Leeds Digital Festival set to return with Mini-Fest as new director takes the helm
AI innovation and regional growth are set to take centre stage as the annual Leeds Digital Festival prepares to launch its first event under its new directorship.
Leeds Digital Festival is set to return from April 21 to 23 with its Mini-Fest, which is designed to support skills development and growth.
The Mini-Fest marks a significant milestone as Deb Hetherington begins her first full year as festival director, succeeding Stuart Clarke, who takes on the role of chair at the festival.
Ms Hetherington said: “Leeds has evolved into a powerhouse for data and AI.
"We are seeing that translate directly into a new generation of digital roles, from AI ethics specialists to machine learning engineers.
"The Mini-Fest is designed to highlight that momentum.
“We are showing how these tools are opening doors for talent across the North and creating a sustainable, high-growth economy that works for everyone.
“It is a defining moment for the city as we look toward the next few years of innovation.”
This year’s event will explore how the rapid surge in AI and data science is reshaping the northern job market. A programme of nine interactive events will aim to showcase how such innovation is driving local employment and economic resilience.
Sessions include the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) discussing how it uses AI and data to keep modern consumers safe.
Headline sponsor CGI will also lead a discussion on technology for good, exploring how tech can help modify behaviour.
The FCA will be joined by Gamstop and Skipton Building Society for its session.
Software development firm Audacia will explore cybersecurity risks and highlight how AI can act as an attack enabler, while a session from Nexus Connect will focus on preventative health and how innovation shapes the future of long-term health management.
A flagship panel event organised by Leeds Digital will bring together Leeds Beckett University, Leeds University Business School, Corecom Tech Academy, and Generation. They will discuss strategies to close the regional skills gap and prepare the next generation for an AI-driven workforce.
Charlie Moran, head of data capability at Skipton Group, said: “We’re delighted to support Leeds Digital and join Mini-Fest 2026.
“It’s a great opportunity to share how we’re modernising our data landscape with intelligent, scalable analytics.
"Maximising the value of digital, data, and technology is critical in enabling us to deliver on our purpose at Skipton Group, and we’re committed to supporting and collaborating with the region’s digital community to build a stronger, more innovative future together.”
The main festival is scheduled to return from September 21 to October 2.
A 2024 study by The Data City and Leeds Digital Festival found that Leeds's tech firms were growing at an annual rate of 3.6 per cent, 125 per cent higher than the national average of 1.6 per cent.