Worcestershire Set to Celebrate Innovation with Return of Major Festival

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Worcestershire is gearing up to celebrate its thriving technology and innovation landscape with the return of Worcestershire TechFest in February 2026 - a major regional festival showcasing the ideas, talent, and businesses shaping the county’s future.

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Organised by Worcestershire Growth Hub, Midlands Cyber, BetaDen, and Worcestershire County Council, the second iteration of TechFest, running from the 16th to the 26th February 2026 across Worcestershire, will bring together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and innovators for two weeks of inspiration, collaboration, and discovery. 

Building on the success of this year’s inaugural event, which attracted over 500 attendees and significant regional attention, this year’s festival promises to be bigger, bolder, and more interactive, featuring hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, networking sessions, and thought-provoking discussions exploring the future of technology and innovation across the county.

A major highlight of this year’s festival is the launch of the Worcestershire Innovation Champion Award, created to recognise and celebrate the businesses and individuals driving positive change through innovative thinking.

Nominations are now open to any business or organisation based in Worcestershire that is championing innovation. A panel of judges will review entries and select the top five finalists, which will then go to a public vote. The winner will be announced live during the BetaDen Technology Showcase, the grand finale of TechFest 2.0.

Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and Assistant Director for Economy at Worcestershire County Council, said: “TechFest was a fantastic success for the county, bringing together businesses, academia and the public sector to discuss, collaborate and celebrate innovation in Worcestershire. We want to grow that passion with Techfest 2026 and I would encourage anyone in business, academia or the public with an interest in technology and innovation to get involved.” 

Ryan Protheroe, Project Lead of Worcestershire TechFest at the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Last year’s inaugural TechFest proved that Worcestershire’s innovation community is alive and thriving.

“TechFest 2026 will take that to the next level - celebrating local businesses doing extraordinary things and giving people a glimpse of the technologies shaping our region’s future. The new Innovation Champion Award is our way of recognising those leading the charge.”

Worcestershire TechFest is open to all - from start-ups and established businesses to students, community groups, families, and anyone with a passion for technology and innovation.

For full festival details, partnership enquiries, and to submit nominations for the Worcestershire Innovation Champion Award, visit: www.worcestershire-techfest.com/