Influential leaders, innovators and investors have gathered in Manchester today for the launch of Prolific North’s Digital City Leaders Summit – Tech Companies to Watch: New Scale-up Edition.
More than 200 of the North’s most influential leaders, innovators and investors have gathered in Manchester today for the launch of Prolific North’s Digital City Leaders Summit – Tech Companies to Watch: New Scale-up Edition.
Celebrating the spirit of innovation and collaboration that’s defining the North’s tech landscape, the highly anticipated event is bringing together founders, scale-ups, and digital decision-makers under that message that the North is rising – and it’s charting its course for tech dominance.
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Alexandra Balazs, Prolific North managing director, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many brilliant people gathered under one roof, all sharing a passion for the North and its thriving tech ecosystem. I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new ones — there’s such a strong sense of energy and momentum in the room. I’m especially excited for the conversations ahead; we’ve got an outstanding lineup of speakers this year and I can’t wait to hear their insights.”
The summit, which is at No.1 Circle Square – Bruntwood SciTech in Manchester city centre, offers a platform for the region’s top talent to connect, share insights, and spotlight the high-growth companies reshaping the Northern economy. From AI breakthroughs to bold new business models, the day is focused on celebrating the ambitious scale-ups driving innovation and job creation across the region.
A major highlight is the unveiling of this year’s Tech Companies to Watch list – Prolific North’s annual showcase of the most exciting scale-ups making waves in the digital world. Attendees will get exclusive insight into the journeys of these companies, hearing first-hand how they’ve overcome challenges, attracted investment, and scaled at speed.
Sessions throughout the day include big-picture thinking on the global potential of Northern tech, as well as deep dives into scaling strategy, innovation, and what’s next for the sector. Speakers include Capital Enterprise CEO Jonny Clarke, TalkTalk Business CEO Ruth Kennedy, and a host of expert panelists from across the tech, investment, and academic ecosystems.
What’s on the agenda?
12:30 – Arrival and networking
Attendees pick up their badges – white for ecosystem supporters, pink for founders, blue for investors – and connect over light refreshments.
13:15 – Welcome to the Digital City Leaders Summit
A call to action: The North is rising – charting our course for tech dominance.
13:30 – The Northern Tech Vision: A Global Perspective
Jonny Clarke (Capital Enterprise) and Ruth Kennedy (TalkTalk Business) set the scene with a look at the region’s global potential, challenges, and opportunities.
14:15 – Panel: Innovation Unleashed – The Next Wave of Northern Tech
Moderated by Martin SFP Bryant, with insights from IDHL’s Lewis Sellers, AI expert Richard Whittle, and NCC Group’s Sian John.
14:45 – Networking break
15:15 – Reveal of the Tech Scale-ups to Watch list – Part 1
The first unveiling of the region’s most exciting emerging tech businesses.
15:45 – Panel: How to Successfully Scale Up a Business
With perspectives from RiskSmart founder Ryan Swann, IntelliAM’s Jane Robinson, Laura Wiggins (YFM), and Mo Aldalou (Baltic Ventures).
16:15 – Reveal of the Tech Scale-ups to Watch list – Part 2
17:00 – Networking Drinks Reception
