The 11th edition of the Leeds Digital Festival has officially drawn to a close, cementing its reputation as the largest open-platform technology festival in the UK.
Running across two action-packed weeks from 21st September to 2nd October 2026, the event welcomed more than 9,000 delegates to 220 different events hosted across 95 city venues and online platforms. Organised by 198 local businesses and featuring speakers from over 400 organisations, the line-up covered topics ranging from AI, FinTech, and HealthTech to quantum computing and women in tech leadership.
The 2026 festival was the first full edition helmed by Festival Director Deb Hetherington, who took over the reins after long-serving founder Stuart Clarke MBE transitioned to the role of Chair.
Fresh data released alongside the event by research group The Data City highlights the staggering scale of the local sector. Leeds now boasts 853 distinct technology companies – more than any other local authority outside London, placing it ahead of major hubs like Manchester, Edinburgh, and Birmingham. The city’s tech industry is expanding at an annual rate of 8.3%, generating a massive £1.67 billion in gross value added to the UK economy.
“Leading my first full festival as director has been an incredible privilege,” said Deb Hetherington, Festival Director. “The programme is created by the community, for the community, and that really comes through in the breadth of subjects explored across the festival, as well as the diverse audience it attracts. Leeds Digital Festival is far more than an annual showcase; it is an active economic engine driving business expansion, attracting investment, and opening tangible career pathways for talented people across the region.”
Russell Brown, CEO at headline sponsor SCC UK, added: “Leeds continues to demonstrate extraordinary strength as a centre for technological advancement and regional investment. The festival plays a vital role in showcasing the scale of regional tech success, creating essential opportunities for economic resilience and talent development across Yorkshire.”
Supported by headline partner CGI alongside Skipton Group, SCC, Nexus, ALT Legal, Accenture, Leeds City Council, PEXA, UST, and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the festival continues to drive commercial growth and high-tech career pathways across the North.
