The Liverpool City Region Tech Climbers list has once again illuminated the most promising product-led technology businesses that are making a tangible impact on the local economy and society. Revealed at an event held at Scale in Liverpool city centre, the list comprises 17 standout companies that have been rigorously assessed by an expert panel of judges. Alongside the main list, 10 emerging businesses were named as ‘Ones to Watch’, signalling the depth and breadth of the region’s tech talent.

Now in its third year, Tech Climbers has become a key benchmark for identifying high-growth, purpose-driven tech firms in the Liverpool City Region. The programme is powered by Tangerine Communications and supported by headline partners including Brabners, Marks & Clerk, Rathbones, and RSM, as well as ecosystem partners such as Tech North Advocates, UK Tech Week, NatWest, Sciontec, Growth Platform, PXN Ventures, and LYVA Labs. National partners HubSpot, TechUK, The Data City, and Innovate Her also lend their support, creating a powerful network for scaling businesses.

The 2024 Tech Climbers List: Key Statistics and Themes

This year’s cohort demonstrates a clear acceleration in the adoption of artificial intelligence and a strong commitment to social impact. According to the data released at the event, 85% of entrants are using AI to tackle real-world challenges across health, sustainability, accessibility, and more. Furthermore, 57% of businesses on the list are leveraging technology for good, embedding purpose into their core operations. The region’s growing reputation as a hub for mission-driven tech is underscored by the fact that 83% of climbers are actively seeking investment, and 66% have already secured some level of external funding.

The MedTech and life sciences sector continues to dominate, reflecting Liverpool’s historical strengths in health innovation. A substantial proportion of the listed companies operate at the intersection of AI and healthcare, developing solutions that range from AI-powered diagnostics to digital therapeutics. This trend aligns with the city’s broader economic strategy to build a knowledge-intensive, high-growth economy.

In terms of job creation, the data is particularly encouraging. The 2024 Tech Climbers cohort is forecast to generate approximately 236 new jobs over the next 12 months, further solidifying Liverpool’s position as a growing tech hub outside London. The influx of new entrants is also notable: 66% of the companies featured are first-time participants in Tech Climbers, indicating that the programme is successfully discovering fresh talent and expanding its reach.

Ones to Watch and Rising Stars

Two companies that were previously recognised as ‘Ones to Watch’ have now ascended to the main list: Sum Vivas, which creates digital employees using AI, and The Wellbeing Doctors, a workplace wellness firm. Their progression illustrates the supportive pathway that Tech Climbers provides for early-stage startups on their journey to scale. The ‘Ones to Watch’ category itself has become a crucial farm team, nurturing promising businesses before they hit the mainstream.

Award Winners: Recognising Excellence

Beyond the main list, three companies received special awards that highlight exceptional achievements in innovation, fundraising, and impact. The Impressive Innovator award was presented to Guilford Street Laboratories, a university spinout that combines biomarker science with AI-powered analytics to advance precision medicine. Their work exemplifies how academic research can be translated into commercial applications that address pressing healthcare needs.

The Relentless Raiser award, given to the company with the most remarkable business ideas on track to secure investment, went to Evove. This deeptech firm is developing precision membrane technology to accelerate the transition to a new energy economy. Their innovations in filtration and separation have the potential to revolutionise industries from water treatment to renewable energy production.

Finally, the Innovating with Impact award was claimed by MyCardium AI, a returning Tech Climber that uses artificial intelligence to measure heart function. In just four years since its launch, MyCardium AI has grown to a team of 30 employees and achieved a multi-million-pound turnover, demonstrating the commercial viability of its AI-driven cardiac assessment tools. This award underscores the programme’s ability to track and celebrate sustained growth over time.

Ecosystem Maturity and Investment Landscape

The event also provided a platform for discussing the maturation of Liverpool’s tech ecosystem. Panel discussions highlighted how pioneering companies are bringing investment into the region, with strong support from local venture capital firms and angel networks. The presence of partners like PXN Ventures and LYVA Labs signals a growing appetite for early-stage funding, while the involvement of NatWest reflects mainstream financial institutions’ recognition of tech’s importance to regional economic growth.

Speakers noted that the city’s ability to retain talent and attract inward investment has improved significantly, partly due to the success stories of earlier Tech Climbers cohorts. The 2024 data suggests that the ecosystem is entering a new phase, characterised by larger funding rounds, more spinouts from universities, and a greater willingness among founders to scale their operations from within the region rather than relocating to larger tech clusters.

The role of collaborative initiatives like Tech Climbers cannot be overstated. By providing a transparent and rigorous evaluation process, the programme helps investors identify high-potential opportunities and gives entrepreneurs access to a curated network of advisors, legal experts, and growth consultants. The exclusive prize package for listed companies includes investment readiness workshops by Brabners and strategy sessions with RSM UK, equipping founders with the tools they need to accelerate their growth.

Looking Ahead: A Platform for Talent

As Tech Climbers expands its geographic footprint, offering similar programmes in other scaling tech ecosystems across the UK, the Liverpool City Region edition remains a bellwether for regional tech strength. The combination of high AI adoption, strong social purpose, and increasing investment activity positions Liverpool as a model for other cities aiming to build sustainable, inclusive tech economies.

The full list of this year’s Tech Climbers and Ones to Watch is available for those interested in discovering the next generation of fast-growing tech businesses that are innovating with impact. With 236 jobs on the horizon and a growing reputation for mission-driven entrepreneurship, the Liverpool City Region is writing a compelling story of tech-led regeneration that is both profitable and purposeful.

Source: UKTN News