Senior execs from companies such as Intel, Vodafone, Adobe, Dell, Accenture, Computer Associates and HP will sleep rough for a night to raise money for the 2006 Byte Night appeal for children's charity NCH. 

Liz Monks, executive director of fundraising at NCH, said that the involvement of 38 high-profile executives is a tribute to how far the event had come.

"Byte Night highlights the compassion that exists in the IT industry today and this drive has helped NCH to make a significant difference to young people who are homeless or coping with life after care," she said.

"We are proud to see corporate social responsibility high on the agenda of all the companies involved, and look forward to welcoming new organisations at this year's event."

Ken Deeks, founder of the Byte Night event, added: "Last year we raised £250,000 and we are expecting to top that this year."

The money supports NCH's work to combat youth homelessness and improve services for young people leaving care.

This year's Byte Night takes place on 22 September, beginning with a reception at the House of Lords and leading to a sleepover in Victoria Tower Gardens by Millbank in central London.