With over 40 amazing events to navigate at this year’s Bristol Technology Festival, we’ve compiled a list of our Ones to Watch to help you plan your week, spanning everything from AI and healthtech to giant tactile robots!
Don’t forget that if you’re attending an event at Engine Shed you can hot desk from our Members’ Lounge for free for the rest of the day – just sign in at Reception before or after your event to use the space.
Monday 7th October
Ghyston’s Impact Conference, 8:30am – 1pm, Armada House
Headline Festival Partner Ghyston is kicking off Bristol Tech Festival with an exploration of the ways technology is impacting the world around us and a discussion around actionable strategies to amplify our positive impact on both business and the wider world. Plus, there’ll be a keynote from Richard Potter, Microsoft’s Director Digital Strategy.
Ghyston’s events are always top notch from previous Festivals’ experience, so not to be missed!
SETsquared Bristol: Impact Masterclass, 2 – 3:30pm, Engine Shed
Learn how to tell the world about the impact you want to make – in just 50 words! Felicity Cowie, award-winning journalist and editor for BBC News and Panorama, works with startups and business to shape their story pitches and now brings her expertise to Bristol Tech Festival in this impact masterclass.
Tuesday 8th October
AI Showcase, 9:30 – 11:30am, Runway East
Join techSPARK for a very special iteration of their monthly AI meetup! They’ve partnered with Accenture to put on a fun and interactive AI showcase where you can meet founders, see their solutions, ask questions and find out how you might use them to revolutionise your business operations.
AI in Action: Moving beyond Buzzwords, 2 – 3pm, Engine Shed
If the morning’s showcase has inspired you to put AI into action in your organisation, head over to Engine Shed in the afternoon to join Cognition for a dynamic workshop where you can exchange ideas, ask questions, and create your own AI Action Plan.
Wednesday 9th October
Product Market Fit: Real Lessons from Real Mistakes, 9:15 – 10:45am, Engine Shed
What is product market fit, and what steps should you take to validate your product? Join Oh Blimey at Engine Shed to learn what product market fit looks like, how to see if your business has reached it, and how to implement product and marketing steps to optimise growth.
SETsquared Bristol: Healthtech Solutions – Scaling Innovation to Impact, 2:30 – 4:30pm, Engine Shed
Whether you’re pioneering customer-focused biotech, advancing enterprise software, or pushing the boundaries of clinical diagnostic hardware, the path to market in the healthtech sector remains a unique and evolving challenge for every founder. Expert panellists from SETsquared Bristol companies Ferryx, emm, Radii and GenomeKey will be delving deeper into the dynamic journey of developing and scaling innovative healthcare solutions.
Thursday 10th October
MyWorld Showcase, 2 – 5pm, Motion
Giant tactile robots, live volumetric capture, drone light displays, XR music shows and more – step into the future and immerse yourself in emerging technologies and trends at the MyWorld Digital Showcase.
Catalysts for Change: Creative Tech for Good, 2:30 – 4pm, The Sheds
While you’re in in the area for the MyWorld Showcase, make sure you stop by MyWorld’s headquarter in the Sheds for an inspiring showcase of creativity and innovation at Catalysts for Change: Creative Tech for Good. Presented in collaboration with the Pervasive Media Studio and Tech4Good South West, discover how these creative tech studios are leveraging technology to make a meaningful impact in local communities.
Friday 11th October
Who’s going to do that? Bridging the Digital Skills Gap, 10 – 11am, Engine Shed
There’s a growing skills gap in the technology & engineering industry, as the skills that the workforce requires are evolving with the rise of new technologies, and fewer young people are looking to pursue careers in the industry due to increasing barriers to entry and a lack of accessible information. Hosted by CFMS, this panel will discuss the skills gap and what we can do to support and encourage the next generation into STEM careers.
Tech Talks: Bristol Tech Festival Celebration, 4 – 6 pm, Ghyston (The Programme)
After an exciting and insightful week at the Bristol Tech Festival, end the week as you started – with Ghyston! They’ll be hosting an informal gathering at their offices to unwind, network, and share your top takeaways. This event is a relaxed opportunity to reflect on the highlights of the week, exchange ideas, and celebrate the festival’s success.