Leeds Beckett University to host series of events for Leeds Digital Festival 2026

Leeds Digital Festival is one of the UK’s largest open-platform technology festivals, celebrating digital innovation across all sectors including AI, data, FinTech and HealthTech. Each year, the festival brings together businesses, educators, innovators and communities through a programme of more than 200 events designed to inspire collaboration, knowledge-sharing and skills development.

Taking place at The Knowledge Exchange in the Rose Bowl at city campus, this year’s programme will explore topics including early careers in tech, digital adoption for business and leading confidently in an AI-enabled world.

A number of events will focus on helping people navigate pathways into the technology sector.

Decode Your Future: Early Careers in Digital & Tech on 22 September will bring together speakers from Leeds Beckett University, Claranet, Skipton Group, Buttercrumble and FDM Group to share insights into career routes, personal journeys and opportunities within today’s digital landscape.

Discovering Digital Degree Apprenticeships on 28 September will provide practical information on the benefits of degree apprenticeships for employers, exploring how organisations can develop future talent and strengthen digital capabilities.

Ctrl+Alt Career on 29 September brings together career experts from The British Library, Genio, Enablis, Sentiri and Ascending Motherhood to discuss career changes, non-linear career journeys and how to build a successful future in tech and digital industries.

Supporting digital business growth

Delivered in partnership with Leeds Beckett University and Leeds City Council, Living Lab: Digital Adoption for Business Growth on 23 September will explore how businesses can harness the benefits of technology to transform operations, develop new products, enhance customer experience and unlock new commercial opportunities.

Leeds Beckett #WECAN programme's #WECAN Event: AI Confident Leadership on 30 September will provide managers, HR professionals, change practitioners and business owners an opportunity to explore how organisations can embrace AI with confidence while keeping people, trust and good decision-making at the heart of organisations.

Developing skills and connections

Bytes & Brews: Digital & Tech Business Breakfast Networking on 22 September will bring together professionals from across the digital sector to connect, share ideas and expand their networks over breakfast.

Charlotte Rainey, Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Events at Leeds Beckett University said: “We are delighted to be hosting Leeds Digital Festival events at Leeds Beckett University again this year, and proud to be bronze sponsors. We’ve worked closely with the festival for several years and have seen firsthand the impact it has on the city and wider region, bringing together businesses, educators, innovators and communities to share ideas, build connections and create opportunities.

“This year’s programme reflects the breadth of Leeds’ digital and technology ecosystem, from supporting people into digital careers and developing future talent, to helping businesses embrace new technologies and navigate an increasingly AI-enabled world. We’re really excited to be part of the festival again and to welcome people from across the region to Leeds Beckett.”