The future of innovation shone brightly as hundreds of Year 9 and 10 pupils from across the region gathered for the highly anticipated TeenTech Manchester Festival 2026. Hosted at Manchester Metropolitan University and supported by Greater Manchester Higher, Arden University and sponsored by AWS, National Cyber Force, and Amazon, this dynamic event showcased the boundless possibilities awaiting young people in Science, Technology, AI, Cyber Security, Engineering and the Creative Arts.
Following a virtual event in February dedicated to Creativity and AI, students from 17 schools took part in a hands-on festival packed with immersive workshops, real-world challenges, and opportunities for collaboration with leading employers and academics.
Enthusiastic participants pitched their pioneering ideas in the Innovation Zone, designed 3D-printed products, solved cyber security puzzles, and experienced cutting-edge technology in the newly launched Digital Education Nexus (DEN), which offers state-of- the-art immersive experiences in health and life sciences.
The atmosphere buzzed with creativity and ambition as pupils explored everything from building virtual reality art sculptures to stepping into the shoes of news reporters and technicians. Throughout the day, industry mentors and university departments provided invaluable live feedback, fostering connections and encouraging students to develop the skills needed for tomorrow’s careers.
Five project teams from Greater Manchester schools have now been selected to showcase their innovative concepts at a national level in the TeenTech Awards, further cementing the region’s reputation for nurturing young talent.
Helen Lord, Head of Greater Manchester Higher Uni Connect Partnership said: “TeenTech provides such an incredible opportunity for young people to immerse themselves in the future of technology and learning about the exciting pathways and opportunities it can open up. Greater Manchester Higher are proud to have hosted this event in Manchester Met’s state-of-the-art John Dalton Building, and to have enabled 180 learners from across our region to take part. I’ve rarely seen so many learners looking so engaged in one place –they were a credit to themselves and their schools. Without a doubt, this event has inspired the next generation of digital and technology leaders, developers and creators.”
Holly Ellis, Director, Public Sector Technology Team — UK, Germany and International Organisations, Amazon Web Services, commented:
“We were proud to support the TeenTech Manchester Festival — seeing young people light up as they got hands-on with generative AI for the first time was a reminder of why this work matters so much. The digital skills gap continues to be one of the top challenges for the UK to reach its full AI potential. Research from Strand Partners shows that 84% of organisations expect AI skills to be important in their industry over the next five years, yet only 17% say they have a strong AI skillset today. Events like this are how we start to close that gap — by sparking curiosity early, showing young people from every background that these careers are within their reach, and ensuring that the talent pipeline for tomorrow’s AI economy is as diverse as the communities it will serve. Maggie and the TeenTech team continue to do vital work in making sure ambition and ability, not background, determine who gets to shape our digital future.”
Maggie Philbin OBE, CEO and co-founder of TeenTech, commented:
“As highlighted in Alan Milburn’s recent report, the need to break down barriers and create fairer access to opportunity for young people has never been more urgent. At TeenTech, we have always been committed to addressing these concerns head-on. The TeenTech Manchester Festival stands as a testament to our ongoing work to inspire, empower, and support every young person, regardless of their background, to explore and thrive in the fast-evolving world of science, technology, and innovation. We are determined to ensure that talent and ambition, not postcode or circumstance, shape the future of tomorrow’s innovators.”
The festival’s mission is clear: to raise aspirations, forge lasting connections with industry, and equip young people with the skills to succeed in a rapidly evolving digital world. By providing direct access to professionals and cutting-edge technologies, the TeenTech Manchester Festival continues to help young people unlock their potential and realise their ambitions.
We are very grateful to the following organisations who worked with TeenTech to create such a powerful set of experiences: Amazon, Arup/AECOM, Arden University, BBC R&D, Commvault, National Cyber Force, Oracle, Rise Academy, Sopra Steria and the following MMU departments: Schools of Arts and Humanities, Business and Law, Computing and Mathematics, Life Sciences, Physiology and Sport, Digital Arts, The Game Centre
