Best of city's tech sector honoured as Leeds Digital Festival closes

The awards, held in association with Amsource Technology and Ward Hadaway, recognise the commitment and success of individuals and companies within the Leeds City Region’s tech sector.

Hark Systems was named Tech Innovation of the Year while Alex Craven from Jaywing Intelligence took the award for Entrepreneur of the Year.

Elsewhere Start-Up of the Year was won by Synap and the Leeds Open Data Institute was named Facilitator of the Year.

Hanneka Kilburn from Bolser was named as winner of the One to Watch category and a special award was also presented to Stuart Clarke, director of Leeds Digital Festival, in recognition of his organising the annual event.

Andrew Maeer, managing director of Amsource Technology said: “There’s no denying Leeds’ tech scene is become a force to be reckoned with and last night proved why, with all the innovation in this city coming together under one roof.

“Stuart’s determination, vision and development of the Leeds Digital Festival makes him a worth worthy winner of our special recognition award.”

Gareth Yates, a partner and head of the technology team at Ward Hadaway, said: “These are transformative times for the Leeds region and the technology community is driving that change.

“Leeds’ fintech community is recognised as the largest outside of London and events like this show the region has everything in place to continue its dominance.”