Milton Keynes Tech Week 2026 announces flagship conference theme and initial event partner

Milton Keynes Tech Week 2026 has announced “Sovereign Technology” as the theme for its new flagship conference, focusing on the technologies, partnerships and innovations shaping the UK’s future.

The announcement also marks the first wave of organisations supporting the city’s biggest annual celebration of technology and innovation, taking place from October 12 to 18.

It comes at an important time for Milton Keynes and the wider Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor. Major initiatives, like the investment of up to £20 million from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to support The Open University-led Innovation Circuit project, are putting the city on the map as a nationally significant innovation hub. Milton Keynes’ bid to become UK City of Culture in 2029 further underlines its ambition and growing national profile.

Flagship conference and expo

A new centrepiece of the week will be a flagship conference and expo designed to bring a national focus to the city.

The one-day conference will focus on sovereign technology: the UK’s ability to develop, secure and control the critical technologies, data and digital infrastructure that underpin economic resilience, national security and long-term competitiveness.

Taking place at Unity Place on October 15, the conference will bring together business leaders, policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs and investors from across the UK for a day of keynote presentations, panel discussions and networking.

Presentations and panel discussions will span sovereign AI and data, advanced manufacturing and deep tech, the role of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor in building resilient technology capability, and the entrepreneurship ecosystem growing within it. The full programme and speakers will be announced over the summer.

Simon Wright, Director of Protospace, said: “Milton Keynes has one of the UK’s most exciting technology ecosystems, and Tech Week exists to bring it together. This year’s flagship conference will create a national platform for discussing sovereign technology while showcasing the innovation, talent and collaboration already thriving across our city.”

Sponsors and programme partners

Milton Keynes Tech Week 2026 is being supported by a growing network of partners from government, education and industry, bringing together organisations from higher education, national security, standards, robotics, recruitment and professional services.

Alongside lead partner Milton Keynes City Council, partners confirmed to date include The Open University, MK:U, MK College Group, HMGCC, BSI, Serve Robotics, Accelerating AI, Bidwells, HAYS, TC Group, Mercer & Hole, Unity Place, x+why, and The Printshop.

Cllr Lauren Townsend, Deputy Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, said: "The success of last year's Milton Keynes Tech Week demonstrated the strength, ambition and collaborative spirit of our city's technology community.

“Building on that momentum, this year's programme will bring together businesses, educators, innovators and residents to showcase the ideas and talent helping to shape the future of Milton Keynes.”

The week-long programme will bring together founders, researchers, investors, public sector leaders, educators and students through conferences, demonstrations, workshops, networking events and community activities taking place across Milton Keynes.

Highlights include The Future of Adult and Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI conference at The Open University, Stadium MK’s Stadiums of the Future showcase, and a workshop and reception led by the National Committee for Robotics Regulations and Standards .

The latest programme and event listings are available at Milton Keynes Tech Week. https://miltonkeynestechweek.com/

Getting involved

Those looking to run an event during the week, or become an official partner are advised to register their interest now. Partners benefit from visibility and access to audiences, founders, investors, businesses and policymakers.

Panels, workshops, demonstrations and networking sessions are all welcome as part of the official programme.

To host an event, become a partner or sponsor, or find out more, contact [email protected] or visit Milton Keynes Tech Week.