Bristol Technology Festival, the UK’s largest and most-connected regional event of its kind, returns later this year with five days of cutting-edge events at venues across the city.
Tech practitioners, experts and enthusiasts from Bristol and beyond will gather in the city from 7 to 11 of October as the festival again brings together people and tech to explore the region’s thriving tech scene. 
Events will cover cyber, life sciences, renewable energy, creative tech, FinTech and more.
Launched in 2019 by a small group of tech enablers, movers and shakers with the mission to stage a series of events over one week, the festival was an immediate hit, attracting people from across the country and greatly enhancing Bristol’s reputation as a tech hub.
It is delivered by not-for-profit organisation techSPARK – the information hub for all things tech in Bristol, Bath and the West of England – with the aim of bringing together those in the tech community and those looking to become part of it, to connect people, share knowledge and make technology, jobs and entrepreneurship more accessible for everyone.
TechSPARK managing director Ben Shorrock said: “We can’t wait to showcase the amazing innovation, technology and people who make up this incredible cluster. 
“We already have the makings of a fantastic event programme. With lots more still to come, this year’s festival will offer up an incredibly deep and diverse programme.
“But it’s not all down to techSPARK, as a not for profit we’re all incredibly grateful to all our event partners, without whom Bristol Technology Festival could not happen.”
Supporters of this year’s festival include headline partners Bristol software development firm Ghyston and key event partners Bristol specialist developer AND Digital.
Each day of the week will have its own unique theme, focusing on a core strand of what makes tech one of the most exciting sectors in the region and beyond.
Monday – IMPACT. From sustainability and green initiatives to talent and retention, Monday will focus on the impact that individuals, businesses and the sector make and how it is catalysing technological innovations across sectors.
Tuesday – EXPERIENCE. This is all about the end-users, looking at the world differently, helping each other, listening to each other, and building strong conversations. Tuesday will also bring together the cybersecurity community for the launch of the first techSPARK Cyber State of the Industry report, along with a strategic networking event with industry leaders and government focused on how the Cyber sector can grow. 
Wednesday – SCALE. The day will highlight critical areas such as funding and the importance of future-proofing business in an ever-changing climate. Wednesday also sees the return of Bristol and Bath Cyber Con 2024. Called the ultimate cyber security conference, it is curated to bring together the brightest minds in the field and equip them with the knowledge and tools to tackle today’s cyber threats. On what will be a busy day, the sixth annual FinTech West conference will take place with a high-impact agenda to allow attendees to hear announcements on funding and research findings and connect with cutting-edge FinTechs.
Thursday – CREATIVE. Bristol is a city of creatives, so Thursday is all about how tech is nothing without the story. Creatives will gather to share visions, showcase solutions and be creative. The University of Bristol’s MyWorld creative tech hub will also showcase the creative technologies delivered through its secondary funding calls, offering a glimpse of the future of this exciting industry.
Friday – LEARN. This theme will emphasise the importance of opportunity. Gather and learn about the latest developments and industry trends… every day is a school day. Senior leaders will also gather for the Health & Life Science Summit, showcasing the region’s strengths and demonstrating how the cluster integrates with broader strategic goals and attracts investment opportunities.
Businesses can still get involved with the festival by hosting their own events or engaging in various partnership opportunities.
To find out more, contact the techSPARK team via ellie@techspark.co or visit https://techspark.co/tech-festival
