TeenTech Lancashire Festival 2026 inspires next generation of innovators

The future of innovation shone brightly in Lancashire as hundreds of Years 8 and 9 pupils from across the county gathered for the highly anticipated 6th TeenTech Lancashire Festival.

A student from The Hyndburn Academy is just one example of the talented young people who attended the Festival.

She is a finalist in the TeenTech Awards and said: "The day has made me feel more confident in myself and in what I am capable of. Everyone is so nice and the atmosphere is really lively and positive."

The TeenTech Awards Finals Showcase takes place in London at the end of June and her innovative idea was selected out of the thousands of entries made from young people all over the UK to be in the final.

Hosted at the University of Lancashire in Preston, supported by Lancashire Digital Skills Partnership, part of the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub and sponsored by Oracle, National Cyber Force, UKNNL, Commvault, Roche Diagnostics Limited and Westinghouse, this dynamic event showcased the boundless possibilities awaiting young people in science, technology, AI, cyber security and engineering.

Following a virtual event in February dedicated to innovation, AI and cyber security, students from 24 schools took part in a hands-on festival packed with immersive workshops, real-world challenges, and opportunities for collaboration with leading employers from a wide range of companies and academics.

Enthusiastic participants pitched their pioneering ideas in the innovation zone, engaged in cracking cyber codes, theatre lighting, robotics, state of the art medical technology and flying simulators.

The atmosphere buzzed with creativity and ambition as pupils explored everything from finding solutions to coastal erosion, designing a hospital ward, working in a nuclear energy laboratory and using eye tracking technology. 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.

County Councillor Matthew Salter, cabinet member for Education and Skills, said:

"TeenTech events provide immersive and impactful programmes that not only help young people understand opportunities in modern industry but also support the development of understanding and expertise needed for these exciting careers.

"It is great to be able to engage so many young people in tech in Lancashire, as this offers great career opportunities and shows these young people have a lot to contribute to Lancashire and this country. I want every young person in Lancashire to know that they can aspire to great things, and TeenTech shows those young people involved what they are capable of."

Katie Baverstock-Hunt, from sponsor UKNNL said:

"It was fantastic to be part of TeenTech’s Lancashire Festival, working with schools local to our Preston Laboratory on hands-on activities that replicated the real skills our scientists and engineers use every day. Seeing pupils make that direct connection between their own talents and the work we do was exactly what events like this are all about - helping young people see that a career in nuclear is genuinely within their reach. Thanks to the dedicated team at TeenTech for helping every pupil follow their own STEM journey, and to our hosts at the University of Lancashire."

Maggie Philbin OBE, CEO and co-founder of TeenTech, commented:

“As highlighted in Alan Milburn’s recent report, the challenge of breaking down barriers and creating fairer access to opportunity for young people in Lancashire has never been more pressing. TeenTech Lancashire has been directly responding to the specific needs of the county for six years, tackling issues such as limited career pathways, regional skills gaps, and ensuring young people from all backgrounds can fulfil their potential. The festival brings together employers from across Lancashire to showcase genuine opportunities and clear routes into local industry, empowering young people to recognise their creativity, explore a diverse range of sectors, and thrive in the rapidly changing fields of science, technology, and innovation. Our commitment is to make sure that talent and ambition, not postcode or circumstance, define the future of Lancashire’s innovators and workforce.”

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 Lancashire Festival continues to help young people unlock their potential and realise their ambitions.

Organisations who worked with TeenTech to create such a powerful set of experiences include AWS, Amazon RME, A&B Engineering, BBC R&D, Blackpool Grand Theatre, Commvault, IN4 Group, JBA Trust, Leyland Trucks, Lancashire Police Cyber Crime, Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Mersey and West Lancashire NHS Foundation Trust, National Cyber Force, NanoSen, Peak AI (A Uipath company), Roche Diagnostics Limited, Tilbury Douglas, University of Lancaster, Westinghouse and the following University of Lancashire departments: Arts and Media, Medicine and Dentistry, Psychology, School of Engineering and Computing and Future U.

For more information about TeenTech visit: www.teentech.com.