NORTHERN
TECH SUMMIT
21 & 22 October 2026 | Crucible Sheffield
Sponsored by:
The Northern Tech Summit will take place in Sheffield on 21–22 October 2026, bringing together founders, investors, policymakers and ecosystem leaders from across the North of England. Known as the 'secret startup capital', Sheffield's tech ecosystem was ranked top Rising Star in the UK in Dealroom's 2026 Global Tech Ecosystem Index.
Hosted at the world-famous Crucible Theatre, the summit will 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.
Over two days, the event will feature lively discussions on key challenges and opportunities facing the Northern tech sector, a startup showcase and networking opportunities, along with sessions shaped by regional priorities and insight. Scroll down to see the confirmed speakers so far.
Get a two-day pass and a Startup Showcase ticket for the full experience, with one-day tickets also available, plus free fringe events from Sheffield Innovation Spine.
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Agenda
The summit brings together an audience of startups, scaleups, investors, public sector leaders and ecosystem specialists, creating space for meaningful collaboration and practical action.
Day one (Wed 21st October) will be a fast-paced event at the Crucible theatre 10.00am - 3pm, with a focus on sectors and addressing challenges and opportunities for better tech ecosystem collaboration across the North.
There will also be a Startup Showcase event on day one from 4pm at Trafalgar Warehouse after the main summit talks at the Crucible, with tickets sold separately. Limited spaces available.
Day two (Thu 22nd October) 9am-3pm at the Crucible will tackle the key talking points that can connect ecosystems across the North - both on the ground and politically - to drive positive change and growth.
Sheffield Innovation Spine is the official fringe partner of the Northern Tech Summit 2026, with a free programme of fringe events in Sheffield 20-22 October, including the Open Doors Innovation Festival. The Spine is an energised urban innovation district spanning 190 acres across Sheffield city centre.
Summit Keynote Speakers
Internationally-recognised data and ecosystem expert Yoram Wijngaarde, the Founder & CEO of Dealroom, will discuss his journey which saw him leave a successful career in investment banking in London and New York. In 2013, Yoram launched Dealroom, a unique global data intelligence platform that tracks high-growth companies and venture capital ecosystems, with the aim of connecting early-stage businesses with the vital financial support needed to unlock their full potential. Earlier this year, the company successfully raised $7 million to fund its future growth plans, and Yoram will offer advice about what it takes to build and grow a successful tech business.
Yoram Wijngaarde - Founder & CEO, Dealroom
Tom Adeyoola - Executive Chair of Innovate UK
Tom is the Executive Chair of Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency. He also sits on the board of Channel 4 and leading independent school St. Paul's. A Cambridge alumnus, experienced entrepreneur, and board director with over 25 years in the startup ecosystem, he previously grew his fashion technology startup Metail to exit raising £25m, and as a NED took women’s personal wellness scale-up Elvie from inception to Series B and Net Zero strategy consultancy Verco through 3x revenue to acquisition. He has also been actively involved in investing and policy, co-authoring the "Start-Up, Scale-Up" review for Rt Hon Rachel Reeves MP in opposition, co-founding Extend Ventures and sitting on the Creative Industries Taskforce and Startup Coalition board.
As Co-Founder of Oxford University spinout Veer Technologies with Sir Nigel Shadbolt, Sue Douglas is helping build AI-powered tools that support people in exploring careers, preparing for interviews and recognising strengths that traditional CVs can overlook. Before entering the world of startups, Sue held senior editorial roles at newspapers including the Sunday Express and Sunday Times, before turning her focus to technology, skills and workforce innovation. Her closing keynote will explore the intersection of AI, talent, careers and economic growth, bringing a unique perspective shaped by journalism, digital transformation and startup building.
Sue Douglas - Co-Founder & CEO, Veer Technologies
Thanks to all our Northern Tech Summit supporters:
South Yorkshire Tech Summit 2026
The latest edition of our regional Tech Summit was on Thursday 29th January 2026, exploring the future of South Yorkshire’s tech economy at the Barnsley Civic.
With speakers from Helsinki, the US and of course, South Yorkshire, we brought new voices into the region to look at how we generate an entrepreneurial mindset, support businesses that go to scale, look into our core sectors, and recognise what could be South Yorkshire's inflection point.
Barnsley was then announced as the UK's first Tech Town, and we shared the latest data from the tech and innovation landscape in South Yorkshire.
