Leeds Digital Festival has unveiled plans for its 11th edition, placing the event at the heart of economic and commercial expansion across the city region’s thriving technology sector.

The organisers are preparing to deliver the most varied schedule in the festival’s history, bringing together domestic businesses, international tech firms and investors to build on the area’s reputation as a primary engine for northern innovation.

A new study by The Data City shows the sector’s growth is also outpacing the national picture when compared with any other local authority outside London. Leeds tech companies are expanding at an estimated 8.3% a year, compared with a UK average of 8.1%, while almost one in eight (13%) are classified as high-growth, posting annual growth rates above 20%. 

Altogether, the Leeds tech sector is estimated to contribute £1.67 billion in gross value added, at a scale and pace of growth that the city’s digital community will put centre stage at Leeds Digital Festival.

Taking place from 21st September to 2nd October, the UK’s largest open-platform tech event will bring together thousands of entrepreneurs, tech leaders, software developers and global investors. The 2026 programme aims to eclipse previous attendance records and build on a decade of growth that has established Leeds as one of the premier technology hubs outside London.

This year marks a significant transition for the festival leadership team, with Deb Hetherington taking charge for the first time as director, succeeding long-serving founder Stuart Clarke MBE, who is now chair.