From breakthrough startups to established businesses driving digital change, the North’s tech sector continues to push boundaries across innovation, creativity and impact. The Prolific North Tech Awards, in association with GRAFT, are returning in 2026 to celebrate the people, teams and companies shaping the future of tech across the region.
Following a sold out 2025 ceremony in Manchester, the awards will once again shine a spotlight on the standout achievements transforming industries, creating jobs and putting Northern innovation firmly on the map.
From cutting edge AI and software platforms to digital products improving the way we live and work, the awards recognise the breadth of talent across the North’s thriving tech community. Whether you’re a fast-growing startup, an in-house team delivering major impact, or a founder building something ambitious, the Tech Awards are designed to champion the work making waves across the sector.
Entries Now Open – with Free Categories Available
Early Bird entry deadline: 18 June.
Final entry deadline: 28 August.
Extended deadline: 4 September
And to brighten the spotlight for people and platforms pushing the North’s tech scene even more, we have made several categories free to enter, including:
- Tech Start-up of the Year
- Tech Scale-up of the Year (new for 2026)
- High-Growth Tech Company of the Year (new for 2026)
- Northern Tech Powerhouse (new for 2026)
- Investor of the Year
- Tech Hub of the Year
- Tech for Good Award
- Tech Founder of the Year
- Tech Leader of the Year
- Tech Rising Star
- Tech Female Entrepreneur
- Ecosystem Champion (new for 2026)
- Advisor / NED of the Year (new for 2026)
New categories to reflect a changing landscape
In 2026, the awards evolve with the industry. New categories this year include:
- Ecosystem Champion – Celebrating the people connecting and championing the Northern tech community behind the scenes.
- Advisor / NED of the Year – Recognising the advisors and NEDs helping Northern tech businesses scale, grow and succeed.
- Ecommerce Innovation of the Year – Celebrating tech driven ecommerce solutions delivering smarter customer experiences and stronger commercial results.
- Best Digital User Experience (UX) – Recognising digital products and platforms that deliver seamless, intuitive and user first experiences.
- FinTech Product of the Year – Celebrating fintech products transforming the way people and businesses manage money and financial services.
- HealthTech / MedTech Innovation – Recognising technology improving healthcare outcomes, efficiency and patient experiences.
- Best SaaS Platform – Celebrating SaaS platforms delivering exceptional value, usability and innovation for their users.
- Tech Collaboration of the Year – Recognising partnerships that have delivered impactful and innovative tech led results.
Our individual categories will be decided through a combination of judges’ scores and a public vote, giving the wider tech community a voice in recognising the people making a real impact across the North. Alongside entries, colleagues, peers and businesses will also be able to nominate individuals they believe deserve to be recognised.
Start Your Entry Today
Explore the full list of categories, check the entry criteria, and start preparing your submission today.
