Birmingham Tech Week Gears Up for the Largest Tech Festival

Birmingham, October 17, 2025

News Summary

Birmingham is buzzing as preparations for Birmingham Tech Week unfold, slated to be the UK’s largest regional tech festival. Set from October 20-24, the festival promises an inspiring lineup of keynote speakers and engaging discussions on various topics including AI, cybersecurity, and digital skills. With significant local leadership involvement and sponsorship from major tech players, the event aims to boost the tech ecosystem in the West Midlands while introducing new flagship events like Cyberverse and Frontier Day.

Excitement Builds for Birmingham Tech Week 2023

It’s that time of year again! Birmingham is buzzing with excitement as Birmingham Tech Week gears up for its biggest and best event yet, scheduled from October 20-24, 2023. This is not just any festival; it is recognized as the UK’s largest regional tech festival, bringing together some of the brightest minds and innovative souls in the tech world.

Who to Expect on Stage

Prepare to be inspired by an incredible lineup of keynote speakers! The event will feature prominent figures such as Andy Hague, the chief executive of TechWM, and Amanda Brock, the chief executive of OpenUK. Davina Schonle, founder of HumanVantage, is also set to take the stage. These leaders will dive into the evolution and the bright future of the tech landscape in the West Midlands.

Local Leadership Joining In

The festival will also highlight key West Midlands figures, including Richard Parker, West Midlands mayor, and Mike Lewis, strategic lead for the West Midlands Roadmap. Their presence emphasizes the region’s commitment to fostering a burgeoning tech community. Plus, educational representatives from respected institutions like Aston Business School, BMet, and the University of Warwick will be there to join the conversation.

Sponsorship Spotlight

This year’s festival shines even brighter with support from IBM UK and Ireland, whose chief executive, Leon Butler, is the headline sponsor. They are playing a significant role in driving tech discussions forward, especially at key events like the Leadership Breakfast, which will focus on the evolution of the West Midlands tech ecosystem.

What’s On the Agenda?

Attendees can look forward to engaging discussions on a variety of frontier technologies, including AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing. The festival will introduce some new flagship events this year, such as Cyberverse and Frontier Day. Each day will highlight themes including:

• AI and leadership
• Digital skills
• Global connections
• Scaling up

Moreover, there will be fringe events hosted by various Birmingham businesses outside the main schedule, adding even more opportunities for networking and learning.

Support for Local Initiatives

Additional sponsors for Tech Week include Goldman Sachs, who will sponsor the Engineering and Development Conference, along with partners like Netcom Training and charities Neurodiversity in Business and LoveBrum. With plans for substantial development in the West Midlands, such as a £100 million student living campus at the University of Warwick, the future looks bright for tech enthusiasts in the region.

Boosting the Tech Scene

The event comes during a critical time where there is a push to preserve the UK’s skills in AI to ensure we retain talent and encourage investment back into the country. One fascinating idea introduced is a digital twin concept that uses AI to predict the effects of carbon emissions on urban settings. At the Global Growth Congress, experts discussed international expansion strategies, sparking thought about how businesses can thrive globally.

Despite some concerns regarding increased capital taxation potentially hindering the attraction of young tech talent, there’s an undeniable sense of community and collaboration among local tech entrepreneurs showcased throughout the festival.

Leadership Changes

Exciting transitions are also on the horizon with Andy Hague set to take over as CEO of TechWM, succeeding Yiannis Maos, who will stay on as Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer. Jason Sahota, Chair of TechWM’s board, has expressed optimism about future growth and partnerships, promising that the tech ecosystem in the region is only going to get better.

FAQs about Birmingham Tech Week 2023

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Additional Resources

• Insider Media: Birmingham Tech Week Unveils Headline Speakers
• Wikipedia: Birmingham
• Insider Media: Birmingham Tech Week to Return
• Google Search: Birmingham Tech Week
• The Business Desk: TechWM Leadership Shake-Up
• Google Scholar: Birmingham Tech Week
• IOD: Celebrating Birmingham Tech Leaders
• Encyclopedia Britannica: West Midlands
• Forbes: West Midlands Tech Cluster Recognition
• Google News: West Midlands Tech

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.