Do you have what it takes to be the next Tech Innovator in the UK?

Since 2013, KPMG has shone a spotlight on the game changers, difference makers and tech titans of tomorrow. This year we celebrate 10 years of championing tech and innovation in the UK – with a bigger and better competition. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this.

For the third year, our search to find the next tech titan has gone global – including at least 22 other countries across most key regions of the world. If you are a fast growing scaleup business from early stage to accelerated growth, we invite you to pitch your innovations and present your growth ambitions to local and global industry experts.

This is an opportunity to be recognised as one of the UK’s most successful technology innovators, with exclusive networking opportunities with like-minded peers and key influencers.

If this sounds like the competition for you - showcase your leadership, innovation and trailblazing ideas by pre-registering now for the 2024 competition.

We want to know how you and your business are making a difference.

The decision: What’s in it for you?

This year we celebrate 10 years of Tech Innovator in the UK. Finalists will receive an unrivalled platform to profile your business:

1. Exposure: pitch your innovations and present your growth ambitions. Winning companies will be featured in KPMG’s “Winners Report” and local media profiles. They will also receive global attention among key influencers at Web Summit 2023, Lisbon, in November.

2. Recognition: profile your business throughout the competition, leveraging KPMG channels and local media.

3. Networking: connect with like-minded peers, key industry experts and influencers both locally and globally through the competition and via ‘ Access’ – our holistic programme of support.

4. Go global: Winners will automatically progress to the Global Tech Innovator final, to be hosted in Lisbon, in November.

The application: What makes a Tech Innovator in the UK?

Applicants are typically technology entrepreneurs who are successfully making the transition from the start-up phase to the next stage in the growth of their businesses. They have developed innovative, proven technologies, established robust business models, demonstrated traction and have the potential to scale up globally.

To be eligible for the competition, you must:

  • Be a registered company in the UK
  • Have been actively operating for five years or less (in the current form)
  • Generate revenue between US $1 million and $15 million; or have raised at least US $500,000 in equity
  • Be either a pure technology or a tech-enabled, tech-driven or tech-led business
  • Not be majority owned by a large corporate
  • Conduct all pitches in English
  • Be available to pitch at the UK heat events in June, 2023
  • Available to pitch in person at the UK final event in July, 2023
  • If selected as a finalist, be available to pitch at the global in Lisbon, Portugal in November 2023

What are we looking for?

Each pitching competition will be judged by a panel of industry experts. All applications will be scored based on seven, equally-weighted criteria:

  1. Disruption and innovation
  2. Market potential
  3. Customer adoption
  4. Market traction and marketing
  5. Long-term potential
  6. ESG credentials
  7. Pitch quality

The decisions of the panel will be final.

The detail: What do you need to know to apply?

Applications

Q: How can I participate in the competition?

A:  Applications for the 2023 competition have now closed. You can Pre-register your interest in the 2024 competition here.

Q: Who can apply?

A: Any technology entrepreneur that has operated for less than five years and is registered and based in in the UK can apply. Applicants must have innovative, proven technologies, robust business models, the ability to demonstrate traction in their activities and the potential to scale up. All entrants entering the competition on behalf of the company must be residents in the UK and aged 18 years or over. KPMG employees and contractors are prohibited from entering the competition.

Q: When can I apply?

A: Applications are open from Monday, 17 April, 2023 and close on Friday, 19 May 2023. All applications must be received by midnight (GMT) on Friday, 19 May 2023. Read the full terms and conditions here.

Q: Is there a limit to the number of entries?

A: During the application period, there is no limit to the number of companies that can apply, however we request that no more than one application per company is submitted.

Q: What information do I need to provide?

A: If you’d like to apply, here’s what we’ll need:

  • Company details (name, address, company registration number, contact details)
  • CEO, founder and management team details – including short biographies
  • A brief description of the company, business model, any media coverage and proprietary technology (maximum of 200 words)
  • Details on funding raised to date, 2022 revenue figures and projections for 2023
  • A high-resolution image of your company logo

Selection Criteria

Q: How do I know if my company qualifies?

A: We aim to be as inclusive as possible; whether you’re a pure technology company or tech-enabled, tech-led, or tech-driven, we want to hear about your growth ambitions.

Q: What stage should my company be at to be considered?

A: We are looking for companies that have been operating for five years or less, and must have a viable product or service. If you’re unsure if you meet the criteria, send us an email at ukfmtechinnova@kpmg.co.uk.

Pitching ››

Q: What is the pitching format?

A: Each company will be given a total of approximately six minutes to both pitch and answer questions from a judging panel. All presentations must be in Microsoft PowerPoint or PDF file format. A detailed pack outlining requirements will be shared with shortlisted businesses as appropriate.

Q: What is the judging criteria?

A: Each pitching competition will be judged by a panel of industry and KPMG experts. All applications will be scored based on seven, equally-weighted criteria. The criteria are disruption and innovation, market potential, customer adoption, market traction and marketing, ESG credentials, long-term potential, social impact and governance and pitch quality.

The decisions of the panel will be final.

Winners

Q: What does the winner get?

A: The UK winner will receive exposure and recognition through local media coverage and KPMG corporate channels. The 2023 UK winner will also receive a discretionary prize of KPMG Private Enterprise services.

The UK winner will also be put forward as a finalist in the Global Tech Innovator competition, which will take place in Lisbon, in November.

The finalists will be provided with standard class flights/travel, hotel accommodation and one conference pass to attend Web Summit. Finalists will also be provided an opportunity to exhibit their products or services at the conference.

The prizes cannot be substituted for cash or any other alternatives.

Q: How and when will the winners be notified?

A: The UK winner will be notified at the UK final event. The winner and shortlisted finalists will also be profiled in the global “Winners Report”. The Global Tech Innovator winner will be announced on stage in Lisbon, in November 2023.

Further information

Q: What are the costs involved in participation?

A: There is no charge for entering into the competition, although all costs related to attendance at the heats and country final must be covered by the participants themselves, where they are being held in person. KPMG will cover the cost of standard class flights/travel, accommodation and conference passes for the finalists who are invited to present in Portugal, Lisbon in November.

Q: Is there any publicity involved?

A: KPMG Private Enterprise will be promoting the pitch heats alongside various partners throughout the course of the competition. By entering the competition, you agree that any personal information provided by you with your entry may be held and used by KPMG to administer the competition and it’s promotion.

If you are a finalist of the competition, you agree that KPMG may use your name, image and company branding to announce the winner and finalists of the competition and for any other reasonable and related promotional and marketing purposes.

Q: Will I receive feedback on my application?

A: Unsuccessful applicants will be notified. Due to the volume of entries received, we are unable to provide detailed feedback to each unsuccessful applicant.

We value the time and effort put into each submission and thank you for your participation.

Q: Who do I get in touch with for further information?

A: For any further information please email ukfmtechinnova@kpmg.co.uk

Missed the Tech Innovator in the UK final?

Meet our 2023 winner – Inovus Medical

Inovus Medical is a multi award winning designer and manufacturer of surgical training technologies. The company was founded with a clear purpose, to improve surgical care through connected training. Hear from Elliot Street, the company’s CEO below:

Meet our 2023 finalists

Electrogenos

Electrogenos

People’s Choice Award Winner

Goldilock

Goldilock

Inovus Medical

Inovus Medical

Tech Innovator in the UK 2023 and Social Impact Award Winner

Leap Automation

Leap Automation

Mimicrete

Mimicrete

Oaktree Power

Oaktree Power

Trim Tabs

Trim Tabs

electrogenos

Iethico

Diversity in Leadership Award Winner

Testimonials

Could insights

“The competition was really impressive; it was an amazing group of entrepreneurs with brilliant innovations. We had great support from the KPMG Private Enterprise UK team at every step in the process and our business has continued to go from strength to strength. We have seen a marked increase in enquiries from a variety of sectors since entering the competition and our credibility as we enter into discussions has been strengthened.”

Could insights

“The competition provides a fantastic opportunity for scaleup businesses and is incredibly well run. It was brilliant being part of the judging panel and to have the chance to see and hear inspiring entrepreneurs from across the UK, share their amazing tech with us. It was a rewarding experience.”

Could insights

“The UK tech scene consistently provides such high calibre of applicants and the variety of the finalists were exceptional. Being a judge as part of the process has been a really rewarding experience.”

Could insights

“It’s been a rollercoaster for FIDO Tech since being named the 2021 Tech Innovator in the UK and placing second in the Global Tech Innovator competition. The platform the competition gave us transformed our business from supersonic to stratospheric.”

Hear from previous winners and finalists

Could insights

Interview with difference maker Tim Davies

Could insights

Watch the 2022 UK final highlights video

About KPMG Private Enterprise

You know KPMG, you might not know KPMG Private Enterprise. KPMG
Private Enterprise advisers in KPMG firms around the world are
dedicated to working with you and your business, no matter where
you are in your growth journey — whether you’re looking to reach
new heights, embrace technology, plan for an exit, or manage the
transition of wealth or your business to the next generation. You gain
access to KPMG’s global resources through a single point of contact
— a trusted adviser to your company. It is a local touch with a global
reach.

The KPMG Private Enterprise Global Network for Emerging Giants has
extensive knowledge and experience working with the startup
ecosystem. Whether you are looking to establish your operations,
raise capital, expand abroad, or simply comply with regulatory
requirements — we can help. From seed to speed, we’re here
throughout your journey

Competition sponsors
Warren Middleton
Warren Middleton
Lead Partner, Emerging Giants and Manchester Office Senior Partner
KPMG in the UK
Nicole Lowe
Nicole Lowe
Head of Emerging Giants and KPMG Access in the UK
KPMG in the UK

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