Events across Manchester will explore AI, data, leadership and career progression as part of the nationwide programme...
Manchester will host the official launch of Women in Tech Week 2026, with six events taking place across the city from 12-16 October.
Returning for its third year, the nationwide initiative will feature more than 100 events across the UK and online, with a programme designed to support women entering, remaining and progressing within the technology sector.
The week will officially open in Manchester on 12 October with Breaking Barriers, Building the Future, hosted by headline sponsor Lloyds Banking Group at Westminster House.
Dr Vanessa Vallely OBE, founder and CEO of WeAreTechWomen, will set the context for the week one year after the publication of the Lovelace Report, which found that women are leaving technology roles at twice the rate of men.
Also on 12 October, PwC will host Breaking Barriers: Navigating the next steps in your tech career. The interactive breakfast will explore personal visibility, mentors and sponsors, workplace culture and how AI can be used to strengthen your voice and impact at work.
Nimble Approach will host Future-proofing your career in the age of AI and data later the same day, bringing together technology and data leaders from the University of Manchester, Flutter UK & Ireland, ScottishPower Electricity North West, Nimble Approach and Databricks.
The session will look at how roles are changing as AI and data become more widely used, and the skills women may need to develop as the technology sector evolves.
Manchester Central will then host Data Decoded MCR across 13 and 14 October. The two-day event will bring together data and AI leaders, engineers, architects and practitioners to examine AI adoption, governance, automation, analytics and modern data platforms.
MageCamp: Women in Ecommerce will also take place on 13 October, with the free event featuring lightning talks, small-group discussions and networking for women working across ecommerce and technology at every stage of their careers.
The Manchester programme continues at Circle Square on 13 October with Future-proofing your career: AI, leadership and the next generation of tech talent, hosted by Accenture.
The evening will connect senior technology leaders, employers, educators and emerging talent to discuss how AI is changing careers and how the industry can support its future workforce.
Women in Tech Week 2026 runs from 12-16 October, with events taking place across Manchester as part of a wider programme around the UK and online.
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