Oxfordshire has established itself as a major hub for high-growth technology, with nine businesses from the county featuring in the top 14 fastest-growing tech firms in the South East (excluding London). The rankings, published in the 2026 edition of The Sunday Times 100 Tech, highlight a diverse range of sectors including cybersecurity, satellite technology, and life sciences.
PQShield, a cybersecurity firm based in Summertown, Oxford, secured the second spot in the regional list. Specialising in post-quantum cryptography, the University of Oxford spin-out has achieved an annual sales growth of 135% over the last three years. The company develops encryption standards designed to protect digital infrastructure from the future threat of quantum computers.
Ali Kaafarani, founder and chief executive of PQShield, said: “To be recognised as one of the fastest-growing tech firms in Britain is a testament to our collective mission: ensuring that the world’s digital backbone remains secure in the quantum era. This growth allows us to invest even more deeply in the research and engineering that our customers depend on.”
The regional top spot was claimed by Portsmouth-based fibre provider Toob, which saw 165 per cent growth. Other high-performing Oxfordshire firms include:
- Open Cosmos (Harwell): A satellite developer ranked third with 114% growth.
- Genomics (Oxford): A genetic sequencing firm placed sixth with 59% growth.
- Alloyed (Yarnton): A metal alloy technology specialist reporting 53% growth.
- LIO (Milton Park): A mental health technology specialist that has supported over 100 million hours of inpatient care.
- Oxford BioTherapeutics: A cancer immunotherapy business ranking ninth.
- Perspectum (Oxford): A medical imaging and diagnostics specialist taking 10th place.
- Refeyn (Oxford) and VoVoCo (Shipton-under-Wychwood): Both firms also secured places within the top 14.
Collectively, the 100 companies on the national list generated £3.7 billion in sales, an increase of £3 billion over the past three years. Jon Yeomans, business editor of The Sunday Times, noted that the results demonstrate the UK remains a dynamic ecosystem for technology despite a challenging economic environment.
Image source: PQShields
