Northern Tech Summit
About this Event
The Northern Tech Summit is happening in Sheffield on 21–22 October 2026, bringing together founders, investors, policymakers and ecosystem leaders from across the North of England.
Hosted at the world-famous Crucible Theatre, the summit will to explore how regional collaboration can accelerate innovation, investment and growth. This year’s programme will focus on strengthening connections between Northern ecosystems, sharing data-driven insights, and highlighting opportunities for the North to compete on a global stage.
Across two days, expect lively discussions on key challenges and opportunities facing the tech sector, a startup showcase and networking opportunities, and sessions shaped by regional priorities and insight.
The summit brings together a diverse audience of startups, scaleups, investors, public sector leaders and ecosystem specialists, creating space for meaningful collaboration and practical action. Hosted by TECH SY, the ecosystem development programme for South Yorkshire on behalf of SYMCA.
Day 1 Agenda
🕑: 09:30 AM
Doors open
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Official opening
Host: Tracey Johnson
🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
What's Working in Northern Ecosystems?
Info: On Day One (21 Oct) we'll be bringing together ecosystem leaders from across the North for a discussion on What's Working in Northern Ecosystems? Hosted by Dr David Dunn (Sunderland Software City), speaking with Katie Gallagher OBE (Manchester Digital/UKTCG), Deb Hetherington (Leeds Digital Festival/Tech West Yorkshire), Aoife Morrin (Dealroom) and Matt Snowden (TECH SY).
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:15 PM
Lunch & Networking
🕑: 01:15 PM - 01:35 PM
Fireside Chat
Host: Katharine Hammond
🕑: 01:35 PM - 02:15 PM
Startups from the North: A Founders View
🕑: 02:15 PM - 03:00 PM
Keynote: Tom Adeyoola
Info: Tom Adeyoola, Executive Chair of Innovate UK, will share insights from his own entrepreneurial journey, alongside his perspective on the opportunities for founders, innovators and tech ecosystems across the North.
🕑: 04:00 PM - 09:00 PM
NORTHERN STARTUP SHOWCASE - Separate ticket required
Info: Join us at Trafalgar Warehouse for the Northern Startup Showcase - separate ticket required as places are limited. Book for £5 at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/northern-tech-summit-startup-showcase-tickets-1990889097885
Day 2 Agenda
🕑: 07:00 AM - 08:00 AM
Run the Spine Fringe Event
Info: Sheffield Innovation Spine has teamed up with Sheffield Business Runners to deliver an all-running-ability 5km group run along the Innovation Spine route for summit delegates and the local innovation community. Register your interest in the Spine Run here to be sent details of the route. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZGXEBc19Fa89dzbZns2Ob12SGVnL9Nd1i6BO9xITSOxABCg/viewform?usp=preview
🕑: 08:15 AM
Doors open
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
Welcome back
Host: Tracey Johnson
🕑: 09:15 AM - 10:00 AM
Keynote & Dealroom Report Launch - Yoram Wijngaarde
Info: Yoram will be taking us through the potential of the North with a new report. The data will explore investment, key sectors, demonstrating collaboration potential and highlighting gaps. There will also be a sector focus on deep tech and defence.
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Collaborate to Compete Talk - Ana Avaliani
Info: Ana Avaliani, Director of Enterprise & Place at the Royal Academy of Engineering, will deliver a talk on the topic Collaborate to Compete: What the North's Innovation Ecosystem Must Do Next.
🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Panel: How does the UK leverage Northern Research
🕑: 11:10 AM - 11:50 AM
Raising the North - Investment Panel
Info: This panel brings together leaders from across the investment ecosystem to discuss how we unlock more funding for Northern founders, support the next generation of high-growth businesses, and strengthen the pipeline from innovation to commercial success. Hosted by Stuart Leslie, Director, Local Authority Advisory & Lending National Wealth Fund, with Joanne Hosker, Head of NG Innovation Services at Northern Gritstone, Joséphine Kant, Head of Ventures at Sovereign AI, Mark Sterritt, Managing Director of Local Growth Team at British Business Bank, and Estella Nouri, Direct Origination Manager at Hypha.
🕑: 11:50 AM
Pete Hopton Lightning Talk
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Lunch
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:45 PM
Leading in the North
🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:30 PM
Scaling in the North
🕑: 02:50 PM - 03:00 PM
Close
🕑: 02:30 PM - 02:50 PM
Keynote: Sue Douglas
Info: Sue Douglas is Co-Founder of Veer Technologies. Her closing keynote will share her journey from Fleet Street newspaper editor to tech entrepreneur, and how she's using AI to help people navigate the future of work.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 6.00 to GBP 14.00
