Leighton a key contributor to the region’s tech ecosystem.

Sponsored by Greggs

Kinewell Energy

Kinewell Energy’s innovative software suite (KLOC, KDOTS, KWOTA) revolutionises offshore wind farm design globally. Using AI and advanced mathematics, these tools optimise cable layouts, transmission infrastructure, and turbine placement, significantly reducing costs and improving energy yield. By accelerating renewable energy deployment and positioning the North East as a tech hub, Kinewell is driving the net-zero transition. Their collaborative approach and global impact, with long-term results, make them standout innovators in the fight against climate change.

Swarm Hub:One Virtual Power Plant

Swarm Energy makes homeowners’ lives easier, greener and cheaper. its next-gen technology optimises how much people spend and save on home energy consumption.

Swarm’s automation transforms how consumers manage, store and redistribute energy, with a single device making intelligent decisions on their behalf. And it accelerates payback on renewables investment.

Its algorithm understands users’ needs, solar forecasts and energy tariffs. Consumers no longer need to make home energy decisions. Swarm does it all for them.

Transmission Dynamics

Transmission Dynamics’ PANDAS-V® system revolutionises rail infrastructure monitoring, helping to keep the rail network running smoothly and safely. Using advanced Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning, the system detects problems in real-time, allowing maintenance teams to fix issues before they cause service-disrupting delays and safety risks. This proactive approach not only improves railway safety, but drastically enhances the efficiency and reliability of the rail network, benefiting passengers and operators alike. 

Sponsored by Greggs

iamproperty

iamproperty’s mission is to benefit both Estate Agents and consumers, with a focus on technology and innovation to drive success. Before starting the business, Co-Founders Ben Ridgway and Jamie Cooke experienced first-hand what working in residential property sales is like for Estate Agents, understanding the industry challenges and the need to continually innovate to meet market demands. This insight and close collaboration with agents across the UK continue to shape iamproperty’s innovative solutions and roadmap.

LNER

This first to rail solution from LNER working with Network Rail, the Automated Deer Deterrent System has eradicated deer strikes, which cause damage and aftermath on the UK rail network.  The system has removed thousands of minutes of customer delays, train repair costs and helps protect wildlife. The last deer strike in the area the system’s installed at was 5 February 2023 and since the installation, there have been no deer strikes in the area.

Sage

Sage Copilot is an AI-powered assistant that revolutionizes business management by automating routine tasks and providing real-time, actionable insights through natural language processing. Its innovative approach makes complex financial and operational data accessible to users without technical expertise, enabling smarter, faster decision-making. By enhancing productivity, reducing manual work, and delivering personalized insights, Sage Copilot transforms how businesses operate, making it a standout in driving efficiency and innovation across industries.

Sponsored by Nigel Wright Group

Charlie Hoult – Opencast

Charlie Hoult is a serial tech and property entrepreneur, born and bred in the North East. He works at the heart of the region’s tech economy, championing its growth and creating hundreds of jobs alongside business and educational infrastructure. He is a builder of teams, bringing together the best people to build business success. He is a consummate networker, with a passion to drive the North East’s tech sector forward and benefit its entire community.

Hamish Rutherford – floe technology

Founder and director of floe coworking in Newcastle city centre and champion of community among start-up founders in the North-East. After Winning of the most Innovative Coworking Space Provider, Hamish is now launching a technology platform to connect companies with flexible workspaces across the North-East and enable the future of work. floe’s members have raised over 20 million pounds of investment capital. Hamish is also a board Governor for the Education Training Collective in Teesside and lives by his values of fair, loyal, and bold.

Jo York – Ignite

Jo’s work and impact on so many and their businesses deserves recognition. Jo volunteers in the “deadly arts” and spends more time helping others. She’s a shining light and is also great craic, advocating for a vibrant tech scene that nurtures businesses that can go way beyond the Ignite programmes and achieve their ambitions.

Lee Gilmore – Leighton

Lee Gilmore is a standout nominee due to his outstanding contributions to the region’s tech sector over 20 years. As the first AWS Serverless Hero from the region, Lee combines technical expertise with community leadership, mentoring local talent and sharing knowledge through his Serverless Advocate blog, speaking engagements, and open-source work. His commitment to nurturing future tech professionals and his influence in local and global tech communities make him a deserving candidate for this award.

Mark Renney – Wubbleyou Ltd.

Mark, Managing Director at Wubbleyou, strongly believes that the UK economy will grow quicker, with more scaling businesses innovating with tech. Wubbleyou created over 150 successful tech products for clients, and invested 5 figures into a suite of free resources to empower to create 7 figure tech products. Mark gives back through mentorship to graduate businesses, working with charities at board level, and demonstrates strong leadership in bringing tech to market in the North East.

Sponsored by UK Tech Cluster Group

Bobby McAdam – mkodo

Bobby has made an incredible life transition from performing arts to becoming a Software Engineer, setting an inspiring example for other women and career switchers. Starting on mkodo’s Graduate Developer Scheme, she quickly took the lead on a graduate project and became a key contributor within a delivery team—all within a year. Achieving this is challenging for those with a Computer Science degree, but for Bobby to accomplish it after completing a night-class bootcamp at a local college is truly remarkable.

Jack Gooday – Evalian Data Protection Services

Jack Gooday, a 21-year-old Security Consultant at Evalian Data Protection Services, previously worked for the NHS and NEBRC, where he honed skills in infrastructure hardening, threat hunting, and ethical hacking. He also co-established the Commissioner’s Challenge, promoting cybersecurity among young people. Jack holds a First-Class Honours degree in Computer Networks & Cyber Security from Northumbria University. Known for his technical expertise and interpersonal skills, he is a rising star in the cybersecurity field.

Maria Tsotalou – Oliver Wyman

Maria is a standout nominee for the ‘Rising Star’ award due to her exceptional contributions to her team and community.  Her successful career transition, commitment to diversity through her leadership role in the office ERG focusing on gender equity, and passion for mentorship highlight her positive impact. With resilience and proactive leadership, Maria drives meaningful change within her workplace and the wider community inspiring others.

Sarah Bunton – Oliver Wyman

Sarah has demonstrated dedication to creating a transformative impact at Oliver Wyman and the North East community. In a short time, she has enhanced global training programs, developed innovative tools to boost efficiency, and successfully delivered high-impact projects, elevating the firm’s reputation. Her leadership in the Data Challenge and Women in STEM initiatives highlights her commitment to nurturing talent and promoting diversity, positioning her as a catalyst for positive change within the organization and beyond.

Tom Hutchinson – Newcastle Strategic Solutions

Tom is Newcastle Strategic Solutions’ rising star, an integral member of our mobile app team, coding clubs and organisation. He played a significant role in a recent framework transition project. He helped to set up and now runs a coding club, ensuring the next generation is excited by the potential of tech. Tom’s energy, collaboration and technical abilities means he not only delivers high quality and innovative solutions, but he is also a pleasure to work with.

Sponsored by Invest Newcastle

durhamlane

durhamlane’s international growth is driven by successful partnerships, such as Siemens Healthineers in North America, generating $4.68M in revenue with a 2236% ROI. Its 2023 partnership with Reveneer further accelerates global expansion, offering seamless U.S. market entry. This growth has positively impacted the North East, creating jobs and raising the region’s profile as a global business hub.

Inflo

Inflo is revolutionising the audit profession globally while staying deeply rooted in the North East. Our remote-first philosophy enables us to attract top talent worldwide, fostering innovation and growth across 106 countries. Despite our global reach, we prioritise regional impact through strategic in-person gatherings that strengthen team dynamics and highlight the North East as a hub for audit technology. Inflo exemplifies how a company can drive international transformation while remaining committed to its regional origins.

Wootzano

Wootzano is revolutionising the post-harvest produce packing industry by deploying advanced robotics in international markets. The Avarai robot system, featuring proprietary e-skin, computer vision, and machine learning, delicately handles produce, reducing food-waste and improving efficiency. With significant contracts in North America, Australia, and Malaysia, Wootzano is addressing global labour shortages and sustainability challenges. The company’s flexible payment plans make automation accessible, ensuring growth and economic impact. Wootzano exemplifies innovation and customer-focus.

Sponsored by Sage

Aspire Technology Solutions

Aspire became the NE’s first certified Carbon Neutral IT business in 2024, having fully audited our GHG Emissions to the ISO14064 standard and offset 100% of scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions. Aspire’s mission is to provide their award-winning services to the sustainability technology sector, to partner with an eco-system of suppliers offering customers the widest range of sustainable technology solutions and inspire the next generation to consider a career in science and technology.

LNER

A successful pilot with LNER and a science and technology start-up Algacraft, tests the feasibility of using microalgae bioreactors to capture carbon. Unlike traditional carbon offsetting options like tree planting, it does not require large areas and decades of growth. It provides a low-impact option suitable for small spaces, brownfield land and urban areas. It allows unproductive spaces to be become efficient sites for urban carbon capture, opening up opportunities across the UK.

NBS

NBS, a key player in the construction industry, is committed to sustainability by reducing its own carbon footprint and empowering the sector to do the same. Through its integrated platforms, NBS helps specifiers make informed, lower-carbon choices. Since 2019, NBS has reduced its carbon emissions by 59% and maintained carbon-neutral certification. Additionally, NBS is leading industry-wide change through education, research and initiatives like its 2024 Sustainable Futures Report and Construction Leaders’ Summit conference.

Version 1

A major UK public sector department, overseeing over 300K people, is committed to sustainability and disaster recovery. It aims for carbon neutrality by 2028 and carbon-zero by 2048, replacing physical hardware with AWS’s serverless architecture to minimize energy use. This approach aligns with their sustainability goals, reducing carbon emissions by 1,244 tCO2e annually, equivalent to a 12% reduction over ten years.

Sponsored by LDC

Bulien LLP

Double year on year growth for world renowned boutique data analytics firm following several large public sector contracts to reduce tax payer spending on outdated, inefficient systems which enabled new ways of working.

iamproperty

iamproperty’s mission is to benefit both Estate Agents and consumers, with a focus on technology and innovation to drive success. Before starting the business, Co-Founders Ben Ridgway and Jamie Cooke experienced first-hand what working in residential property sales is like for Estate Agents, understanding the industry challenges and the need to continually innovate to meet market demands. This insight and close collaboration with agents across the UK continue to shape iamproperty’s innovative solutions and roadmap.

Leighton

Leighton has achieved remarkable growth, more than doubling revenue in three years. As a leading AWS software developer, they’ve expanded the team, created innovative products, and gained recognition as a Great Place to Work. Leighton’s 32-year legacy, including spinning out globally successful tech businesses, has made a lasting impact on the North East’s tech sector. With projected double-digit revenue growth for FY25, they’re poised for continued success and expansion.

Mobile Rocket

Mobile Rocket is revolutionizing recruitment with our branded candidate app, offering unparalleled candidate engagement that delivers a reliable cash flow. Having achieved 40% year-on-year growth over the past three years, 118% growth in public sector revenue, and doubled our team in the past year we are focused on growing and hitting £2M ARR in 2024. Mobile Rocket remains committed to investing in growing local talent and supporting nearby communities, underscoring our optimistic vision for future growth.

Sponsored by tombola

GL Assessment

GL Assessment is a world leader in digital assessment and educational data insights.
WellComm Digital, the digital version of the speech and language screening toolkit launched earlier this year, allows teachers to quickly and easily identify areas of concern, provides reassuring, engaging experiences for children, and recommends effective measures to help improve a child’s speech, language and communication needs – at a time when children need help the most.
The digital capabilities are designed, developed and delivered by their Houghton-le-Spring-based Tech team.

ARC-EMSv2 – Nine Software & Great North Air Ambulance Service

Created by the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) and developed by Nine Software, ARC-EMSv2 is a critical, lifesaving software application, not only transforming the care of patients but attracting investment interest from healthcare providers the world over.

This innovation provides health data direct from onboard medical devices, customisable forms and offline working.

Profits are donated to GNAAS to help the vital service respond to those in need of pre-hospital care throughout the North.

The Baby Loss Certificate – NHS Business Services Authority

The Baby Loss Certificate initiative successfully delivered its aim of providing and continuing to provide thousands of parents in England a certificate to remember their babies. The whole service provision, including the online journey, was stood up within 10 months. The feedback from users has been overwhelmingly positive and emotional, given nature of the service.

The introduction of the certificates contributes to achieving one of the priorities within the Women’s Health Strategy for England.

TechUPWomen

Now in its fifth year, TechUPWomen is an award-winning and internationally respected force for change.

TechUPWomen is training and empowering women and non-binary people from underserved communities living across the North. Its innovative, collaborative, trusted and proven approach is transforming their lives, through increased confidence, income and social mobility, whilst bringing greater diversity and awareness to the tech sector.

Virtual Memory Box

Virtual Memory Box is a secure digital solution co-created with young people in care that gives them an accessible space to safely store memories, and mementos.
It helps young people understand their life story and identity, remember experiences and people in their lives, and helps carers better understand the journey they have been on.
Our vision is that all young people in care in the UK will have their own Virtual Memory Box.

Sponsored by The North East Business Resilience Centre

Noggin

As two women from the North East, Eva and Laura have had to overcome significant challenges to get to the stage they’re at. Noggin has a commitment to do right by their end users with a mission-led approach. To see them return to the North East and try to establish a scalable product-based business is admirable.

OnlyCat

OnlyCat brings a new generation of AI into people’s homes; having designed the World’s Most Advanced Microchip Cat Flap with Prey Detection. Prey deliveries can be an incessant problem for millions of cat owners. From being woken up multiple times per night for months on end with deliveries of half-dead animals, to having to spend hours cleaning up blood from massacred pigeons, to dead rats being left in babies cots. OnlyCat changes this. Advanced AI vision technology automatically detects the presence of prey in the blink of an eye and locks the cat flap – giving people their freedom back.

SQCDP

“Mitch!” isn’t from the right side of the tracks to start a tech business and be successful. There wasn’t a headstart on things and it’s needed 30yrs industry experience to get here. The business is being successful though as the focus is on solving a real problem and applying startup thinking through validation with customers. The impact of SQCDP comes from having real faith in the original idea, testing it like crazy and putting the people in place that can get things done to solve their problems. There’s a “magic” in the air around the team as they learn every day right here in Newcastle.

Swarm Energy

Home energy startup Swarm Energy has a simple vision: to make homeowners’ lives easier, greener and cheaper through technology. Swarm’s next-gen technology optimises how much people spend and save on home energy consumption.

Swarm’s automation transforms how consumers manage, store and redistribute energy, with a single device making intelligent decisions on their behalf. Consumers no longer need to make home energy decisions. Swarm does it for them – and it accelerates payback on investment in renewables.