Tech Climbers, the initiative that profiles fast-growing tech businesses in scaling UK ecosystems, has revealed its latest list for the Liverpool City Region. The announcement was made at an event held at Scale in Liverpool city centre, hosted by Oyinkansola Adebayo. The list includes 17 companies that made the official Tech Climbers list and 10 up-and-coming businesses designated as ‘Ones to Watch’. All businesses were assessed by an expert panel of judges who evaluated the strongest examples of impact, innovation, and investment across the region.
This year’s list reflects a growing maturity in Liverpool’s mission-driven tech ecosystem. Nearly two-thirds (57%) of entrants are leveraging technology for social good across key sub-sectors including health, education, accessibility, and sustainability. The ambition is clear: 83% of businesses are actively seeking investment, and 66% have already received some level of funding. The data also forecasts the creation of around 236 jobs.
Liverpool’s strength in MedTech and Life Sciences was particularly evident, with 85% of entrants using artificial intelligence to address real-world challenges in health, sustainability, accessibility, and more. The event not only celebrated the tech community but also reflected on how the city region has matured as a place to raise investment, increase jobs, and nurture fast-growing sectors that contribute to economic growth.
New Entrants and Rapid Growth
This year saw a significant influx of new entrants, with 66% of companies entering Tech Climbers for the first time. This demonstrates the initiative’s growing reputation as a platform for identifying emerging talent. Two companies that were previously listed as ‘Ones to Watch’ — Sum Vivas, creator of digital employees, and The Wellbeing Doctors, a workplace wellbeing firm — have now moved to the main list, highlighting a period of rapid growth.
Category Awards
In addition to the main list, three companies were recognised in individual categories. The Impressive Innovator award went to Guilford Street Laboratories, a university spinout that combines biomarker science with AI-powered analytics. The Relentless Raiser category, awarded to businesses demonstrating remarkable ideas on track to secure investment, was won by Evove, a deeptech company accelerating the transition to a new energy economy through precision membrane technology. The Innovating with Impact award went to MyCardium AI, a returning Tech Climber that utilises AI to measure heart function; the company has grown to 30 staff and achieved a multi-million-pound turnover in just four years since launch.
Support for Scaling Businesses
Each business that made the list gains national recognition and joins a network of advisors and investors, as well as access to an exclusive prize package. This includes investment readiness workshops by Brabners and strategy sessions to test growth plans with RSM UK. The initiative is powered by Tangerine Communications and supported by headline partners Brabners, Marks & Clerk, Rathbones, and RSM. Ecosystem partners include Tech North Advocates, UK Tech Week, NatWest, Sciontec, Growth Platform, PXN Ventures, and LYVA Labs. National partners are HubSpot, TechUK, The Data City, and Innovate Her.
Background and Context
Tech Climbers was launched to profile fast-growing tech businesses in scaling ecosystems across the UK. The Liverpool City Region has become a notable hub for technology-driven innovation, particularly in areas like health technology, artificial intelligence, and sustainability. The concentration of universities, research institutions, and a growing base of startups has created a fertile ground for companies that combine advanced technology with a purpose-driven mission. The region benefits from partnerships with organisations like LYVA Labs, which focuses on commercialising research, and Sciontec, which provides innovation spaces.
The emphasis on ‘tech for good’ reflects a broader global trend where investors and consumers increasingly favour businesses that address social and environmental challenges. Liverpool’s tech ecosystem is also supported by initiatives like UK Tech Week and Tech North Advocates, which connect local companies with national and international opportunities.
The event underscored that Liverpool’s tech companies are not only innovating but also attracting substantial investment. The forecast creation of 236 jobs is a positive sign for the local economy, which is diversifying beyond traditional industries such as maritime and manufacturing. The presence of deep-tech companies like Evove and medtech firms like MyCardium AI illustrates the breadth of innovation taking place.
Broader Implications
The success of Tech Climbers in Liverpool is part of a wider narrative of regional tech development across the UK. Cities outside London are increasingly becoming centres of excellence in specific sectors. Liverpool’s strength in health and life sciences is complemented by capabilities in AI, sustainability, and digital employee solutions. The ‘Ones to Watch’ list provides a pipeline for future growth, while the main list celebrates those already making an impact.
With a mission to profile fast-growing tech businesses in scaling tech ecosystems across the UK, Tech Climbers offers opportunities to support tech scaleups. The initiative plans to extend its support to other regions, helping to replicate Liverpool’s success elsewhere. For now, the focus remains on helping the listed companies accelerate their growth through access to networks, advice, and visibility. The event concluded with a special mention of all partners that make Tech Climbers possible, emphasising the collaborative effort required to build a thriving tech ecosystem.
Source: UKTN News