What a year it has been for Technology Connected!
As we look back on the achievements and milestones of 2024, a year marked by uncertainty and resilience, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to our Board, Technology Leadership Council, Network Partners, working group members, and the wider tech community.
Despite facing challenging economic conditions and significant political shifts—including a new First Minister for Wales and a UK General Election—Wales has once again punched above its weight, showcasing the adaptability and ingenuity of its vibrant tech community. This year, we’ve seen the announcement of new data centre complexes planned for Cardiff and Anglesey, and Sony UK TEC celebrating 50 years in Wales with a visit from The King.
Technology Connected’s 2024 Highlights
January 2024
2024 kicked off with a visit to Caerleon Comprehensive School, where Anna Simonds (Head of Engagement & Delivery) and Stephanie Stephens (Marketing & Communications Manager) presented the prizes for the Talent4Tech 2023 competition.
March 2024
The Wales Technology Awards 2024 returned on 22 March, showcasing the remarkable people and businesses leading the charge in Welsh technology.
The evening, which de Novo Solutions headline partnered, was a celebration of innovation, creativity, and the incredible people who are shaping the tech landscape in Wales.
May 2024
The Shaping Technology Connected’s Future Workshop took place at Blake Morgan in Cardiff, bringing together tech leaders, founders, and innovators to exchange valuable insights on the needs and priorities of the tech industry.
The discussions played a key role in shaping Technology Connected’s new engagement model, ensuring it reflects the evolving landscape of Welsh technology.
June 2024
June was a particularly busy month, starting with the launch of the Technology Connected Network. The Network brings together people, industries, and technologies to connect, collaborate, and do business, whilst building a better, more prosperous, and inclusive future for Welsh technology.
Designed to meet the needs of our Partners, the Network provides tailored offerings including challenge-led networking and Open Doors events, as well as tech insights, all aimed at fostering meaningful connections and driving innovation. Since its launch, we’ve been thrilled to welcome a diverse range of Partners from various sectors, all contributing to the vibrant and dynamic tech ecosystem in Wales.
June 2024
Technology Connected welcomed new members to the Technology Leadership Council, a strategic advisory body, bringing together industry leaders and influencers from across sectors and the tech ecosystem.
The council includes representatives from DLVA, Ogi, CSconnected, Innovate UK KTN, High Value Manufacturing Catapult, and Admiral, among others.Furthermore, Technology Connected was proud to announce a newly appointed Board.
June 2024
The Skills Roundtable: Bridging the Gap Between Industry Needs and Emerging Skills, held at Deloitte in Cardiff, brought tech leaders and businesses together to share insights and ideas on bridging the skills gap and future-proofing our tech businesses and industries, while nurturing the next generation of tech talent.
June 2024
Hosted by Technology Connected in collaboration with Cardiff Capital Region and Cardiff and Vale College, ‘Learning from Wales: Demystifying the Benefits of Blockchain’s Applications for Business’ took place at sbarcIspark. Business leaders and decision-makers explored the transformative potential of blockchain technology. The event featured an opening presentation by Nicola McNeely, Head of Technology Sector at HCR Law, with panel speakers from Finboot, Amey Consulting, Cardiff University, and SIMBA Chain.
June 2024
During London Tech Week, Technology Connected was proud to attend and participate in the ‘Scale in Wales: Invest, Locate, Innovate’ event, organised by Tramshed Tech. The event brought investors and international tech businesses together to discover why Wales is a prime location to invest, locate and innovate.
Avril Lewis, Managing Director of Technology Connected, had a speaking opportunity which focused on the opportunities and outstanding work being done in Wales, further promoting and championing Wales as a hub for technological growth and collaboration on the global stage.
July 2024
July featured the vibrant ‘Tech Summer Social: Harnessing Government Support for Growth & Innovation’ event at Ogi’s HQ in Cardiff. It was an opportunity to discuss the post-election landscape and connect with business leaders and decision-makers, while reflecting on the priorities of the Welsh tech industry under the new government.
Our panel speakers included Mark Sweeny, Chief Executive at de Novo Solutions, Sophie Mason, CEO at ThinkEDI, Ben Allwright, CEO at Ogi, Jacqui Murray, Director of South Wales at High Value Manufacturing Catapult, Daniel Sawko, CEO & Co-Founder at Ship Shape, and David Blake, Investment Director at Deepbridge Capital.
September 2024
The return of Wales Tech Week was announced! Taking place at the ICC Wales from 24-26 November 2025, Wales’ largest international tech summit will span three days, with Talent4Tech on the final day.
The event will culminate with the 10th annual Wales Technology Awards on the final evening, marking an unforgettable grand finale – don’t miss it!
September 2024
In collaboration with our Network Partner, Hexa Finance, we hosted the crucial Back to Business: Raising Finance & Investment event. Entrepreneurs, start-ups, and business leaders attended to learn more about the tools and knowledge needed to raise finance and investment. There was a panel discussion with experts from Hexa Finance, Foresight Group, Thompson Darwin Limited and Barford Owen Davies.
October 2024
Digidol 24 marked the first of the Wales Tech Week 2025 Roadshows, kicking off in North Wales. Technology Connected was proud to partner with the event, held at M-SParc on 23 October, where Avril Lewis, Managing Director of Technology Connected, delivered a keynote address.
The team also exhibited at the Western Gateway Conference at the ICC Wales, supporting the drive for sustainable economic growth across regions.
November 2024
November marked the launch of the Technology Connected Data & AI Working Group, spotlighting Wales as a hub for data and AI innovation. We were thrilled to announce a group of distinguished members, including representatives from BBC, Microsoft, and Rightmove, who will be instrumental in driving the future of data and AI in Wales.
November 2024
On 23 November, representatives from Technology Connected exhibited at the Fusable Festival at Tramshed Tech, in collaboration with Barclays Eagle Labs, further demonstrating our commitment to supporting Welsh innovation.
The event welcomed emerging tech companies, entrepreneurs, and start-ups, as well as gaming, immersive, and creative technology professionals for a day of innovation, inspiration and tech talent celebration.
November & December 2024
Both November and December have seen Avril Lewis, Managing Director of Technology Connected (pictured here with Chris Meadows, Director at CSconnected), actively championing the Welsh tech industry at a variety of high-profile engagements, including with the First Minister of Wales, the Secretary of State for Wales, and the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy & Planning.
Driving Industry Insights and Innovation
The year also saw the release of a variety of impactful thought leadership pieces on topics such as connectivity, blockchain, data monetisation, the R&D landscape in Wales, and technology procurement. These publications provided valuable insights, supported industry growth, and highlighted the significant contributions of Wales’ tech ecosystem on both a national and global scale.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As 2024 draws to a close, we look ahead to the opportunities that 2025 will bring. Our focus remains on fostering collaboration and engagement, championing the Welsh tech industry on the global stage.
This year has seen key priorities from both the UK and Welsh Governments, including a strong emphasis on economic stability, the creation of green jobs, and growing the Welsh economy. These missions align with Wales’ ambition to build a resilient and sustainable future, and technology is playing a central role in driving these changes.
From the use of AI and machine learning to enhance business efficiency, to the growth of renewable energy technologies like offshore wind, tech is enabling a cleaner, greener future. Additionally, advancements in data centres, connectivity infrastructure, and digital services are helping to create new opportunities for businesses and attract investment, further strengthening the economy and creating jobs.
We’re looking forward to the highly-anticipated return of Wales Tech Week and have some exciting announcements coming your way soon—stay tuned for what promises to be an incredible year!
Thank You for Your Continued Support
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a successful year ahead. We look forward to working with you in 2025 as we continue to unify, promote and champion the tech industry in Wales. Here’s to connecting, collaborating and doing business in 2025!
Season’s Greetings from all of us at Technology Connected!
The post Season’s Greetings from Technology Connected: Reflecting on a Year of Achievement and Collaboration appeared first on Technology Connected.