Wales play host to the first-ever Wales Tech Week this summer between the 13th – 17th July, as an ‘open to all’ virtual festival.
Wales Tech Week is a new initiative to bring the technology community closer together and showcase the innovation and creativity of the people, businesses and organisations in the Welsh technology sector.
Wales Tech Week will take place as an entirely virtual experience, with a range of activities accessible across the world in real time, allowing people and organisations around the globe the opportunity to take part in the celebration.
The week will not only showcase the breadth of Welsh technology, but also host hands-on workshops including sector specific webinars in a festival of online talks, roundtables and digital events from the technology community.
Events will cover a broad range of technology and sectors including key Welsh strength areas and beyond such as Compound Semiconductors, Cyber, Blockchain and Fintech, alongside additional resources such as attracting investment, digital marketing and skills workshops.
The event has been created by Technology Connected, which is the voice of the Welsh technology industry, having championed and promoted the sector across a series of projects and initiatives over the past 20 years.
The Welsh Technology Industry By The Numbers
- There are approximately 4,000 technology businesses in Wales, employing an estimated 40,000 people.
- Welsh technology businesses contribute £8.5bn (8.53%) towards Welsh turnover each year.
- The technology sector in Wales was creating new jobs at a rate higher than anywhere else in the UK, with an 83% rise in employment since 2010, according to the Office for National Statistics.
- The Welsh technology sector is also key in attracting investment, with Welsh start-ups attracting nearly £115 million in investment between 2012 – 2018.
As part of the festival, Technology Connected is calling on businesses in the technology sector or supporting industries to put on their own event under the Wales Tech Week banner, with the assistance of the Technology Connected team.
Information on how to attend or host a free event as part of Wales Tech Week, or becoming a supporting partner can be found on the Wales Tech Week and Technology Connected websites.
Avril Lewis MBE, managing director of Technology Connected said; “Wales has a vibrant technology industry, spanning a range of sectors. From global technology leaders, to our clever start-up scene, there are a host of incredible people and businesses doing exceptional things in technology in our small country.
“With such a diverse, impactful industry we think it is more important than ever to showcase the skills, talent and innovation that exists in Wales on a global scale.
“During these exceptional times, technology has been fundamental in keeping our society moving. It has been key in enabling us to continue to work, educate our children and perhaps most importantly, stay in touch with our loved ones. Technology has the unique ability to make the world a smaller place.
“With the creation of Wales Tech Week, we hope to showcase the Welsh technology industry on a global stage. The events taking place will spotlight the clever, innovative businesses and people within Welsh technology as well as our collaborative ecosystem and strength in academia.
“By making the event totally virtual we are connecting people and building communities without borders. Recent months have highlighted the positive impact of collaboration within our industry across the world. This virtual festival will mean anyone across the world will be able to access our events, as Wales Tech Week will place this spirit of community at its very heart and look to build a brighter future for our industry.”
Ken Skates the Welsh Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales said: “The Welsh Government has always recognised and supported the social and economic impact of our thriving technology industry, as a key part of our Economic Action Plan.
“Coronavirus and its impact on society has really highlighted the importance of technology in allowing people to stay connected with each other, and its future role in helping us to build a ‘new normal’ post Covid-19.
“The fact that the first Wales Tech Week will be an entirely virtual festival really encapsulates the adaptive, enabling and innovative nature of our technology industry.”
Wales Tech Week will take place between 13th -17th July. For more information, follow @WalesTechWeek or visit Wales Tech Week website for the latest updates.
