Purpose-led Innovation Highlights at LCR Tech Climbers
This week, the Liverpool City Region's tech community gathered for the highly anticipated Tech Climbers event, where the most impactful product-led tech businesses were celebrated. Hosted by Oyinkansola Adebayo at Scale in Liverpool city centre, the event revealed the official Tech Climbers list, featuring 17 standout companies and 10 'Ones to Watch' businesses.
Businesses on the list were either nominated or self-entered, undergoing a rigorous assessment by an expert panel of judges. The evaluation focused on the strongest examples of impact, innovation, and investment within the Liverpool City Region. This year’s findings reflected a growing trend, with nearly two-thirds (57%) of businesses leveraging technology for good across crucial areas such as health, education, accessibility, and sustainability.
The Tech Climbers event highlighted the strength of Liverpool's MedTech and Life Sciences sector, with an impressive 85% of entrants utilizing AI to tackle real-world challenges. Additionally, 83% of the listed businesses were actively seeking investment, while 66% had already secured some level of funding, demonstrating clear ambition and growth potential.
The event served as both a celebration of the region's tech community and a moment to reflect on its development as a vibrant hub for investment and job creation. The panel discussed how innovative companies are attracting investment to the region, with the data forecasting the creation of approximately 236 new jobs.
This year also witnessed a significant influx of new entrants, with 66% participating in Tech Climbers for the first time, underscoring the initiative's growing reputation as a platform for showcasing talent. Notably, two companies, Sum Vivas and The Wellbeing Doctors, transitioned from last year’s ‘Ones to Watch’ list to this year’s Main List, indicating rapid growth and success.
Alongside the main list, three companies were honored with individual awards. Guilford Street Laboratories received the Impressive Innovator award for their pioneering work in combining biomarker science with AI-powered analytics. The Relentless Raiser award was presented to Evove, recognized for their innovative deeptech solutions aimed at accelerating the transition to a new energy economy. The Innovating with Impact award went to MyCardium AI, a returning Tech Climber that utilizes AI to measure heart function, which has seen remarkable growth to 30 staff and a multi-million-pound turnover since its launch.
Every business that made the Tech Climbers list gains national recognition and enters a network of advisors and investors. They also gain access to an exclusive prize package, which includes investment readiness workshops provided by Brabners and strategy sessions with RSM UK to refine growth plans.
The event concluded with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the various partners that make Tech Climbers possible. Powered by Tangerine Communications, the campaign received support from headline partners such as Brabners, Marks & Clerk, Rathbones, and RSM. Ecosystem partners included Tech North Advocates, UK Tech Week, NatWest, Sciontec, Growth Platform, PXN Ventures, and LYVA Labs, while national partners comprised HubSpot, TechUK, The Data City, and Innovate Her.
With a mission to profile fast-growing tech businesses in scaling ecosystems across the UK, Tech Climbers continues to offer numerous opportunities to support tech scaleups. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to the team for support in their respective regions.
Source: UKTN News