CyberFest to showcase region’s digital ambitions

The North East is set to take centre stage in the UK’s cyber security and secure AI conversation as a month-long festival returns with a national and international focus.

CyberFest will take place throughout October, bringing together more than 1000 people from business, government and the technology sector for events exploring cyber security, artificial intelligence and some of the UK’s fastest-evolving digital threats.

Now in its ninth year, the festival is organised by CyberNorth, a membership community working to strengthen the region’s capabilities across cyber security, AI, data and quantum technologies.

This year’s programme will explore the role of cyber security across industries including space, defence, energy and advanced manufacturing, while putting an increased emphasis on secure AI and the opportunities presented by the North East’s status as an AI Growth Zone.

Jon Holden, chief executive of CyberNorth, said: “CyberFest is about bringing the UK’s cyber community to the North East and showing the country what this region can do. 

“What started as a regional festival has grown into a national platform, bringing together businesses, government, innovators and industry leaders to connect, collaborate and create new opportunities.

“The North East has a huge opportunity to lead in secure AI and technology, but growth and security have to go hand in hand. 

“CyberFest gives us a chance to put the region’s talent, businesses and innovation centre stage, while bringing the conversations that matter most directly into the North East.”

At the centre of the programme is the CyberFest Community Conference on October 19, which will bring regional businesses together with national and international organisations, government representatives and industry leaders.

Speakers from the National Cyber Security Centre, CFC Insurance and Information Security for London will explore issues ranging from cyber resilience and the dark web to the rapidly changing threat landscape.

An expert cyber and AI panel featuring representatives from organisations including the Department for Work & Pensions and Tombola will also examine the growing relationship between the two technologies and the importance of creating human-centric security cultures.

Specialist sessions will bring cyber professionals together with experts from other industries to examine issues including securing the UK’s AI Growth Zone, protecting offshore energy infrastructure, safeguarding digital production lines and developing capability to respond to future defence threats.

Secure AI will be a particular focus as CyberNorth looks to support ambitions for the North East to become a leading UK destination for innovation and growth in the field.

The festival will culminate with the CyberNorth Awards on October 21, celebrating people and organisations contributing to the development of the region’s cyber and AI sector.

Six categories will recognise achievements across the industry, including Rising Star and Outstanding Cyber Professional, alongside two new awards recognising micro businesses and those making an impact internationally.

The judging panel includes representatives from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Barclays, Northstar Ventures, TLT LLP and the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.

Jon added: “CyberFest is about showcasing and celebrating the North East – we are helping to put the North East on the national stage, opening the region’s doors to the UK’s cyber and technology community and turning connections into real opportunities.

 “CyberNorth’s ambition is to attract new business, investment and talent to the region, forge partnerships across the UK and beyond, and showcase the North East as a leading destination for cyber, secure AI and technology innovation.

 “We have incredible businesses, brilliant people, world-class expertise and huge opportunities in front of us. 

“CyberFest gives us a chance to bring all of that together and show the rest of the UK what is happening here.”

Nominations for the CyberNorth Awards close at 5pm on September 14. To purchase tickets to the CyberFest Community Conference and the CyberNorth Awards 2026, click here.

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