Tech leaders: why events & festivals are the heartbeat of tech innovation

“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”

With these words, Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, captured precisely what drives the tech industry forward. Tech events and festivals have moved beyond annual networking events to places where ideas are forged, collaborations are galvanised, and the future is crafted. In this article, I’ll look at how this works in practice, putting a spotlight on the city of Bristol in South West England.

A spotlight on Bristol’s tech innovation

Bristol is the UK’s fifth-largest tech hub. But what makes this city a powerhouse of innovation? It is the unique ecosystem where creativity and entrepreneurship connect, creating a crucible for pioneering tech. At the heart of this ecosystem lies Engine Shed, an innovation hub that has been driving progress across the South West for the past decade. 

Engine Shed is far from your average workspace. It is a hive of innovation, connecting entrepreneurs, startups, industry leaders, academics, and community organisations. As home to SETsquared Bristol, named not only the UK’s top accelerator but also the 3rd leading startup hub in Europe, Engine Shed has played a vital role in incubating successful companies and putting Bristol’s tech scene on the global stage. 

Bristol’s universities are also fundamental in fuelling this innovation engine. Both The University of Bristol and the University of the West of England (UWE) have significantly contributed to the city’s tech success through their research, talent development, and spin-out initiatives.  

The city has been recognised as one of the best for producing university spin-outs, actively contributing to the UK government’s ambition to make the country a science and tech superpower.  

One notable success story is Ultraleap, a University of Bristol spin-out. This pioneering company developed revolutionary hand-tracking and mid-air haptics technologies, allowing users to interact with the digital world naturally and intuitively. Their £60 million funding round in 2021 validated their innovative approach and highlighted the potential of Bristol’s tech ecosystem to produce globally impactful innovations.  

But how does a city maintain and amplify such an innovative spirit? The answer lies in the vibrant tech festivals and events that frequent the calendar, with Bristol Technology Festival and The SPARKies awards as exceptional examples. 

Showcasing brilliance

Now in its sixth year, Bristol Technology Festival celebrates the extraordinary people, innovation, community, and thriving tech scene that define the city.

Complementing this festival is The SPARKies, an annual awards ceremony that has recognised the best of tech in the Southwest for over a decade. As the largest tech awards ceremony outside of London, The SPARKies is crucial in showcasing the region’s talent and achievements.

What makes these events crucial for the continued growth of the tech sector?

At their core, festivals and awards are celebrations, bringing people together to revel in shared passions and accomplishments. But what are we actually celebrating with technology? Through my lens, it is:

• the relentless pursuit of progress,
• the solving of complex problems, and
• the creation of new tools that will shape our world. 

These events offer a unique platform for knowledge exchange and gaining insights from industry leaders and experts in a concentrated format.  

They provide invaluable networking opportunities, proving that even with the advancements of digital communication, there is still immense value in face-to-face connections.  

Attendees often leave these events brimming with fresh ideas and renewed motivation, having been exposed to inspiring talks, demonstrations, and success stories.

The imperative of participation for tech leaders

Participation in these festivals and awards is crucial for tech leaders. In an industry that perfectly represents the Greek philosophy that ‘change is the only constant’, how can we remain at the forefront without constant engagement and learning?

By actively participating, leaders can gain early insights into emerging trends and technologies. They have the opportunity to showcase their own innovations to a receptive and knowledgeable audience, potentially forging partnerships that could shape the future of their businesses.

These events also provide a platform to inspire the next generation of tech professionals and contribute to the growth and reputation of their local tech ecosystem.

As October approaches, the tech community’s attention turns to the Bristol Technology Festival.

This event represents the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines the region’s tech scene. Its success is proof of the incredible organisations that showcase, celebrate, and engage.

EC-PR recognises the pivotal role of such events and is proud to be a founding partner at this year’s festival.