United Kingdom-based innovation community, Tech Derby successfully hosted its 2026 conference at Vaillant Live in Derby as part of East Midlands Tech Week, bringing together technology leaders, founders, academics, investors, professionals, students and community stakeholders to explore the future of artificial intelligence, innovation and the next digital economy.
Tech Derby is a growing technology and innovation community based in Derby, England, created to support founders, professionals, students, businesses and career switchers across the East Midlands. Through meetups, conferences, accelerator programmes, technical training and ecosystem partnerships, Tech Derby is helping to build a stronger local digital economy.
The conference, themed “AI & the Next Digital Economy: Innovation, Opportunities and Responsible Governance,” created an important platform for conversations around the role of technology in business growth, skills development, responsible AI adoption, regional innovation and the future of work.
The event featured keynote contributions and panel discussions from leading voices across academia, enterprise, investment, fintech, technology and the wider innovation ecosystem. Speakers explored how AI is transforming industries, how businesses can remain competitive in a fast-changing digital economy, and how the East Midlands can build the talent, infrastructure and partnerships needed to thrive.
A key highlight of the conference was the keynote address by Professor Stephan Reiff-Marganiec, Head of the School of Computing at the University of Derby, who spoke on developing local talent for an AI-ready future. His session reinforced the importance of universities, industry and community organisations working together to prepare people for the opportunities and challenges of the digital age.
The conference also included a presentation from Ajibola Shokunbi of AudioInsight UK, who shared insights on the use of artificial intelligence in music education and demonstrated how research-led innovation can become a practical product with real-world impact.
Panel discussions focused on two major themes: AI governance and responsible innovation, and building competitive businesses in the digital economy. The sessions encouraged practical dialogue on trust, ethics, productivity, entrepreneurship, skills, investment and regional economic growth.
Speaking after the event, Akindayo Akindolani, CEO of Tech Derby, said:
“Tech Derby was created to build a stronger technology ecosystem in Derby and the wider East Midlands. This conference showed what is possible when founders, professionals, universities, investors, businesses and community leaders come together around a shared vision. AI and digital innovation must not be something that happens only in London or larger cities. Derby has the talent, the ideas and the ambition to play a serious role in the next digital economy.”
The conference also reflected Tech Derby’s growing work in supporting early-stage founders and technology professionals through monthly meetups, startup support, pre-seed acceleration, technical training, AI workshops and ecosystem-building activities.
Through its recent founder-focused programmes, Tech Derby has been supporting local entrepreneurs to refine their ideas, build stronger products, access mentoring, connect with investors and develop businesses that can contribute to regional growth. This includes the recent Tech Derby Startup Pitch Competition and Innovation Award 2026, which recognised promising early-stage innovation within the region.
Akindolani added:
“For us, this is not just about holding events. It is about building a long-term technology movement for Derby. We want to help children see the future of technology early, help professionals build new digital careers, help founders build products locally, and help businesses adopt innovation responsibly. This is how we strengthen the region, one person and one idea at a time.”
Tech Derby also used the conference to strengthen relationships with partners across education, business, investment and community development. The organisation is now looking ahead to further AI training, startup support, hackathons, youth-focused digital activities and regional partnership opportunities.
The event was supported by partners and stakeholders including East Midlands Tech Week, University of Derby, British Business Bank, Mercia Ventures, LemFi, TES Community and other members of the local innovation ecosystem.
Speaking on the success of the conference, Olawale Olatunji, Co-Founder & Event Project Manager, said:
“The Tech Derby Conference 2026 was more than an event; it was a demonstration of what can be achieved when people from different sectors come together with a shared vision for innovation and growth. As Event Project Manager and Host, it was incredibly rewarding to see months of planning culminate in meaningful conversations, new partnerships, knowledge sharing, and opportunities for collaboration.
What stood out most was the quality of engagement from founders, business leaders, academics, investors, students, and technology professionals who are all passionate about shaping the future of our region. The discussions around AI, responsible innovation, digital skills, and business growth reinforced the fact that the East Midlands has the talent, ambition, and potential to become a leading technology hub.
At Tech Derby, we are committed to creating platforms that inspire innovation, support entrepreneurs, develop local talent, and strengthen our digital ecosystem. This conference is another significant step towards building a thriving technology community that creates opportunities for current and future generations.”
As the East Midlands continues to position itself as a growing hub for technology, enterprise and digital transformation, Tech Derby aims to play a leading role in ensuring that local people, startups and businesses are equipped to benefit from the opportunities ahead.
