Book your seats for Tech Startup qualifier

Members of the business community are invited to hear about some of the best new tech ideas from a region that’s officially the fastest growing tech hub outside of London.

A digital “face-off” between local tech startups will act as a warm-up and qualifier to June’s Tees Tech Awards.

Sponsored by Middlesbrough-headquartered digital marketing specialists Outrank, the Tech Start-Up will see new kids of the Tees tech block invited to deliver a two-minute pitch on their business to a live audience at Middlesbrough venue Flok Co-Working Space on Albert Road.

Taking place 3-5pm on Tuesday May 5, an expert judging panel comprising Tees Tech Ambassador Imran Anwar (Alt Labs), Kirsten Donkin of Tees Tech Awards headline sponsor Double Eleven and Outrank CTO Max Lyne will choose three finalists.

The trio will go forward to the Tees Tech Awards on June 4 at Teesside University’s Digital Life, where they’ll again pitch their business before guests take part in a live vote to choose the winner.

Unlike other category winners, who each receive a trophy, the Tech Start-Up winner will also receive a full page in Tees Business magazine and a one-month pass to Flok.

Tees Business director Dave Allan said: “This is an exciting opportunity for digital startups to make their mark and raise their profile on a regional stage.

“Among the startups we’ll hear from could be the next Double Eleven, Visualsoft, Salesfire or Alt Labs, so it promises to be a fascinating event.”

Refreshments will be available over networking before guests hear from Imran, Kirsten, Max and Tees Business before the prospects pitch their businesses.

The Tees Tech Awards 2026 are organised by Tees Business in association with Middlesbrough-headquartered global games developer Double Eleven.

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