Shortlists revealed for North East tech awards

A North East awards programme is preparing to celebrate innovation and talent across the region’s growing technology sector.

Now in its twelfth year, the Dynamites Awards has unveiled its 2025 shortlist, featuring businesses, entrepreneurs and employees from across the North East. 

Organised by Dynamo North East C.I.C., the event highlights the companies and individuals driving growth, skills and innovation in one of the region’s most dynamic industries.

The shortlist reflects the breadth of the tech landscape, with entries ranging from innovative SMEs through to some of the area’s largest employers with established technology teams. 

In total, more than a dozen finalists will be competing across multiple categories for recognition at the awards.

Dr David Dunn, CEO of Dynamo North East C.I.C., said: “The Dynamites is a real celebration of the incredible innovation, creativity and talent within the region’s tech sector.

“Each year the awards get more and more competitive, and this shortlist demonstrates many of the incredibly talented individuals and organisations we are fortunate to have here in the North East of England.

“We’re proud to showcase all of their achievements and to recognise those who are making such a positive impact on our economy and communities. It should be a fantastic night for everyone involved, and a huge thanks to our Dynamo members, sponsors and stakeholders for allowing us to deliver various impactful events like this.”

This year’s event is supported by headline sponsor Accenture and will culminate in a gala evening on Thursday, November 20. 

The ceremony will once again take place at Newcastle Civic Centre’s Banqueting Suite, with entertainment provided by comedian Gary Delaney, known for his appearances on Mock the Week.

David Darlington, associate director at Accenture Newcastle, added: “We’re proud to be the headline sponsor of this year’s Dynamites Awards. 

“This event is a fantastic platform that brings together the best and brightest minds in the region – celebrating the incredible talent and collaborative spirit that makes the North East a hub for technology.

“The North East is home to some of the UK’s most exciting tech talent, and this year’s shortlist is a true reflection of that – showcasing the rising stars, disruptors, and innovators who have helped position our region as a genuine tech powerhouse.

“As a Dynamo member since its inception, we’re pleased to support the incredible breadth of work the organisation leads in building a more inclusive and thriving tech ecosystem here in the North East of England, and we encourage all tech organisations and departments to get involved and contribute to Dynamo’s important work.”

The shortlists are as follows:

Outstanding Workplace Shortlist: 

• Leighton
• mkodo
• NHS Business Services Authority

Skills Developer Shortlist:

• Gateshead College
• Layers Studio
• Capgemini
• North East Automotive Alliance Limited

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Shortlist:

• Corecom Technology Academy
• Sunderland City Council
• Wubbleyou

Growth Explosion Shortlist: 

• Asset55
• Leighton
• Safecall
• tombola

Tech Startup Shortlist:

• Neptune North
• One Click Comply
• OnlyCat
• The Resolved Group

International Success Shortlist:

• mkodo
• National Innovation Centre for Ageing
• SaleCycle

Best Use of Data & AI Shortlist:

• Newcastle City Council
• Newcastle University
• OnlyCat
• Transmission Dynamics

Project Excellence Shortlist:

• DfE Your Apprentice App - Scrumconnect
• Foreign Exchange - Transaction Processing System - Hays Travel, nordstar and Nashtech
• Southern Asset Management
• The Renewal of Bank of England’s Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) service: Accenture x Bank Of England

Remarkable Innovation Shortlist:

• Boundless by XR Therapeutics
• OnlyCat - AI Cat Door with Prey Detection
• Scott Logic's Technology Carbon Standard
• Seriös ONE Launchpad

Rising Star Shortlist:

• Aiden Forrest (Nebula Labs)
• Benjamin Stringer (Bulien)
• Sebastian Moore (HM Treasury)
• Vincent Onyeabor (Wubbleyou)
• Yevheniia Hutorova (LM Global)

Tech Champion Shortlist:

• Ian Tweedie
• Paul Callaghan
• Paul Wealls
• Professor Sue Black OBE

Marketing Impact Shortlist:

• Hicomply x Radial Path x O Agency
• Seriös Group
• Kathryn Wharton - KLW Marketing

Tech for Good Shortlist:

• Mi Box Live
• Floki Health Limited
• Great North Care Record
• SMS Tech
• shineVision Ltd

For more information on the Dynamites Awards, visit: www.dynamitesawards.co.uk

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