Time is running out for Northern tech businesses, founders, innovators and investors to secure discounted entry rates for the 2026 Prolific North Tech Awards, delivered in association with GRAFT.
The early bird deadline closes today, 18 June, giving organisations just hours to enter at the reduced rate before standard entry fees come into effect. The awards return this autumn to celebrate the companies, products, teams and individuals driving innovation across the North’s thriving technology sector.
Following a successful 2025 programme, the Tech Awards continue to shine a spotlight on the startups, scale-ups, established businesses and industry leaders shaping the future of technology across the region. From breakthrough AI solutions and digital products to high-growth businesses and inspirational founders, the awards recognise excellence across every stage of the tech ecosystem.
This year’s programme has evolved to reflect the changing landscape of Northern tech, with several new categories introduced for 2026. These include High-Growth Tech Company of the Year, Northern Tech Powerhouse, Ecosystem Champion and Advisor / NED of the Year, alongside a broad range of categories recognising innovation, collaboration, leadership and impact.
There are opportunities for organisations of all sizes to be recognised, with categories spanning:
- Tech Start-up of the Year
- High-Growth Tech Company of the Year
- Northern Tech Powerhouse
- Tech Innovation of the Year
- Tech Collaboration of the Year
- App of the Year
- Best Digital User Experience (UX)
- HealthTech / MedTech Innovation
- Tech Founder of the Year
- Tech Leader of the Year – Sponsored by Better Placed
- Tech Rising Star
- Investor of the Year
- Ecosystem Champion
- Advisor / NED of the Year
- Tech Female Entrepreneur – Sponsored by Beyond Echo PR
- Best SaaS Platform – Sponsored by Better Placed
and more.
In a move designed to make the awards even more accessible, a number of categories remain free to enter, including Tech Start-up of the Year, Tech Scale-up of the Year, High-Growth Tech Company of the Year, Northern Tech Powerhouse, Investor of the Year, Tech Founder of the Year and Tech Rising Star.
Importantly, entrants don’t need to have their submissions finalised today to benefit from the early bird rate. Any entry started and paid for before the deadline can continue to be updated, refined and added to right up until the final entry deadline of 28 August. That means businesses can lock in the lower entry fee now and use the coming weeks to strengthen their submission with additional achievements, metrics, supporting information and evidence.
Entrants who miss the early bird deadline can still submit entries before the final deadline on 28 August, although fees will increase from £150 + VAT per entry to £200 + VAT.
For tech businesses, founders, investors and innovators looking to showcase their achievements and gain recognition from industry peers, today is the final opportunity to secure the early bird rate while still leaving plenty of time to perfect an award-winning entry before submissions close in August.
