Derry will once again take centre stage in Northern Ireland’s technology and innovation landscape this autumn as TechTides returns to the Millennium Forum on 27th October, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, engineers, students and innovators from across the island of Ireland.

Proudly supported by Derry Chamber, the conference has grown into one of the region’s flagship technology events, showcasing the strength of the North West’s innovation ecosystem while creating valuable opportunities for collaboration and investment.

Following a successful Belfast event earlier this year that attracted more than 500 delegates, TechTides returns to our city, where it first began. The event highlights the growing role the North West plays in driving innovation, with businesses, researchers and entrepreneurs from across the region continuing to build internationally competitive companies and technologies.

For Derry Chamber, events such as TechTides demonstrate why continued investment in the region’s innovation and tech industries is so important. Bringing together industry leaders, emerging businesses, investors and future talent not only strengthens collaboration across the sector but also reinforces the North West’s reputation as a location where ambitious businesses can start, scale and succeed.

The conference also delivers wider economic benefits, attracting visitors who support hotels, restaurants, cafés and local businesses.

This year’s programme features an impressive line-up of speakers spanning artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, digital innovation, entrepreneurship, investment and the future of technology. Delegates will hear from recognised industry leaders including Naomi Timperley, Colm Long, Martin Moran, Maria McMenamin, Ross Sylvester, Prateek Pagey, Dr Rachael Hagan, Jason Bell, Robert Hill, Professor V. Charles, Loraa White, John McDaid, Krupali Thakur, Gary Davidson and Dr Jaclyn Harron, offering insights into the technologies and business decisions shaping tomorrow’s economy.

The North West’s growing reputation for innovation is being built not only through events such as TechTides, but through the achievements of local businesses. Mary Blake, CEO and Founder of Derry-based technology company SeeMe Ltd, has secured a £75,000 Innovate UK ‘Women in Innovation’ Award, having been selected from a record 1,590 applicants from across the UK. Mary is one of only 61 award winners nationally and one of only two successful applicants from Northern Ireland.

SeeMe is an AI-enabled personal archive platform that allows users to transform collections of photographs into rich, multi-layered narratives, creating valuable intergenerational archives. The Innovate UK funding will now see SeeMe Ltd move into a 12-month SeeMe Ltd Narrated Archives Platform (SNAP) project, focusing on the next stage of development and taking SeeMe’s existing technology through its next phase of testing, and further validation.

Success stories such as Mary’s demonstrate the calibre of businesses emerging from the North West and reflects the depth of talent and innovation across the region

Encouraging businesses to engage with TechTides, Derry Chamber is inviting members to attend and connect with the growing network of entrepreneurs and technology leaders who will gather in the city.

With the North West continuing to build momentum across technology, digital industries and innovation, TechTides represents another important opportunity to demonstrate the region’s strengths and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Tickets for TechTides Derry are now available at www.techtides.co