Rising Stars competition opens this year with a huge £170k prize

UK innovators are given the opportunity to showcase their business ideas on stage at London Tech Week, pitching to more than 45,000 participants and 1,000 investors.

The prizes encompass £80,000 for brand development, a go-to-market campaign from Founders Makers, and a £30,000 out-of-home advertising package from JCDecaux.

The competition has broadened its scope with six regional heats spanning Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, North England, the Midlands, and South England.

Application are open and submissions will be accepted until March 25.

The northern heat, stretching from the Scottish Borders to Manchester, is slated for April 17 at The Common Room, Newcastle.

Chantelle Young, Rising Stars programme lead at Tech Nation, said: “Rising Stars is one of our flagship programmes and aims to provide a valuable platform from which tech startups can showcase their innovations locally, regionally and nationally.

“This year’s competition is bigger and better than ever, with finalists receiving a share of prizes specially selected to increase their exposure and raise their business profile. This really is a life-changing opportunity.

“The event in Newcastle involves more than judging northern entries; it also provides an excellent opportunity for businesses from across the region’s tech sector to get together and celebrate.”

David Dunn, chief executive officer of Sunderland Software City, host of the northern heats, said: “The return of the Rising Stars competition is truly fantastic news.

“The exposure this competition offers remains unparalleled, and I urge all eligible businesses to seize this opportunity.”

Two businesses will be selected to travel to the national final at London Tech Week, where they will present on the founder’s stage to a panel including guest judge BBC Dragon’s Den star, Tej Lalvani.

Free tickets for the northern heat event are available on Eventbrite at https://tinyurl.com/u87vnvad.