Milton Keynes Tech Week 2026 announces flagship conference theme and initial event partners

The announcement comes at a significant moment for Milton Keynes and the wider Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor. Major initiatives, including the recently announced investment of up to £20 million from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to support The Open University-led Innovation Circuit project, are strengthening the region’s position as a nationally significant hub for applied innovation. The city's bid to become UK City of Culture in 2029 further underlines its ambition and growing national profile.

Flagship Conference & Expo

A new centrepiece of the week will be a flagship conference and expo designed to bring a national focus to the city.

The conference will focus on sovereign technology: the UK’s ability to develop, secure and control the critical technologies, data and digital infrastructure that underpin economic resilience, national security and long-term competitiveness.

The one-day conference, taking place at Unity Place on 15 October, will bring together business leaders, policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and investors from across the UK for a day of keynote presentations, panel discussions and networking.

It will examine what this means in practice, why it matters for UK competitiveness, and the opportunities it presents for organisations prepared to invest in secure, resilient innovation.

Presentations and panel discussions will span sovereign AI and data, advanced manufacturing and deep tech, the role of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor in building resilient technology capability, and the entrepreneurship ecosystem growing within it. The full programme and speakers will be announced over the summer.

Simon Wright, Director of Protospace, said: “Milton Keynes has one of the UK’s most exciting technology ecosystems, and Tech Week exists to bring it together. This year’s flagship conference will create a national platform for discussing sovereign technology while showcasing the innovation, talent and collaboration already thriving across our city.”

Sponsors & Programme Partners

Milton Keynes Tech Week 2026 is being supported by a growing network of partners from government, education and industry, bringing together organisations from higher education, national security, standards, robotics, recruitment and professional services.

Alongside lead partner Milton Keynes City Council, partners confirmed to date include The Open University, MK:U, MK College Group, HMGCC, BSI, Serve Robotics, Accelerating AI, Bidwells, HAYS, TC Group, Mercer & Hole, Unity Place, x+why, Bletchley Park, and The Printshop.

Cllr Lauren Townsend, Deputy Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, said: "The success of last year's Milton Keynes Tech Week demonstrated the strength, ambition and collaborative spirit of our city's technology community. Building on that momentum, this year's programme will bring together businesses, educators, innovators and residents to showcase the ideas and talent helping to shape the future of Milton Keynes. As a city with innovation at its heart, we're proud to support an event that strengthens connections, inspires future talent and highlights the opportunities available across our growing tech ecosystem."

Simon Fabri, CEO at HMGCC, said: “There is no doubt that Milton Keynes, which lies at the heart of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor, is really breaking ground in terms of new technology and innovation – and it is only right this is celebrated in the form of Milton Keynes Tech Week. Our support for the week promises to be a little different this year, but with plenty to keep visitors interested.

“Not only will we be celebrating opportunities for young women in STEM careers, alongside Girls in Science, but we will also be offering our commentary on the biggest issues facing industry and government in the fast-paced world of technology. We look forward to taking part in what promises to be an exciting event.”

“We're thrilled that DigiTEC will be part of Milton Keynes Tech Week this year,” said Cat Marin, Executive Principal at Milton Keynes College Group. “Tech Week is exactly the kind of platform where DigiTEC can connect learners, employers and innovators under one banner, and we can't wait to bring that energy to the programme in October.”

The week-long programme will bring together founders, researchers, investors, public sector leaders, educators and students through conferences, demonstrations, workshops, networking events and community activities taking place across Milton Keynes.

Early highlights include The Future of Adult and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI conference at The Open University, Stadium MK’s Stadiums of the Future showcase, and a workshop and reception led by the National Committee for Robotics Regulations and Standards (NCRRS).

Other partners hosting events throughout the week include Central Arc Angels, Female Techpreneur, MK Cyber, Bletchley AI Group, MK Geek Night, SOFEA, Biztech, Inond, Overt STEM, and Natwest.

Opportunities to Get Involved

Organisations interested in hosting an event or becoming a partner are encouraged to register their interest now, with the programme continuing to expand over the coming weeks.

Panels, workshops, demonstrations and networking sessions are all welcome as part of the official programme, providing organisations with an opportunity to showcase their work and connect with the wider technology and innovation sector.

To host an event, become a partner or sponsor, or find out more, contact mktechweek@protospace.uk or visit miltonkeynestechweek.com.