Introduction 2022

Celebrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Life Sciences

Welcome to the Top 100 Asian Stars in UK Tech 2022 list which showcases one hundred of the most inspirational Asian men and women working in Britain’s tech sector. For the second year running, women have topped the list, accounting for 51% of shortlisted nominees. The representation of women rose from 21% in 2015 up to 52% in 2021 and that ratio has been retained in 2022, despite the fact 28% of the list are new nominees. This year we celebrate the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in all sectors including Life Sciences, which saw many more nominees than in previous years.

There is no shortage of talent: 28% of the people featured are new to the Top 100 Asian Stars in UK Tech 2022 and at 51%, Asian women were well represented in all the Top 5 categories of AI, Business, Investors, Life Sciences and Startups. It is particularly pleasing to see many more women investors; from angel investors to those at pre-seed and seed levels, as well as at established venture capital firms making headway.

Oxford & Cambridge clusters make up 15% of the list

We made some progress on achieving a broader regional representation across the UK; Oxford and Cambridge accounted for 15% of list nominees with 67% of shortlisted nominees based in London, down from 70% last year and 80% in 2020. There is still much more to do on “levelling up” tech entrepreneurship across the UK.

But Britain loves its tech entrepreneurs; 31% of the list is made up of Startup founders or co-founders; and 15% are in the Business category with more established enterprises; 15% are Investors (including angel investors, incubators, private equity and venture capitalists). The new AI category accounted for 16%; Healthtech & Life Sciences (10%) and Greentech (13%).

Asian Tech Pioneers supporting the UK tech ecosystem

We are pleased to be recognising twenty of the most inspirational Asian stars with the Asian Tech Pioneers Awards. These are nominees who have been profiled in previous editions of the list multiple times. This year, many who have been awarded support the tech ecosystem and other tech entrepreneurs with funding, know-how and technical capabilities.

What’s the purpose of this list?

The purpose of this list is to showcase the diversity and vibrancy of the tech sector and Asians who work within it. Our nominees go on to found multiple businesses, provide invaluable services, raise capital, employ people and change lives. We are pleased that so many go on to win prizes and awards, are shortlisted in other lists, judge pitch events, build new partnerships and give back to the community by establishing social enterprises and charities.

Judges for the Top 100 Asian Stars in UK Tech 2022

The task of selecting the Top 100 Asian Stars in UK Tech 2022 could only be undertaken with the help of this year’s stellar judges who pulled out all the stops in judging with skill and accuracy at great speed. My sincerest thanks to them all.

Lopa Patel MBE
Chair – Diversity UK [List curator]