Our Mission
To unlock the potential of global majority and underrepresented tech talent by creating equitable pathways to skills, networks, entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable growth across South Yorkshire.
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About SYBTE
Widening access tothe digital economy
South Yorkshire Black Tech Expo (SYBTE) is a regional innovation and community platform focused on widening access to technology, digital skills, entrepreneurship and opportunity across South Yorkshire.
Who we are
A movement,not just an event
We connect people, ideas, businesses, education and community networks to create more inclusive pathways into the digital economy. Our work brings together students, founders, professionals, business leaders, educators and communities through practical training, events, mentoring, business support, partnerships and access to digital resources.
We champion global majority excellence in technology while building an ecosystem in which underrepresented talent can connect, develop, innovate and lead.
SYBTE is a regional gateway into the wider Black Tech Expo platform — connecting talent, enterprise and opportunity across technology, innovation, business and community impact.
Our Vision
A connected, inclusive and future-ready South Yorkshire where diverse talent can participate fully in technology, innovation and economic growth.
Our focus
Areas that shape everything we deliver
Every programme, event and partnership we take on maps back to at least one of these focus areas. Together they describe how we move people from interest to capability to opportunity.
Digital Skills & Confidence
Practical, applied training that helps people use technology with confidence — from first steps to specialist capability.
AI & Emerging Technology
Demystifying artificial intelligence and emerging tools so communities and businesses can adopt them responsibly.
Cyber Security & Digital Trust
Building the security, data protection and compliance knowledge that individuals and small organisations need.
Entrepreneurship & Business Growth
Supporting founders to start, stabilise and scale — with tools, mentoring and routes to funding readiness.
Business Accelerator
Structured, time-bound support for founders ready to scale — funding readiness, growth strategy and investor introductions.
Business Incubation
Hands-on support for early-stage and pre-launch founders — validating ideas, building foundations and getting to first customers.
Leadership & Professional Development
Helping professionals step into leadership, influence decisions and progress in their careers.
Mentoring & Access to Networks
Connecting people to the mentors, peers and organisations that open doors — because networks are opportunity.
Student & Youth Opportunity
Working with universities and colleges to turn study into real pathways into the digital economy.
Community-Led Innovation & Inclusion
Innovation shaped with communities rather than delivered to them, keeping inclusion at the centre.
Who we serve
Built for the whole ecosystem
SYBTE is deliberately broad. Progress happens when students, founders, professionals, educators, employers and community organisations are in the same room.
StudentsFoundersProfessionalsEducatorsBusiness LeadersCommunities
Why South Yorkshire
A growing ecosystem that has to include everyone
South Yorkshire includes Sheffield, Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham, and it has a growing technology and innovation ecosystem. SYBTE's role is to complement that growth by ensuring that inclusion, access, representation and community participation are part of the region's technology story.
Sheffield
Our delivery base, home to Sheffield Technology Parks and both regional universities.
Barnsley
Growing digital campus activity and an important route into new technology careers.
Doncaster
Strong logistics, enterprise and community networks with rising digital demand.
Rotherham
Advanced manufacturing and innovation strengths we help connect to diverse talent.
Regional context
£3.7bn
The scale of the South Yorkshire tech ecosystem as reported by TECH SY (July 2026 data). The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority also identifies digital and tech as an important regional growth cluster.
Regional HeadAbout Her
Rose Gordonleading SYBTE in South Yorkshire
Rose is a passionate leader, connector and advocate for inclusion, innovation and community empowerment, committed to creating spaces where people are seen, voices are heard and opportunities are accessible. As Regional Head of SYBTE, she leads the work bringing together technology, business, education and communities to widen access to digital skills, entrepreneurship, mentorship and emerging opportunities.
Alongside her leadership at SYBTE, Rose is an experienced Health Visitor and public health professional — giving her a unique perspective on the relationship between health, inequality, education and opportunity. She is also involved in charitable and community initiatives supporting families, young people and underserved communities, driven by a simple belief: talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not.
“Representation is not simply about having a seat at the table — it is about having a voice, influencing what happens at that table, and creating space for others to follow.”
Get involved
Be part of the region's technology story
Whether you are starting out, building a business, hiring talent or leading an organisation, there is a way into SYBTE.