TechNExt Festival will return from 15-19th June 2026 with what organisers are calling its most ambitious programme yet, expanding on the momentum built over the last three years.

Sage, Accenture and Leighton have been confirmed as headline sponsors, showing the continued backing from major employers for the North East’s growing tech ecosystem.

Across the week, the festival will host a packed schedule of events including a Festival Launch, Schools Challenge, Tech Talent Live, Festival Party and an Industry Dinner. 

The thematic hubs also return for 2026, with focused sessions planned around four tracks – Data and AI, Tech for Good, Tech Startups and CreaTech. 

Organisers are again leaning on community involvement, inviting regional businesses and institutions to sponsor, pledge support and propose hub talks or fringe events when submissions open in early 2026.