The Dynamites Awards have consistently illuminated the tech industry’s path forward, recognising those who have pushed the boundaries of innovation and made a profound impact. Each finalist stands as a paragon of technological dynamism, showcasing their relentless pursuit of the cutting-edge, and leaving an indelible mark on the tech sector.
Voting for the People’s Choice award is now closed
Sponsored by Neptune North
WINNER : Transmission Dynamics
Transmission Dynamics’ PANDAS-V® harnesses AI, machine learning, and edge computing to transform trains into intelligent inspection platforms. By analysing pantograph–OLE interactions in real time, it detects and classifies faults within seconds, providing severity-ranked insights that enable targeted interventions. Building on this, the Intelligent Pantograph Network turns data into action, automatically preventing dewirements without disrupting service. Already deployed across the UK and Europe, PANDAS-V® is redefining reliability, safety, and efficiency in rail.
Every April there are changes to the contractual rents for our council housing. These changes need to be verified on tenants’ Universal Credit (UC) claims, via the DWP Landlord Portal. This year, we went live with a new in-house developed BOT to verify DWP and Housing data. This has saved substantial staff time and costs compared to manual processing and allowed staff to provide better support to residents, whilst improving service efficiency.
HybridVFL, developed by the National Edge AI Hub team, is a next-generation privacy-preserving AI architecture designed for edge devices. Created in collaboration with researchers from Newcastle University and the University of Hull, it integrates differential privacy, adversarial learning, and fairness algorithms to deliver secure, accurate, and equitable AI. Tested in healthcare sector scenarios, HybridVFL protects sensitive data even under attack and actively reduces bias, setting a new benchmark for trustworthy AI in socially critical applications.
OnlyCat brings next-generation AI into the home with the world’s first microchip cat flap with real-time prey detection. For millions of cat owners, prey deliveries are a distressing and unhygienic problem – ruined carpets, sleepless nights, and even dead animals in children’s beds. OnlyCat solves this with advanced AI vision that instantly detects prey and prevents entry, stopping the problem at the door and giving people peace of mind, safety, and sleep back.
Sponsored by UK Tech Cluster Group
WINNER : Sunderland City Council
Sunderland City Council is leading the way in digital inclusion, embedding equity and innovation into every aspect of its work, with 1 in 3 residents at risk. Through innovative initiatives, collaboration, and community-led delivery, from expanding digital health hubs, mobilising volunteers and securing funding, the Council is closing the digital divide and creating a fairer, more connected city, setting a benchmark for inclusive innovation across the North-East.
Corecom Technology Academy, an organisation dedicated to creating inclusive pathways into the tech industry, has made a significant impact in a remarkably short time. Established three years ago, our mission is to inspire the next generation to a career in tech by providing equitable opportunities to individuals from all backgrounds, fostering a more diverse tech ecosystem and proving that inclusive hiring solutions are possible AND powerful.
Wubbleyou: a tech partner on a mission to create £100M+ in newannual revenue for NE/UK businesses through scalable/inclusive SaaS. We’ve invested £50K+ in social value, funded 3 tech-scholarships, & built platforms with millions of users. From protecting 100K school children from asbestos, mentoring underrepresented founders, we deliver impact at scale. Grounded in psychological-safety, with partners like DfE/Northumbria-University, results are driven by a purpose-led team of 12 – we deliver outsized impact for our size.
Sponsored by LDC
We create exclusive low-stake games and industry-leading safer gambling experiences, all developed in-house by our 250-strong tech team in Sunderland. In 2025, we launched our first Flutter Edge partnership with Sisal in Italy and hit record-breaking milestones across revenue and engagement. As part of Flutter Entertainment, we continue to grow globally while championing local talent, innovation, and community in the North East tech sector.
Safecall is a North East-based tech company that has rapidly expanded its whistleblowing and compliance solutions, now supporting over 1,200 organisations and 6 million people across more than 131 countries. Known for its blend of innovative technology and human-led service, Safecall has secured major competitive wins and continues to set the standard for ethical innovation. Its success highlights the North East as a hub for global impact and sustainable tech-driven growth.
Established in 2012, Asset55 has grown organically to become a leading and trusted provider of SaaS technology to the wider Energy market. With a team of highly experienced industry engineers combined with leading software developers, Asset55 has developed four unique software solutions that drive real and positive change within the energy sector. Since its founding, Asset55 has put innovation to the forefront, which has contributed greatly to its continuous external and internal growth.
Leighton has achieved exceptional growth, increasing revenue by almost 50% in three years, surpassing £10m for the first time with ambitions to reach £20m in three years. We employ over 100 colleagues and have a portfolio of clients including household names such as British Airways, BBC and Greggs. Alongside commercial success, we are committed to people, culture, community and shaping the North East tech ecosystem for the future.
Sponsored by Womble Bond Dickinson
SaleCycle is nominated for the ‘International Success’ award for our outstanding global expansion. From a North East base, we have successfully penetrated and grown significantly in major international markets including North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. This expansion has led to a substantial shift in revenue attribution, with international markets now forming the majority of our overall business. SaleCycle’s success is rooted in its strategic market entry, localised offerings, and the North East’s supportive business environment.
mkodo, based in Newcastle and London, has achieved outstanding international growth, with 79% of 2025 revenue from Canada and early success in Brazil. Year-on-year revenue growth from £10.3m in 2022 to £15.9m forecast in 2025 demonstrates our global expansion. By delivering complex, regulated mobile applications and geolocation technology, mkodo has created high-value North East jobs, developed local talent, and cemented the region’s reputation for world-class technology solutions.
National Innovation Centre for Ageing
We transformed para-academic centre into the world’s longevity intelligence command centre. From £105k over four years to £1.65m committed international funding, deploying Ageing Intelligence™, VOICE platforms, City of Longevity® AI across Germany, Taiwan, Italy, Australia, Canada. Revenue shifted 15% to 60% international while serving Pfizer, Fidelity, Barilla, Luxottica, UniCredit with £5.2M pipeline. Supported 138 regional businesses, forged Imperial, Stanford, Harvard, Tsinghua partnerships.
Sponsored by Creo Comms
Seriös Group’s partnership with Sunderland AFC as Official Data Partner and sleeve sponsor was a bold campaign that put our North East data solutions company in front of millions. Through high-profile branding and creative content, we raised our profile locally, nationally, and internationally. The campaign connected us with new audiences, showed our ambition, and set a benchmark for marketing impact, helping position Seriös Group as a key business in the region’s tech/data sector.
Hicomply x Radial Path x O Agency
Hicomply, Radial Path, and O Agency turned a niche compliance automation platform into a serious national and international SaaS challenger. O Agency delivered bold positioning and thought leadership; Radial Path built the systems behind the growth, alongside a SaaS-grade visual brand and UI. Hicomply activated fast, and results have followed: high-intent leads, daily. This hasn’t been just one campaign. It’s been a Marketing and RevOps transformation—proof that world-class GTM, creative, and revenue performance can be built, scaled, and led from the North East.
Kathryn Wharton – KLW Marketing
KLW Marketing has been pivotal in driving Marra’s growth and reputation in the North East tech sector. Through a dual strategy of pipeline generation and brand building, campaigns delivered a new lead-generating website, Microsoft-partnered webinars, and HubSpot-enabled tracking, resulting significant pipeline growth and over 50% LinkedIn growth. Simultaneously, partnerships with Women in Tech NE, TechUp, and SmartWorks amplified diversity and inclusion. Combining digital strategy with authentic community engagement, KLW elevated Marra locally, nationally, and beyond.
Sponsored by Gateshead College
Leighton has built a workplace where wellbeing, inclusion and growth are embedded into everyday culture. From flexible benefits, mental health support and remote-first contracts to safe spaces for open conversations and opportunities to learn, we empower colleagues to thrive personally and professionally. Regularly recognised as a Great Place to Work with 96% of staff saying they feel empowered to be themselves at Leighton we are proud of the workplace we have built for our colleagues.
mkodo is a people-first tech employer with London and Newcastle offices, fostering an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing culture. Great Place to Work certified, with 94% satisfaction and 83% engagement, we prioritise wellbeing, career development, and diversity. Initiatives such as the Digital Nomad Policy, enhanced parental leave, Graduate Scheme, and DEI programs empower employees to thrive. Testimonials from staff underscore our positive impact, making mkodo an outstanding workplace in the North East technology sector.
NHS Business Services Authority
DDaT has transformed its culture through inclusive, colleague-led initiatives that promote wellbeing, connection, and equity. The Shadow People Board supports the roll out of corporate-led initiatives, as well as being a space to generate new ideas, such as inclusive celebrations and neurodiversity training. We’ve built an environment where all colleagues can thrive. Our sustained improvement in engagement, retention, and progression across underrepresented groups demonstrates lasting impact and a strong model for inclusive, supportive workplace culture.
Sponsored by Leighton
WINNER : DfE Your Apprentice App (Scrumconnect)
Your Apprenticeship is the Department for Education’s first consumer app, created with Scrumconnect as lead delivery partner from its Newcastle centre. Built in close collaboration with apprentices, the app provides a single place to track progress, manage tasks, and access support, tackling real barriers identified by learners. Thousands of apprentices have downloaded it since it was launched in February, and it has been hailed as a game-changer that improves outcomes and shapes future digital delivery.
Highly Commended : The Renewal of Bank of England’s Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) service (Accenture x Bank Of England)
The Bank of England and Accenture’s RTGS Renewal Programme delivered a once-in-a-generation transformation of the UK’s core payment infrastructure, settling £800 billion daily. With 200+ ATC Newcastle specialists, the team built a secure cloud-native settlement engine, ISO 20022 integration, APIs over Swift and automated testing. Delivered with zero disruption, the renewed RTGS boosts resilience, accessibility and innovation, creating a foundation for 24/7 settlement, cross-border improvements and the future evolution of the UK payments ecosystem.
Foreign Exchange – Transaction Processing System (Hays Travel, nordstar and Nashtech)
Hays Travel, in partnership with nordstar, has replatformed its Transaction Processing System, a critical part of its foreign exchange operation. The project safeguarded reliability and availability while introducing scalability and new digital capabilities to support online journeys. Designed around customer journeys and UX, TPS preserved the strengths of the legacy system while driving cultural change in how technology is delivered. It stands out as a project that achieved continuity, innovation, and lasting organisational impact.
The SAM Asset Management Portal is an industry-first digital platform transforming structural asset management. Developed by Southern Asset Management in collaboration with software partner Octoro, it combines real-time GPS tracking, automated compliance alerts and remote inspection tools in one intuitive system. Designed to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce costs and enhance safety, it empowers clients to make smarter, data-driven decisions. The Portal sets a new benchmark for innovation, efficiency and digital transformation in asset-heavy sectors.
Sponsored by Lenovo
WINNER : Boundless by XR Therapeutics
Boundless by XR Therapeutics is a world-first immersive therapy platform transforming mental health treatment. Combining cloud-rendered XR simulations with live, therapist-led CBT, it delivers faster recovery, increased capacity, and unmatched accessibility on any device. Used across six NHS Trusts and backed by a pending patent, Boundless is setting a new global standard for scalable, evidence-based mental healthcare, making it a standout example of truly remarkable innovation.
Highly Commended : OnlyCat – AI Cat Door with Prey Detection
OnlyCat brings next-generation AI into the home with the world’s first microchip cat flap with real-time prey detection. For millions of cat owners, prey deliveries are a distressing and unhygienic problem – ruined carpets, sleepless nights, and even dead animals in children’s beds. OnlyCat solves this with advanced AI vision that instantly detects prey and prevents entry, stopping the problem at the door and giving people peace of mind, safety, and sleep back.
Scott Logic’s Technology Carbon Standard
Scott Logic has developed the Technology Carbon Standard, the world’s first framework for measuring and reducing the end-to-end carbon footprint of digital technology. Created by just two to three consultants, this innovation fills a critical gap in sustainability reporting and is already being adopted internationally. It demonstrates how a mid-sized consultancy in the North East can deliver global impact, redefining what innovation in technology and sustainability looks like.
Seriös ONE Launchpad is a data platform innovation built in the North East, delivering enterprise-grade infrastructure that’s ready for AI, in eight weeks. It’s designed to cut through the complexity of unifying and governing data, helping organisations like Sunderland AFC, Tombola and the Inn Collection Group turn data into real-time insights, streamline operations, and drive innovation. Proven across industries, Launchpad is changing the game for mid-sized organisations by making advanced analytics more accessible than ever.
Sponsored by Scott Logic
WINNER : Benjamin Stringer (Bulien)
Anyone who meets Ben, quickly realises that he’s built differently to anyone they’ve previously met. He is tenacious, dedicated, and unrelenting in his pursuit of continuous development – of both himself and others. Ben is a rising star that insists we all rise with him.
Highly Commended : Yevheniia Hutorova (LM Global)
After fleeing war-torn Ukraine, leaving behind her family and her business, Yevheniia arrived in the North East determined to rebuild her life. With limited English and no formal background in IT, she taught herself to code, earned a bootcamp scholarship, and secured a place on NUFC Foundation’s Employability Programme, where she was ultimately offered an apprenticeship with LM Global.
Yevheniia has progressed from apprentice to Senior Developer, leading on high profile projects for global brands.
After teaching himself to code during the pandemic, releasing his first app aged 13 to help gyms adhere to COVID regulations, Aiden Forrest, 18, is now Apprentice Software Engineer at Nebula Labs. Aiden demonstrates how talent, passion and motivation can achieve a career in North East tech sector. Aiden embraces cutting edge challenges at work, and one app he developed won him a scholarship to Apple’s WWDC conference 2024 and audience with CEO Tim Cook.
Sebastian Moore (HM Treasury)
Sebastian, an early-career civil servant, excels as a Digital Business Partner at HM Treasury. He launched a digital upskilling initiative, impacting 2,000+ staff via both a staff digital & data network and Digital Excellence Live Series. His work promotes digital inclusion and aligns AI transformation with user needs. Sebastian’s passion, leadership, and North East tech engagement make him a rising star driving impactful change.
As a Business Analyst at Wubbleyou, Vincent Onyeabor has delivered significant ROI in under three years – shaping 18+ new-to-market products, introducing a business intelligence service, and transforming QA for a regional client, halving defects and testing turnaround by 50%. He holds an MSc in Information Science (Distinction) from Northumbria University. Beyond work, he co-leads the Tableau User Group, mentors peers, and supports inclusion initiatives, establishing himself as a rising star in North East tech.
Sponsored by Sunderland Software City
Digital Up North, led by Gateshead College, is the first initiative of its kind to act as a serious connector between education and business, closing regional skills gaps across digital, cyber, AI, healthcare, engineering, and games. With over 1,200 participants and 100+ employer partnerships, it is delivering a sustainable, inclusive skills pipeline. Through innovative training and flagship events, it is transforming the North East digital landscape and proving the power of partnership works.
Highly Commended : Layers Studio
Layers Studio takes a holistic, collaborative approach to skills development focusing not only on our employees but the wider community. By partnering with academic institutions, industry groups, and local governments, we help shape relevant education and create real-world opportunities. We also emphasise essential softer skills like confidence, empathy, teamwork, resilience, and communication, ensuring a well-rounded, future-ready workforce that benefits the entire region.
Let’s Get Digital Durham, funded and delivered by Capgemini, empowers trusted community members to become Digital Champions, bridging the digital divide through sustainable upskilling. Delivered with Digital Unite, the initiative has trained 26 champions across 10 Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise organisations; completed 123 courses and expanded to 17 future partners. It fosters long-term digital inclusion and community resilience, now scaling to Newcastle as “Let’s Get Digital – North East.”
North East Automotive Alliance Limited
The NEAA, the UK’s largest automotive cluster, is leading workforce development in the North East through innovative, employer-led strategies. As the designated Employer Representative Body for the North East Local Skills Improvement Plan (NELSIP), it is aligning skills provision with employer needs while driving inclusion through programmes like Training for Growth and IPAM-ST. With over £33m delivered in funded projects and £94,000 invested into STEM initiatives, the NEAA is building a strong, future-ready talent pipeline.
Sponsored by Sage
OnlyCat brings next-generation AI into the home with the world’s first microchip cat flap with real-time prey detection. For millions of cat owners, prey deliveries are a distressing and unhygienic problem – ruined carpets, sleepless nights, and even dead animals in children’s beds. OnlyCat solves this with advanced AI vision that instantly detects prey and prevents entry, stopping the problem at the door and giving people peace of mind, safety, and sleep back.
Founded in June 2024, Neptune North delivers world-class technical outsourcing and staff augmentation. In our first year we scaled rapidly, achieved profitability, and expanded internationally, while building a strong hub and drawing international interest to the North East. As a joint venture between Rokos Capital Management and Oliver Wyman, we combine global credibility with local talent, creating opportunities for people to work with prestigious businesses while strengthening the region’s growing tech ecosystem.
One Click Comply is a reg-tech and cyber security business based in Sunderland which has grown significantly since launching their first product in 2024. The company has received two rounds of venture capital funding from Northstar Ventures, with a significant Innovate UK grant alongside the most recent round. The business is highly scalable and growing well.
The Resolved Group is a rapdily growing business that in under a year, has not only grown in size but also ambition.
* End-of-decade projected valuation has doubled to £10m
* A small start-up in Hartlepool that is now a 24/7 International business with a second office in India
* Immense 500% projected revenue growth in the first year
It has rapidly grown into, and cemented itself, as a leading NE tech company.
Sponsored by Accenture
WINNER : Paul Callaghan (The Leighton Group)
Paul Callaghan is a transformative leader who has shaped the North East’s technology sector for over three decades. As co-founder of the Leighton Group and visionary behind Sunderland Software City, he has created globally successful tech businesses while driving collaboration, skills, and innovation across the region. A tireless advocate, mentor, and champion of entrepreneurship, Paul’s passion and influence have inspired a generation, cementing his legacy as a true Tech Champion of the North East.
Ian Tweedie, Senior Technical Consultant at Capgemini, maintains 15+ free tools with over six million calls this year. He shares DevOps patterns, mentors weekly, and co-leads the Newcastle D365 user group, supporting new speakers. As a Trustee of Prosper Learning Trust and a volunteer magistrate, Ian promotes inclusion and public service. His work strengthens the North East tech ecosystem by raising standards, growing talent, and sharing practical, reusable solutions locally and nationally.
Paul Wealls (Lenovo)
Paul Wealls has spent nearly two decades shaping the North East tech ecosystem, building communities, and tackling one of the sector’s greatest challenges — scaling innovation beyond pilots. As founder of AIoT Hub and a driving force behind the National Edge AI Hub, he has amplified the region’s voice nationally and internationally while unlocking investment, talent, and infrastructure. A connector, mentor, and global thought leader, Paul exemplifies what it means to be a true Tech Champion.
Professor Sue Black OBE (TechUP, Durham University)
Sue’s journey from a single parent to a leading academic is inspiring. At Durham University in the North East, she founded TechUP, empowering over 578 women and non-binary individuals from underserved communities in the North of England to enter tech careers. Her initiatives, including Click Start, provide holistic support, bridging the digital skills gap and transforming lives. Sue’s work addresses systemic inequalities, ensuring that diverse voices thrive in the North’s digital economy.
Sponsored by tombola
We are transforming healthcare with smart, accessible technology that tracks critical medical equipment in real time. Our platform saves staff hours every week, reduces unnecessary equipment purchases, and improves patient safety by ensuring the right equipment is always where it’s needed. By making advanced asset tracking simple and affordable, we’re driving efficiency, sustainability, and better care across NHS Trusts and care providers proving that technology can be a genuine force for good
The Great North Care Record is an innovative platform that enables patient information stored across different systems to be immediately and securely available at the point of care. It improves the quality and safety of patient care for the 3.2 million people living across the North East and North Cumbria – the unseen digital glue connecting our public services. It is a shining example of cross-sector collaboration that makes our region so special.
Mi-Box Live is an innovative board game and app that combines sport with maths to make learning exciting. Players answer questions in real time, celebrating success with the same energy as scoring a goal. Designed for schools and families, it creates a face-to-face, arena-style atmosphere that balances screen time with hands-on play. The result is improved confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving — turning maths into a fun, shared experience kids genuinely look forward to.
North East-based shineVision is the developer of the intuitive multi-risk shineCompliance software recognised as one of the leading and best health and safety software solutions in the UK, assisting some of the largest and most reputable institutions in meeting their statutory compliance requirements whilst keeping people at the forefront of all aspects of safety.
SMS Technology supporting global organisations work smarter faster and greener with quantifiable emission reductions.