From start up heroes to shining stars, Leeds’ tech community came out in force to celebrate the vitality of the sector at last night’s inaugural Leeds Digital Festival Awards.
The awards, held in association with Amsource Technology and Ward Hadaway, recognise the commitment and success of individuals and companies within the Leeds City Region.
Nominations flooded in and saw 25 nominees named across five categories including; Tech Innovation, One’s to Watch, Entrepreneur of the Year, Start Up of the Year, and Facilitator of the Year.
A special award was also presented to Stuart Clarke, director of Leeds Digital Festival, in recognition of his hard work and achievements in organising the annual event.
Andrew Maeer, MD of Amsource Technology and a key sponsor of the awards said: “There’s no denying Leeds’ tech scene is become a force to be reckoned with and last night proved why, with all the innovation in this city coming together under one roof.
“Stuart’s determination, vision and development of the Leeds Digital Festival makes him a worth worthy winner of our special recognition award.
“Special thanks go to all sponsors, judges, partners and participants who’ve all played a part in making Leeds Digital Festival a success.”
This year’s judges were impressed by both the volume and quality of the submissions.
Gareth Yates, a Partner and Head of the Technology team at Ward Hadaway and a judge added: “These are transformative times for the Leeds region and the technology community is driving that change.
“Leeds’ fintech community is recognised as the largest outside of London and events like this show the region has everything in place to continue its dominance.”
Winners are:
Tech Innovation of the Year
Winner: Hark Systems
Shortlisted: Citilogik, Node Telcom, Perform Group, ViCardio
Entrepreneur of the Year
Winner: Alex Craven, Jaywing Intelligence
Shortlisted: Professor Adam Beaumont, James Genchi, Adam Roney, Ed Thewlis
Start-Up of the Year
Winner: Synap
Shortlisted: Hark Systems, Journey Further, rRadar, Vintage Cash Cow
Facilitator of the Year
Winner: ODI Leeds
Shortlisted: Emma Cheshire, Professor Neil Morris, John Munn, Sarah Tulip
One to Watch
Winner: Hanneka Kilburn, Bolser
Shortlisted: Ning Lu, Zandra Moore, Polly Pospelova, Jeff Watkins
