Thousands attend TechNExt 2025 festival in North East
TechNExt, the region’s largest technology festival, returned for its third year with more than 3,000 attendees taking part in events from Northumberland to County Durham.
The event drew guests from as far afield as India and featured a packed programme of talks and networking opportunities across the region.
Phil Witcherley (Image: Supplied)
Dr David Dunn, CEO of Dynamo North East CIC, said: “We set out to make TechNExt 2025 the biggest and best yet and I think everyone involved can safely say we achieved what we set out to do.
“We saw over 3,000 people attend events from Blyth down to Durham over the course of five days, from industry experts and c-suite directors to those simply wanting to find out more about a career in the sector.
“We even welcomed a group of entrepreneurs from India who were visiting the region on a trade mission.Tom Foster (Image: Supplied)
“It provided the perfect platform for us to shine a light on all the fantastic businesses and people who have helped drive the industry forward over recent years, while also giving us an opportunity to discuss the many challenges and opportunities our businesses are likely to face in the future.
“It was a fantastic celebration of all that is great about the North East tech sector and we are already starting to think about how we can make TechNExt 2026 even bigger and better.”
The festival kicked off on Monday, June 16, in Newcastle, where BBC tech editor Zoe Kleinman and Tom Foster-Carter, CEO and founder of Cherrypick, addressed a sold-out Main Stage audience at the Crowne Plaza.(Image: Supplied)
Speakers from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the North East Combined Authority also contributed, offering insights on topics ranging from finance to devolution and industrial strategy.
Throughout the week, attendees took part in themed hub and fringe events, including an industry dinner, a festival party, and a school tech challenge.
One of the highlights was Tech Talent Live, the regionβs largest digital and tech careers fair, which was held at Sunderlandβs City Hall.(Image: Supplied)
The festival is organised by a coalition of North East businesses and stakeholders, led by Dynamo North East C.I.C and Sunderland Software City, with BeaconHouse Events also involved.
Headline sponsors for TechNExt 2025 included Leighton, Sage, and the North East Combined Authority, with support from REED, Accenture, and hedgehog lab.(Image: Supplied)
Phil Witcherley, director of economic growth and innovation at the North East Combined Authority, said: “The North East is recognised globally as a vibrant, fast-growing tech hub, so it was an absolute privilege for the North East Combined Authority to be part of TechNExt 2025.
“The festival was the perfect way to bring people together to champion the best the North East has to offer, foster collaboration and celebrate the energy, ambition, and achievements shaping our tech scene.”