TechTides Youth Conference to spark innovation in Derry

A major new tech conference is preparing to launch in Derry this autumn, cementing the region's place in the rapidly expanding tech and startup scene.

The inaugural TechTides Youth Conference will be held at North West Regional College on Tuesday, November 18 from 10.00am to 12.30pm and is a unique opportunity for young people aged 15-20 to get a behind-the-scenes look at the tech industry.

Taking place during Global Entrepreneurship Week, this engaging morning session is part of the wider TechTides conference, a city-wide celebration of innovation and the future of tech.

The conference will feature talks from young professionals and entrepreneurs who have recently started their careers. They will share relatable, real-life examples of how they got into tech, highlighting exciting local and global opportunities in fields like AI, app development, and digital entrepreneurship. It's a chance for attendees to ask questions, network, and get inspired to pursue careers in STEM.

TechTides founder and Derry entrepreneur, Alastair Cameron, said: "We believe in the incredible potential of our young people in the North West. This conference is a fantastic opportunity to connect students with real-life role models and show them the exciting career paths available right here on their doorstep. We want to inspire them to become the next generation of digital trailblazers and problem-solvers."

TechTides is also partnering with Hightop to host a business idea competition with a £500 prize for the winning team. Young people in the Derry and Strabane District Council area are invited to submit a maximum three-minute video pitch, which can be recorded on any device, including a mobile phone. 

For the pitch video, entrants are required to state their name and the name of their business idea, explaining the motivation behind it, its core concept, and why it is believed to be viable. They should also detail the current stage of the idea's development and how the prize money would assist them. In addition to the prize, the winning team will receive a six-month idea acceleration programme from Hightop to help bring their concept to life. 

The deadline for video submissions is October 24, with the winner announced at the TechTides Youth Conference. Schools, teachers, and youth leaders are encouraged to register their students early for this free, limited-entry event. 

For more information or to submit a video, please email Alastair at alastair@techtides.co.uk.