TechTides will return to the Millennium Forum in Derry~Londonderry on Tuesday, 27th October 2026, bringing leading figures from the technology and business world together to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the industry.
Having welcomed more than 1,100 attendees over its first two editions, the one-day conference is returning to the Walled City for its third edition, having launched at the Millennium Forum in 2025 before moving to Belfast earlier this year.
The 2026 programme will examine some of the biggest issues facing the technology sector, from the practical application of AI in business and the rise of machine learning in production and agentic systems, to accessing funding and investment and building globally successful companies from the North West.
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The event is being delivered in partnership with locally-based headline sponsors Alchemy Technology Services, The AMP Growth Incubator and Allstate NI, highlighting TechTides’ ambition to inspire and accelerate growth across the technology sector.
An impressive lineup of speakers has already been confirmed, including Derry native Colm Long - the former VP of Global Operations at Facebook. Innovation and growth specialist Naomi Timperley has also been confirmed, as well as technology leader Martin Moran and Adrata Co-Founder and CEO Ross Sylvester.
The conference will bring together established technology companies, entrepreneurs, startups, students and aspiring professionals from across Northern Ireland and beyond, creating opportunities to share knowledge, build connections and explore the future of the industry.
As part of the event, TechTides is inviting 10 technology startups to pitch on stage for the opportunity to showcase their business to some of Northern Ireland’s leading technology companies, investors and industry figures, with a £3,000 prize also up for grabs.
Alastair Cameron, TechTides founder and Derry entrepreneur, said: “When I began the conference, I wanted to showcase the high level of innovation coming out of Northern Ireland, and the continued growth of TechTides highlights the ambition that exists across the region to create its own pathway in the technology industry.
“We want to help put Northern Ireland’s technology sector on the map while supporting the people and businesses driving it forward by providing opportunities to learn, develop and connect with others across the industry.”
Erin McFeely, Director Northern Ireland at Alchemy Technology Services, said: “Alchemy has been a proud sponsor of TechTides since its inception. Our ambition has always been to play an active role in supporting collaboration, innovation and economic development in the North West. Bringing together aspiring professionals, start-ups and industry leaders is an important part of building a stronger technology ecosystem and creating opportunities for sustainable growth across the region.
“We have shown that companies can innovate, scale and become global players in the technology industry while developing local talent and contributing to the local economy - you don’t have to choose one over the other. We hope this year’s event builds on its success, strengthening connections across the North West’s technology community.”
Ryan Williams, Founder and co-owner of the AMP Growth Incubator, said: “The AMP are delighted to be supporting TechTides as a headline sponsor and to see the event return to Derry this year. The North West has an increasingly important role to play in the technology and innovation ecosystem, with ambitious founders and high-growth businesses creating exciting opportunities across the region, and beyond.
"At The AMP, we see first-hand the talent, ambition and potential within the startup community and events like TechTides provide an important platform for entrepreneurs to share their ideas, learn from experienced leaders and make connections that can help take their businesses to the next level. We’re particularly excited to see startups given the opportunity to pitch on stage and showcase the exciting talent coming from the region."
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Stephen McKeown, Vice President & Managing Director, Allstate Northern Ireland, said: "The future of technology will be shaped by those who are willing to learn, adapt and collaborate. TechTides provides a platform for exactly that, bringing together global expertise and local talent to explore how emerging technologies can create new opportunities for businesses and communities across Northern Ireland. With teams based in both Belfast and Derry, we're proud to support an event that helps strengthen connections and showcase the innovation driving our region forward."
With a focus on practical insight, entrepreneurship and collaboration, TechTides Derry 2026 will provide an opportunity for the region’s technology community to connect with international experience while showcasing the innovation emerging from Northern Ireland.
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Tickets are limited to 850 and are available to book now. For more information and full programme details, visit techtides.co.
