Judging the Better by Design Pitch Event at Milton Keynes Tech Week 2025

Last week, I had the honour of serving as a judge at the Better by Design Pitch Event, one of the flagship highlights of Milton Keynes Tech Week 2025. Hosted by protospace at x+why, the event brought together ten ambitious tech startups who pitched their innovative ideas live to a panel of judges and a buzzing audience.

From the moment the first founder stepped on stage, the room was filled with energy, creativity, and determination. Each startup showcased bold solutions to real-world problems, ranging from sustainability to digital transformation. It was a true celebration of the thriving tech community in Milton Keynes.

Celebrating the Winners

• 🏆 HyperGen – Multi Fuel Micro Turbine Gensets took home the £10,000 grand prize for their groundbreaking innovation.

• 🥈 Runners-up Nurmi and FlexSR Limited each secured £1,000.

• 🌟 Court Ace won the Community Choice Award, taking home £500.

Every founder who pitched impressed us with their passion, resilience, and vision. Choosing winners was no easy task!

The Power of the MK Tech Community

As a judge, I had the privilege of sitting alongside inspiring leaders — Martin Spiller, Mike Johnson, Pip Jamieson, Bukky M. Babajide, and Nazia Shaheen. Together, we witnessed firsthand the remarkable innovation ecosystem that Milton Keynes is building.

But what struck me most wasn’t just the pitches — it was the spirit of collaboration and networking. Entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts all came together to connect, share knowledge, and champion the future of technology in our region.

Why MK Tech Week Matters

Events like this are about more than just competition. They’re about:

• Showcasing startup innovation on a big stage.

• Building connections across the Milton Keynes tech community.

• Inspiring the next wave of founders and change-makers.

Tech Week 2025 was packed with workshops, fireside chats, and networking opportunities, making it clear that Milton Keynes is a growing hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Final Thoughts

I left the pitch night feeling inspired, motivated, and excited for the future. The startups of today are shaping the technologies of tomorrow, and being part of that journey as a judge was a privilege.

If you missed out, you can catch up and stay connected through Milton Keynes Tech Week and Protospace.

✨ Here’s to the continued growth of our startup ecosystem in Milton Keynes and the brilliant minds driving it forward.