Milton Keynes Tech Week 2026 will centre on the theme of sovereign technology as organisers look to showcase the city’s growing role in UK innovation and bring together businesses, researchers, investors and policymakers for a new flagship conference this October.
Running from 12 to 16 October, the week will culminate in a one-day conference and expo at Unity Place on 15 October, where delegates will explore how the UK can develop and protect critical technologies, data and digital infrastructure to strengthen economic resilience and competitiveness.
The announcement comes as Milton Keynes continues to build its reputation as a technology hub within the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor. Recent developments include UK Research and Innovation’s commitment of up to £20 million to The Open University-led Innovation Circuit project, while the city’s UK City of Culture 2029 bid reflects wider ambitions to raise its national profile.
The flagship conference will examine the commercial opportunities created by sovereign technology, with sessions covering artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, deep technology and the role of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor in supporting innovation. Organisers say the programme is intended to bring together leaders from business, academia, government and the investment community.
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.”
Milton Keynes City Council is the lead partner for the event, with organisations including 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 also supporting the programme.
Lauren Townsend, deputy leader of Milton Keynes City Council, said the event would build on last year’s success by bringing together businesses, educators, innovators and residents while highlighting opportunities across the city’s expanding technology sector.
Simon Fabri, chief executive of HMGCC, said the organisation would contribute discussions on technology challenges facing industry and government, alongside activities promoting STEM careers for young women.
Milton Keynes College Group will also take part through DigiTEC. Executive principal Cat Marin said the event would provide an opportunity to connect learners, employers and innovators as part of the week’s programme.
Alongside the flagship conference, events scheduled across the city include The Open University’s conference on the future of adult and lifelong learning in the age of AI, Stadium MK’s Stadiums of the Future showcase and a workshop hosted by the National Committee for Robotics Regulations and Standards.
Additional organisations supporting activities during the week include Central Arc Angels, Female Techpreneur, MK Cyber, Bletchley AI Group, MK Geek Night, SOFEA, Biztech, Inond, Overt STEM and NatWest.
Businesses interested in hosting events or becoming partners can register their interest as organisers continue to expand the programme ahead of October.
Main Image Credit: Protospace
