TechNExt, the North East’s leading tech festival, returns from 15th to 19th June 2026 with a programme of flagship events and themed hubs taking place across all the region. It brings together businesses, educators, startups and individuals from across the North East’s digital and technology sector.
The 2026 programme combines large scale flagship events with focused hub days, each designed to explore a specific area of the industry including tech for good, startups, data and AI, and creative technology.
Monday 15th June
Festival Launch
Hilton Hotel, Gateshead
TechNExt 2026 begins at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead with the Festival Launch, featuring a programme of talks and fireside chats delivered by leaders from technology and related industries. The sessions explore global trends, innovation and developments shaping the tech sector, and speakers are now live on the TechNExt website.
Sponsors & Pledge Holder Drinks
Newcastle
Sponsors Drinks take place later the same day in Newcastle, bringing together organisations that have signed the TechNExt Pledge alongside official festival sponsors and partners supporting the 2026 programme.
Tuesday 16th June
Tech for Good Hub
The Village, North Tyneside
The first of the 2026 hubs takes place at The Village in North Tyneside and is dedicated to Tech for Good. The programme explores projects and initiatives focused on social impact, environmental sustainability and digital inclusion, highlighting how technology is being applied to real world challenges across the region.
Industry Dinner
Baltic Rooftop, Gateshead
Held at the Baltic Rooftop on Gateshead's Quayside, the Industry Dinner brings together tech entrepreneurs, business leaders and professionals from across the North East. The event is designed to support networking and collaboration between organisations operating within the regional tech ecosystem.
Wednesday 17th June
Tech Startup Hub
Durham Business School, Durham
The Tech Startup Hub takes place at Durham Business School and is focused on supporting startups at all stages of development. The programme includes sessions, discussions and opportunities to connect with investors, founders and organisations involved in supporting business growth across the region.
Schools Challenge
Morpeth Leisure Centre, Northumberland
The TechNExt Schools Challenge returns in 2026, giving students from across the North East the opportunity to engage directly with tech employers. Participants work on practical challenges designed to introduce key concepts in digital and technology, supported by industry mentors.
Dynamo North East Careers Fair
Crowne Plaza, Newcastle
The Dynamo North East Careers Fair takes place at the Crowne Plaza in Newcastle and is the region’s largest digital and tech careers event. It connects individuals with employers, training providers and organisations offering career pathways within the sector.
Thursday 18th June
Data and AI Hub
The Catalyst, Newcastle
Hosted at The Catalyst in Newcastle, the Data and AI Hub focuses on developments in data, artificial intelligence and machine learning. The programme includes sessions led by industry professionals exploring practical applications and emerging trends within these fields.
Festival Party
Revolution de Cuba, Newcastle
The TechNExt Festival Party takes place at Revolution de Cuba in Newcastle and brings together attendees, partners and organisations involved in TechNExt 2026. The event provides an opportunity to continue conversations from across the week and strengthen connections within the tech community.
Friday 19th June
Creative Tech Hub
Culture House, Sunderland
The final hub of the week takes place at Culture House in Sunderland and focuses on creative technology. The programme highlights work across areas such as digital design, immersive experiences and creative innovation, showcasing how technology is applied within creative industries.
How to Get Involved with TechNExt 2026
There are several ways to take part in TechNExt 2026 beyond attending events.
- Host a Session: Individuals and organisations can propose sessions to be included within the hub programme or as part of the wider fringe activity taking place across the region.
- Sign the Pledge: Organisations can also pledge their involvement by committing to send team members to attend events throughout the week, supporting engagement across the sector.
- Sponsor the Festival: Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses looking to support the festival while increasing their visibility within the North East tech community.
- Join our Newsletter: To stay updated as the full programme is finalised, attendees can join the TechNExt mailing list for announcements and event details.
Final Information
TechNExt 2026 brings together a full programme of events across multiple locations, each focused on a specific area of the technology sector.
The festival provides opportunities to learn about industry developments, connect with organisations and explore career pathways within the North East.
For more information, visit the TechNExt website or contact the team at getinvolved@technext.co.uk.
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