Katie Gallagher

Part of the Tech Women Celebration 50 – a curated list of some of the most inspirational women working at all levels of tech

Katie Gallagher is the managing director of Manchester Digital, the founder of the North West Cyber Resilience Centre and chair of the UK Tech Cluster Group. Katie Gallagher is a positive force in the tech industry and her influence reaches far and wide, shaping the future of technology across the region and beyond.

Her dedication and hard work have earned her a place on numerous influential boards, including the Government's Digital Skills Council and the Digital Growth Grant Independent Advisory Board for Barclays Eagle Labs. She also plays a key role on the Wired for Growth taskforce and serves as a judge for this year's Prolific North Tech Awards.

In the past year alone the Manchester Digital team has almost doubled and grown to a team of 18, including new roles that reflect the organisation's expanding vision. In the last year, Katie has launched a new Startup Activator programme, which includes funding from Barclays Eagle Labs, a new mentoring cohort and leadership programme within Digital Her, as well as a manifesto for the Greater Manchester Mayoral elections and launched a UKTCG report to grow the regional tech economy with a Parliamentary reception.

During her time at the helm, Katie has devised and developed numerous programmes and initiatives that support people to enter the tech industry These include the apprenticeship programme, the Digital Her programme, the annual Digital Skills Festival, as well as regular events such as the Fintech Conference, Emerging Tech Conference and Tech Leader Talks.

Katie was awarded an OBE in the 2024 Kings New Year's Honours for her services to the technology industry. She has also won numerous other accolades including: Outstanding Woman in Technology 2024 at the WISE awards and Outstanding Achievement Award 2023 as well as the Team of the Year from TalkTalk North West Women in Tech Awards.