Wales Tech Week bursts off the blocks: 4,000 people expected at three-day event with 75+ Exhibitors, five stages, demo zones, and more
The much-anticipated Wales Tech Week has officially kicked off today at the International Convention Centre in Newport, with an extraordinary global showcase of Welsh innovation, thanks to more than 75 exhibitors, a diverse array of expert panels, international link ups and around 4000 registered attendees set to experience three action-packed days.
With an expansive exhibition area, five dedicated stages, multiple demo zones, and an outstanding lineup of speakers, attendees can expect to be immersed in the latest tech advances, trends, and insights that are driving the industry forward and addressing societal challenges.
The expert panels feature speakers from Wales and around the world, exploring topics including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain, sustainability, innovation and digital inclusion.
Welcoming visitors to Wales Tech Week 16-18 October 2023, Avril Lewis, Managing Director of summit creator Technology Connected, said: “This international event will platform Welsh technology to a worldwide audience, with overseas delegations among those joining us in Newport in person and virtually to connect, collaborate and do business.
“A diverse and inclusive range of expert speakers will share their insights on key business and societal challenges – addressing tech for good, tech for the planet and tech for the future.
“The international summit over the first two days will enable organisations from all sectors to understand how tech can tackle challenges such as boosting productivity, enhancing customer experience, or achieving net zero. On the third day, a unique ‘Talent4tech’ day will inspire the ‘tech curious’ to pursue a career in one of the many fields available, and understand the opportunities to shape the future in this dynamic industry.”
As throngs of attendees arrived at the ICC this morning, the summit launched into action with a welcome address from the Headline Stage from summit chair Aled Miles, Welsh Government Envoy to the US. Recognising the scale of the event, he highlighted the incredible opportunity for learning and collaboration available to visitors to Wales Tech Week, and urged attendees to open their minds and their organisations to the possibilities of technology.
The Welsh Government’s Economy Minister Vaughan Gething and Innovate UK CEO Indro Mukerjee also announced the Collaboration Innovation Plan, setting out how Wales will build a strengthened innovation economy.
The Minister said: “It’s fantastic to see the tech industry gathering at the ICC in Newport for this international showcase of the dynamic and formidable expertise we have here in Wales.
“The inaugural, in-person Wales Tech Week is the first-of-its-kind, attracting delegates from around the UK and the globe, and platforming incredible Welsh innovation that can help solve some of the most pressing societal challenges.
“The Welsh Government is committed to backing a sector that helps people plan ambitious careers in Wales. This three-day summit will demonstrate what a fantastic place Wales is for those who want to start and scale a tech business, thanks to our supportive ecosystem, public-private sector collaboration, and brilliant minds emerging from our top-class universities.
“The sheer scale of this event is testament to the ambition we have here in Wales. I want to join the summit creators Technology Connected in welcoming entrepreneurs, investors, businesses, international delegates, and current and future tech professionals to Newport for this flagship event – a wonderful opportunity for networking, collaboration and learning more about Wales’ boundless potential.”
This morning’s sessions included two discussions on the headline stage about artificial intelligence.
Global AI expert Danilo McGarry described artificial intelligence as currently the single biggest commercial opportunity available to businesses around the globe, with potential to spark drastic changes in the global economy within three to five years. A further panel of AI experts, hosted by the chair of Global Welsh and CEO of Four Communications, Nan Williams, discussed the critical importance of people understanding the potential of artificial intelligence and its impact.
