GRAFT 2025, one of the key events at Digital City Festival this May, is not just another conference – it’s a transformative event set to bring together the brightest minds in tech, from CEOs and founders to investors, policymakers, and innovation specialists.
Hosted on Wednesday 21 in Manchester, GRAFT will be packed with expert-led keynotes, dynamic panel discussions, and interactive workshops to tackle the biggest challenges facing tech businesses in the North today: scaling successfully, accessing funding, and staying ahead of technological change.
Why the North Needs GRAFT
While the North is home to one of the fastest-growing tech ecosystems in the UK, there’s still a long way to go in bridging the funding gap with other regions. Northern tech start-ups raised £800 million in funding last year, compared to over £18 billion raised in London alone.
This disparity means fewer opportunities for Northern innovators to scale their businesses, attract the right talent, and make the global impact they’re capable of.
GRAFT 2025 is here to change that.
We’re creating a space for founders, funders, and ecosystem leaders to collaborate, share knowledge, and build a stronger, more connected Northern tech sector. This isn’t just about networking – it’s about shaping the future of tech in the North.
Don’t Miss GRAFT 2025
Whether you’re a founder seeking funding, a policymaker ready to champion innovation, or an investor looking for the next big thing, GRAFT is your must-attend event of the year.
Join us as we shine a spotlight on the talent, technology, and tenacity of the North. As a founder-first event, founders can sign up here to attend for free. For non-founders, we do have a number of additional tickets on sale too.
GRAFT is just one of the key events as part of Digital City Festival week across 20 to 22 May. Don’t forget to check out all of the exciting events happening across the festival here.