Leeds Digital Mini-Fest 2026: Full Guide to What’s On in April

1. The Future of Engineering: AI and the Self-Driving Software Development Life Cycle

Organised by: Accenture UKI

Software engineering is being fundamentally redefined. This session from Accenture explores the shift from AI-augmented delivery to AI-native, agent-led engineering — and what that means for how products are defined, systems are designed, and teams are organised. Key themes include agentic delivery, the concept of the ‘Semantic Spine’ as a source of competitive advantage, and a practical roadmap for piloting agentic delivery safely through lighthouse teams. A must-attend for anyone leading engineering or product functions.

📋  8:30am arrival and networking. Session runs 9:00–10:00am with Q&A. Aimed at engineering leaders, architects, product leaders, and executives.

🏷  AI & Machine Learning  ·  Software Engineering  ·  Product  ·  Innovation  ·  Agentic AI

2. Data and AI at the FCA: Protecting Consumers

Organised by: The Financial Conduct Authority

The FCA brings its data and AI team to Leeds for an interactive session on how the regulator uses emerging technology to protect consumers. Speakers share practical examples of how consumer feedback and data are combined to spot problems early and enable faster, better-informed decisions. A rare opportunity to hear directly from inside the regulator — particularly valuable for anyone working in fintech, financial services, compliance, or data.

📋  8:30am refreshments and networking. Session from 9:00am. Register by 13 April — the FCA will confirm places by 14 April. Places are limited.

🏷  AI & Data  ·  FinTech  ·  Regulation  ·  Consumer Protection  ·  Financial Services

3. Expert Office Hours: Data & AI Surgery

Organised by: Bruntwood SciTech

A drop-in clinic where businesses book 30-minute 1-to-1 sessions with data and AI specialists. Experts include Hopton Analytics (Power BI, data modelling, Azure/Fabric), Richard Eaton of No Code Ninja (practical AI and automation), The Curve (AI readiness and use-case planning), and Zygens (agentic AI consultancy). Bring a real problem, a vague idea, or just curiosity. The format is informal and action-focused. Co-working desk space available if needed — book early as space is limited.

📋  Drop-in format. Book a slot and indicate whether you need a hot desk. Aimed at any business exploring AI and data.

🏷  AI & Data  ·  Business Support  ·  Automation  ·  SMEs  ·  Practical Tools

4. Cybersecurity: The Human Problem AI Can’t Fix

Organised by: Audacia — Live episode of the Technically Speaking podcast

Chaired by Philip White, this panel of senior technology leaders tackles the most pressing challenges in cybersecurity right now: why people remain the biggest uncontrolled risk despite record security budgets, how generative AI is making social engineering and phishing harder to detect, the security risks of AI-generated code entering production, and what quantum computing means for encryption. Speakers include Rob Devany (Head of Digital Engineering, Leeds Building Society), Nayza Fioritta Neves Ferro (Head of IT, Lhasa), Jennifer Anderson (CIO, National Wealth Fund), and Richard Brown (Technical Director, Audacia). This is the live first episode of Audacia’s new podcast series — an evening of conversation followed by networking.

📋  5:00pm arrival and drinks. Panel discussion 6:00pm. Food, drinks and networking from 7:00pm. Aimed at CIOs, CTOs, Heads of IT and Heads of Engineering.

🏷  Cybersecurity  ·  AI Risk  ·  Leadership  ·  Governance  ·  Networking

5. Replatform. Rebuild. Reimagine: Skipton’s Modern Data Transformation

Organised by: Skipton Group — with Bluesmith Information Systems and Databricks

A practical, detailed look at how Skipton Group transformed its legacy SQL Server data warehouse into a modern, cloud-native platform on Databricks — and what that transformation is now making possible in analytics, data science, and machine learning. Speakers from Skipton, Bluesmith Information Systems, and Databricks cover the technical journey, the cultural and operational changes required, and the honest lessons learned. Particularly strong for data practitioners and leaders wrestling with legacy infrastructure and modernisation decisions.

📋  5:00–5:45pm arrival and networking. Talks and panel run 5:45–7:45pm. Networking 7:45–8:30pm. Aimed at data practitioners, leaders, data scientists, data engineers, and data architects.

🏷  Data Engineering  ·  Cloud  ·  Databricks  ·  Analytics  ·  Machine Learning  ·  Transformation

6. Bridging the Tech Skills Gap: From Education to Employment

Organised by: Leeds Digital — chaired by Kirsten Brumfitt, Chief People Officer, PEXA UK

How do we better connect people with opportunities in tech? This panel brings together education providers and training innovators — Leeds Beckett University, Leeds University Business School, Corecom Tech Academy, and Generation UK — to examine the evolving skills pipeline. Topics include alternative learning pathways (bootcamps, apprenticeships, degree programmes), social mobility, and the challenge of entry-level hiring. Practical and directly relevant for HR leaders, C-suite executives hiring in tech, and anyone interested in workforce development or routes into the sector.

📋  Open to all. Particularly relevant for HR and senior leaders hiring in tech, and people exploring routes into the sector.

🏷  Tech Skills  ·  Education  ·  Talent  ·  Diversity & Inclusion  ·  Careers

7. Nexus Connect: Obesity in Preventative Health

Organised by: Nexus, University of Leeds

A panel and networking evening exploring how technology — data science, behavioural AI, and digital health tools — is shaping preventative approaches to obesity and long-term health. Speakers include Dr Stuart Flint (University of Leeds / Scaled Insights), Prof Michelle Morris (data science for food, University of Leeds), Prof Louisa Ells (Obesity Institute, Leeds Beckett), and Tsitsi Chinyandura (founder, Lotessa). Open to all with an interest in innovation and collaboration, regardless of sector or seniority.

📋  4:00pm arrival. Panel 4:15–5:00pm. Networking with nibbles and drinks 5:00–6:00pm.

🏷  HealthTech  ·  Data Science  ·  Public Health  ·  AI  ·  Networking

8. Tech and Data for Good: Preventing Harm and Supporting Wellbeing

Organised by: CGI

An evening of case studies and panel discussion on using technology and data to prevent harm and drive social outcomes. GAMSTOP (the UK’s national online gambling self-exclusion service) explains how technology helps people protect themselves; Skipton Building Society shares how data-driven insight supports ethical innovation for members. An interactive panel then opens the floor on responsible design, behavioural technology, and the future of data for good. Food and drinks provided.

📋  Evening event. Free to attend. Open to all.

🏷  Responsible Tech  ·  Data Ethics  ·  Social Impact  ·  FinTech  ·  Innovation

9. Yorkshire Tech Ecosystem Leaders Round Table  [INVITATION ONLY]

Organised by: Leeds Digital — supported by CGI

An invitation-only closed-door lunch for founders and leaders of Yorkshire’s tech festivals, hubs, and ecosystems, joined by regional government guests. The agenda centres on how Yorkshire can raise its profile nationally, share funding intelligence, and strengthen collaboration across the region. Recent Beauhurst research shows Yorkshire and Humberside still lags on tech investment despite strong underlying activity — this roundtable aims to address that directly. If you run a community-based Yorkshire tech initiative, contact hello@leedsdigital.org to request attendance.

📋  Invitation only. Community tech initiative leaders can request to attend: hello@leedsdigital.org.

🏷  Yorkshire Tech  ·  Ecosystem  ·  Investment  ·  Regional Policy  ·  Networking