The inaugural Birmingham Tech Week surpassed expectations, drawing over 5,000 attendees across 68 events in 40 diverse locations. Far from the anticipated 500 participants, this turnout reflects Birmingham’s burgeoning reputation as a formidable tech hub alongside renowned cities like London, Manchester, Cambridge, and Bristol.

The West Midlands, with Birmingham at its heart, has witnessed rapid tech growth. Government statistics highlight its impressive strides, ranking the region as the UK’s fastest-growing tech hub for two consecutive years. Currently, the area boasts 2,300 active startups.

Historically celebrated as the “workshop of the world” for its manufacturing prowess, Birmingham’s shift towards the digital domain is worth noting. However, as recent as 2018, the city’s vibrant tech potential was eclipsed by its fragmented ecosystem.

Recognizing this gap, the vision for Birmingham Tech Week emerged: an initiative not only to spotlight the city’s tech achievements but also to foster a unified and cohesive tech community. The overwhelmingly positive response to the first Tech Week underscores the city’s readiness to embrace its digital future while honouring its industrial past.