Sheffield and South Yorkshire tech ecosystem ranked as the number one rising star in the UK

Described as the most transparent and definitive international ranking of tech and startup ecosystems, The Global Tech Ecosystem Index measures across 325+ cities and 77+ countries. With actionable benchmark based on investments, talent, innovation and outcomes, this is a significant acknowledgement of the growth of the ecosystem in the region.

The Rising Stars category highlights the fastest-growing tech ecosystems globally, identified through growth in enterprise value, and unicorn creation over time, adjusted for economic conditions. These are dynamic, often under-the-radar hubs transforming rapidly and signalling the next wave of global innovation.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard said: “South Yorkshire has always been a place that rolls up its sleeves and finds practical solutions to global challenges.

"Now we’re building on that strength – turning our innovation into real growth in digital, tech and other high-value industries, and backing our start-ups to grow and succeed here. It’s why Sheffield is being recognised as a real rising star on the global stage.

“We’re getting on with the job of building a bigger, better economy for everyone – creating good jobs and new opportunities in the industries of the future, driving growth and security for South Yorkshire and the UK.”

Tracey Johnson, Project Director for TECH SY, said: “Being recognised as the UK’s top Rising Star by Dealroom’s Global Index is a powerful endorsement of the progress Sheffield and South Yorkshire has made as a tech ecosystem. It reflects the strength of our founders, the depth of our talent, and the growing confidence from investors and partners.

“We are building something with real momentum here, with founders and their ideas at the heart of it. Spinout numbers from the University of Sheffield are flourishing, the Innovation Spine in the Heart of the City is now live, and regional hubs including The Seam, Barnsley’s Digital Campus, the Gateway One tech and AI hub in Doncaster and the Advanced Manufacturing and Research Centre in Rotherham are supporting and fuelling our region, backed up by increased private sector investment and support such as Sheffield Digital, Sheffield Angels, Yorkshire AI Labs, Digital Forge and Venture Community. This recognition firmly puts the South Yorkshire tech ecosystem on the national and global map.”

Melissa Chambers, CEO and Founder of Sitehop, said: “Sitehop is proud to be part of the growing South Yorkshire deep-tech ecosystem. As a company developing advanced cybersecurity and post-quantum infrastructure technologies in Sheffield, we’ve seen first-hand how the region’s combination of engineering talent, manufacturing heritage and collaborative innovation networks can support globally relevant technology businesses. Continued investment in the local ecosystem is helping companies like Sitehop scale internationally while building high-value technology and engineering capability here in the UK.” 

James Jackson, CEO at Sheffield fintech Bumper – which recently doubled its city-centre HQ office space to accommodate rapid growth in the business – said:  "Sheffield is one of the UK's most exciting places to build a business right now. The talent is here, the ambition is here, and we are supported by a rich ecosystem for founders. At Bumper, we're proud to invest in that talent and to be part of a city and region on the rise."

Tom Wolfenden, CEO of Sheffield Technology Parks, said: "The most encouraging thing about this ranking is that it reflects genuine momentum rather than hype. We’re seeing stronger spinout activity, better founder support, more collaboration across the region and a growing pipeline of businesses choosing to start and scale here in Sheffield. The city is responding on numerous fronts: by ensuring the ecosystem is knitted together through TECH SY, by creating the spaces and places within the Sheffield Innovation Spine where the businesses can be based, and by broadening our collective horizons to global markets in a way we’ve not seen before. Our job now is turning this recognition into long-term investment, company growth and talent retention."

Charlotte Thompson, Project Director for the Sheffield Innovation Spine, said: “Being recognised as a global Rising Star and the UK’s top performer reflects the momentum building across Sheffield and South Yorkshire. You can genuinely feel that energy when you’re part of the community here, so having an independent, data-led endorsement like this is incredibly confidence building. Through the Sheffield Innovation Spine, we are bringing together exceptional research, deep industrial strengths, and a growing community of ambitious founders within a compact, investable geography that consistently outperforms its size. With strong research assets, a city rich in talent, and a clear pipeline of innovation in advanced manufacturing, health tech and clean growth, Sheffield offers investors early access to high-growth opportunities shaping the next wave of global innovation.”

Andy Hogben, Head of Commercialisation at the University of Sheffield, said "We are seeing a surge in the number of founders launching spinouts from the University and embedding themselves in the brilliant local entrepreneurial community. Investors are seeing that Sheffield is home to some future global companies and that the city and region are adapting to catalyse this growth."

Mel Kanarek, Co-founder of Sheffield Digital, said: ““This fantastic recognition reflects the strength and momentum of Sheffield and South Yorkshire’s tech community. What’s driving that growth is a truly collaborative ecosystem, where founders, businesses and support organisations are working closely together to build and scale. We'll continue to take our role in this very seriously - to be an independent voice for the local tech industry and to connect, promote and represent it wherever we can."

Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of the Economic Development, Skills and Culture Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield has a proud history of changing the world through innovation and we are doing it again. From advanced manufacturing and deep tech to life sciences and AI, our city is rapidly emerging as one of Europe's top ‘deep tech’ and life science start-up economies.

“This matters because innovation and inward investment are not abstract concepts, they mean more jobs, higher wages, new businesses, and more money in people’s pockets. That is exactly what we are focused on delivering for Sheffield people.

“Our Sheffield Innovation Spine, alongside the wider Don Valley Corridor is a major part of that vision, bringing together world-class research, commercial space and opportunities for businesses to start, scale and invest. It is helping to cement Sheffield’s reputation as a leading destination for innovation-led growth.

“We are ambitious about the future of our city. Sheffield led the world through breakthroughs like the Bessemer process revolutionising steel manufacturing, and we intend to lead again by creating the conditions for industries to thrive by investing in infrastructure, skills and partnerships that unlock economic growth.

“This recognition shows that Sheffield is competing on a national and global stage once again and winning.”

TECH SY is working with local authorities, universities, founders, funders and wider partners to scale up the tech ecosystem in South Yorkshire. View our ecosystem data online here: Sy.Dealroom.co

Tech SY is funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and delivered through Barnsley Council, home of the UK’s first Tech Town. By collaborating with public sector, industry, academia and investors, TECH SY is helping to build a stronger, scalable and more connected tech community in South Yorkshire. We bring together data intelligence and insights to inform decision-making, promote ecosystem activity and provide founder focused business support pathways.