TechNExt, a celebration of the North East’s thriving technology sector, has announced its keynote speakers for the Main Stage of this year’s festival.
Attendees of the five-day festival, which will take place between June 16 and 20, can look forward to insightful talks from BBC technology editor, Zoe Kleinman, as well as Tom Foster-Carter, founder of Cherrypick, former COO of Monzo and Osper, and advisor to the UK Government.
Kleinman will bring extensive knowledge of the UK tech industry, including insights into the latest trends and innovations helping to shape the world today. She said: “I’m thrilled to be a keynote speaker for this year’s TechNExt festival.
“Events like this are a great way of bringing together people from across the industry to talk up the strengths of the tech sector within our regions, particularly areas such as the North East, and to provide an insight into the future of technology.
“I’m very much looking forward to connecting with everyone in attendance, having the chance to speak on the Main Stage and to find out more about the incredible talent and innovation emerging from the region’s technology sector.”
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Foster-Carter, a driving force behind several fintech success stories, will provide an insight into building and scaling impactful technology businesses.
Speaking ahead of the festival, he said: “The North East has seen some brilliant tech success stories, from homegrown names like Atom Bank, Tombola and Sage to big global players setting up here, so I’m really looking forward to being part of TechNExt 2025. It’s a great opportunity to chat with people across the sector – not just the big names, but everyone helping to shape the region’s tech future. It should be a brilliant event and I’m excited to be involved.”
Last year, the event – hosted by a partnership of North East businesses and stakeholders working collaboratively, and led by Dynamo North East CIC and Sunderland Software City working with BeaconHouse Events – attracted more than 3,000 people, and it is hoped that this year will be an even bigger success.
Dr David Dunn, CEO of Dynamo North East, said: “We are delighted that Tom and Zoe will be taking to the stage as part of the Main Stage event at this year’s TechNExt festival.
“The pair will bring a unique insight to the week, with Tom having helped to scale numerous tech businesses and Zoe having covered almost everything that has happened in the industry for the best part of 20 years.
“[They] add to what is already shaping up to be an incredibly exciting programme of events throughout the week, so we’d recommend anybody thinking of getting involved to book their tickets as soon as possible to avoid missing out.”
Marking a major change for TechNExt 2025, this year’s festival will see four dedicated ‘hubs’ take place throughout the week. This includes a Sustainability Hub on Tuesday 17 June at Energy Central, Blyth; Data and AI Hub on Wednesday 18 June at The Catalyst, Newcastle; Immersive Hub at Gateshead’s PROTO on Thursday 19 June, and Start-up Hub on Friday 20 June at Durham’s Gala Theatre.
Dr Dunn added: “This year’s programme has been designed in-line with feedback we’ve received from past attendees and partners, and this includes the introduction of our four hubs.
“By splitting the week up into dedicated themes, the idea is that we will be able to bring hundreds of likeminded people together under one roof to discuss and learn more about a range of topics. It will also enable people to attend more events across the course of the week and really make the most of the whole experience.”
The annual TechNExt industry dinner will also take place at Spanish City in Whitley Bay this year, on the evening of Tuesday 17 June. The guest speaker is Mark Edmondson, Founder and CEO of Inflo.
