Trailblazing Tech 2026 Agenda *Topics & timings subject to change
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08.15 - 09.00: Arrival for registration, networking, refreshments and light pastries
09.00 – 09.05: Welcome
09.05 – 09.15 - Keynote: Trailblazing Tech Starts Here: Funding Greater Manchester’s Future
Greater Manchester is entering a pivotal moment, having been identified as one of the UK’s key mayoral strategic authorities earmarked for deeper investment.
From unlocking investment to driving inclusive growth, this session sets the scene for what comes next and what it means on the ground for Greater Manchester’s future.
09.20 – 09.50 - Panel: Funding in Action: Manchester Success Stories
A focus on real case studies and Manchester success stories. This session will bring together founders and innovators who have successfully secured and utilised funding, sharing honest insights into how investment has shaped their growth.
With a strong emphasis on practical value, the discussion will explore how businesses are leveraging technology, while also showcasing the strength of the local support network.
09.55 – 10.15 - Keynote/fireside chat: Unlocking Future Growth: Innovation, Investment and Greater Manchester’s Next Chapter
Greater Manchester is on the cusp of a new phase of growth, driven by collaboration across industry and emerging development zones such as Atom Valley.
With insights from regional leaders and innovators, this panel will provide a grounded view of what future growth looks like in practice, and how Greater Manchester is positioning itself as a hub for innovation and long-term prosperity.
10.20 – 10.50 - Panel: The Human Layer of Data
In an age where organisations are flooded with data and increasingly powerful tools to process it, it’s easy to assume technology alone holds the answers. But data doesn’t speak for itself, people do.
This panel explores the critical human layer behind data: the analysts, and decision-makers who turn the information into meaningful action. We’ll discuss how to bridge the gap between technical capability and real-world usability, why interpretation and context matter more than ever, and how businesses can ensure data drives better outcomes.
This session will challenge the idea that more data equals better decisions and highlight the people who make data truly valuable.
10.50 – 11.15 - Coffee Break
11.15 - 11.45 - Panel: The Future of Tech – Emerging Innovators
Discover the next wave of innovation as a series of trailblazing tech businesses take to the stage in quick-fire, five-minute slots. Run by Bruntwood Sci Tech, this session will spotlight emerging companies pushing boundaries across sectors.
From cutting-edge platforms to disruptive solutions, each speaker will share how their technology is solving real-world challenges and creating new opportunities for growth. Fast-paced and insight-led, this is your chance to see what’s coming next in the region!
11.50 – 11.55 - Moterra AI
‘The AI hour’
12.00 – 12.15 - Keynote/1:1 Applied AI for Growth
AI is reshaping how businesses operate. But beyond the headlines and hype, what does it actually look like in practice? This session will explore how you can apply AI to drive efficiency and gain competitive advantage. Expect an honest look at what works, what doesn’t, and how to approach AI with confidence.
12.20 – 12.35 - Keynote/1:1 AI Literacy for Business Leaders
Many senior leaders often don’t understand AI but won’t admit it! Let’s cut through the complexity and focus practical insight rather than technical detail. This should equip leaders with the knowledge and confidence to ask the right questions, make informed decisions, and lead their organisations forward.
12.40 – 12.55 - Keynote/1:1 Why should technology and specifically AI, matter to me as a small business?
For many small businesses, AI can feel overwhelming, irrelevant or out of reach. This session will challenge that perception. Focusing on real, accessible applications, it will demonstrate how AI and technology can support everyday business functions. From saving time and reducing costs to improving customer experience and enabling growth.
13.00 – 13.30 - Panel: Session to be confirmed
13.30 – 14.15: Lunch
14.15 – 14.35 Keynote/1:1 Top speaker being confirmed
14.40 – 15.10 - Panel How I used Technology to Transform the business and achieve scale
As businesses look to scale, technology is playing a critical role in enabling growth. This panel will bring together organisations that have successfully used technology and automation to transform their operations and accelerate growth.
How businesses can work smarter, not harder. Using technology to enhance capability, empower teams and unlock new opportunities, rather than simply replacing roles. Focusing on what sustainable, tech-enabled growth really looks like.
15.15 - 15.35 - Podcast or keynote/fireside: The future of Business
Join us for as we explore what the future holds for businesses navigating rapid technological change.
Through an engaging and conversational format, this session will dive into the trends shaping the business landscape. Discussing shifting workforce dynamics and evolving customer expectations. Offering a fresh and informal perspective, it’s a chance to hear honest insights and forward-looking views in real time.
15.40 - 15.45: Close
*Topics & timings subject to change*
Secure your spot today
Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a business leader, or a trailblazer, TT26 offers fantastic opportunities to connect, learn, and lead.
-------------------------------
08.15 - 09.00: Arrival for registration, networking, refreshments and light pastries
09.00 – 09.05: Welcome
09.05 – 09.15 - Keynote: Trailblazing Tech Starts Here: Funding Greater Manchester’s Future
Greater Manchester is entering a pivotal moment, having been identified as one of the UK’s key mayoral strategic authorities earmarked for deeper investment.
From unlocking investment to driving inclusive growth, this session sets the scene for what comes next and what it means on the ground for Greater Manchester’s future.
09.20 – 09.50 - Panel: Funding in Action: Manchester Success Stories
A focus on real case studies and Manchester success stories. This session will bring together founders and innovators who have successfully secured and utilised funding, sharing honest insights into how investment has shaped their growth.
With a strong emphasis on practical value, the discussion will explore how businesses are leveraging technology, while also showcasing the strength of the local support network.
09.55 – 10.15 - Keynote/fireside chat: Unlocking Future Growth: Innovation, Investment and Greater Manchester’s Next Chapter
Greater Manchester is on the cusp of a new phase of growth, driven by collaboration across industry and emerging development zones such as Atom Valley.
With insights from regional leaders and innovators, this panel will provide a grounded view of what future growth looks like in practice, and how Greater Manchester is positioning itself as a hub for innovation and long-term prosperity.
10.20 – 10.50 - Panel: The Human Layer of Data
In an age where organisations are flooded with data and increasingly powerful tools to process it, it’s easy to assume technology alone holds the answers. But data doesn’t speak for itself, people do.
This panel explores the critical human layer behind data: the analysts, and decision-makers who turn the information into meaningful action. We’ll discuss how to bridge the gap between technical capability and real-world usability, why interpretation and context matter more than ever, and how businesses can ensure data drives better outcomes.
This session will challenge the idea that more data equals better decisions and highlight the people who make data truly valuable.
10.50 – 11.15 - Coffee Break
11.15 - 11.45 - Panel: The Future of Tech – Emerging Innovators
Discover the next wave of innovation as a series of trailblazing tech businesses take to the stage in quick-fire, five-minute slots. Run by Bruntwood Sci Tech, this session will spotlight emerging companies pushing boundaries across sectors.
From cutting-edge platforms to disruptive solutions, each speaker will share how their technology is solving real-world challenges and creating new opportunities for growth. Fast-paced and insight-led, this is your chance to see what’s coming next in the region!
11.50 – 11.55 - Moterra AI
‘The AI hour’
12.00 – 12.15 - Keynote/1:1 Applied AI for Growth
AI is reshaping how businesses operate. But beyond the headlines and hype, what does it actually look like in practice? This session will explore how you can apply AI to drive efficiency and gain competitive advantage. Expect an honest look at what works, what doesn’t, and how to approach AI with confidence.
12.20 – 12.35 - Keynote/1:1 AI Literacy for Business Leaders
Many senior leaders often don’t understand AI but won’t admit it! Let’s cut through the complexity and focus practical insight rather than technical detail. This should equip leaders with the knowledge and confidence to ask the right questions, make informed decisions, and lead their organisations forward.
12.40 – 12.55 - Keynote/1:1 Why should technology and specifically AI, matter to me as a small business?
For many small businesses, AI can feel overwhelming, irrelevant or out of reach. This session will challenge that perception. Focusing on real, accessible applications, it will demonstrate how AI and technology can support everyday business functions. From saving time and reducing costs to improving customer experience and enabling growth.
13.00 – 13.30 - Panel: Session to be confirmed
13.30 – 14.15: Lunch
14.15 – 14.35 Keynote/1:1 Top speaker being confirmed
14.40 – 15.10 - Panel How I used Technology to Transform the business and achieve scale
As businesses look to scale, technology is playing a critical role in enabling growth. This panel will bring together organisations that have successfully used technology and automation to transform their operations and accelerate growth.
How businesses can work smarter, not harder. Using technology to enhance capability, empower teams and unlock new opportunities, rather than simply replacing roles. Focusing on what sustainable, tech-enabled growth really looks like.
15.15 - 15.35 - Podcast or keynote/fireside: The future of Business
Join us for as we explore what the future holds for businesses navigating rapid technological change.
Through an engaging and conversational format, this session will dive into the trends shaping the business landscape. Discussing shifting workforce dynamics and evolving customer expectations. Offering a fresh and informal perspective, it’s a chance to hear honest insights and forward-looking views in real time.
15.40 - 15.45: Close
*Topics & timings subject to change*
Secure your spot today
Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a business leader, or a trailblazer, TT26 offers fantastic opportunities to connect, learn, and lead.