South Yorkshire has been highlighted 1st in the UK for the category of Rising Stars in the Dealroom 2026 Global Tech Ecosystem Index.
Leveraging our region’s stand-out capabilities in advanced manufacturing, digital, clean energy and health and wellbeing, South Yorkshire’s tech ecosystem has been a focus for economic growth and super connector initiatives led by TECH SY and local authority business support teams in Doncaster, Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley. Investment in the places and spaces that businesses cluster and targeted support for startups and scaleups within the region have all contributed to this Rising Star status.
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.”
You can read the full press release here: https://www.techsy.co.uk/post/sheffield-and-south-yorkshire-tech-ecosystem-ranked-as-the-number-one-rising-star-in-the-uk