📍 Venue: SISTER – Renold Building, 32a Altrincham Street, Manchester, M1 7JR
Join us for a special summer edition of the Thursday Gathering as we celebrate the final digitalThursday and explore the technologies, ideas and people shaping the Intelligence Age.
This evening brings together researchers, founders, innovators and industry leaders to examine how AI is moving from the lab into the real world. We'll celebrate the communities, collaborations and entrepreneurial journeys that have helped shape the region's digital ecosystem, while looking ahead to the opportunities AI presents for business, society and the future of work.
Expect inspiring conversations, new connections and a fitting send-off for Digital Thursday's remarkable journey.
In partnership with digialThursday
Powered by Advanced Research + Invention Agency
Step into a space where every conversation could spark something new. Enjoy music, refreshments, and a lively atmosphere designed to bring people together, whether you’re exchanging ideas, discovering collaborators, or simply sharing a laugh. This is the perfect moment to unwind, connect, and let serendipity guide your evening.
Join us before the main event to explore the Innovator Showcase, where you’ll have the chance to meet the talented startups. Be the first to experience the innovative technologies and forward-thinking ideas on display.
💻 Driscop Ltd is a UK-based AI and cybersecurity company dedicated to helping small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) protect themselves against phishing, smishing, and other social engineering attacks.
⚙️ MCR Agentic is A Manchester based Microsoft partner specialising in AI Adoption, Governance, Strategy and Building of AI Agents.
This session is for educators, researchers, neurodivergent individuals, parents and carers, accessibility professionals, technologists, founders, and anyone interested in the future of learning, inclusion, and responsible innovation.
We’ll explore a simple question:
What if learning adapted to learners, rather than expecting learners to adapt to the system?
Through facilitated discussion and interactive activities, the session will explore how neurodiverse learners engage and learn, the signs that may indicate challenge, overload, or progress, the support approaches that work well in practice, and the role technology and AI might play in creating more accessible and adaptive learning experiences.
Guests will leave with new perspectives on neurodiversity and education, practical insights from a range of disciplines and lived experiences, and connections with others interested in building more inclusive learning environments.
Introduction from Venture Café.
Join our Lightning Pitch session where you’ve got just 60 seconds to introduce yourself and share your business or idea with the room. It’s fast, fun, and a brilliant way to meet fellow founders, spark conversations and get your idea out into the Manchester startup community.
🎟️ If you are interested in pitching, please pick up a raffle number from the registration desk for a chance to be selected to pitch!
This fireside chat explores the evolution of Manchester's AI, tech, digital and creative ecosystem over the past three years, reflecting on the role that communities such as digitalThursday have played in its growth. The discussion will consider what the city offers founders and innovators today, the opportunities emerging for startups, and the factors that continue to shape Manchester as a leading place to build and scale ambitious businesses. The session will also feature an announcement from Manchester Metropolitan University, unveiling a programme designed to strengthen support for innovation, entrepreneurship and the region's future talent pipeline.
📍 Venue: SISTER – Renold Building, 32a Altrincham Street, Manchester, M1 7JR
Join us for a special summer edition of the Thursday Gathering as we celebrate the final digitalThursday and explore the technologies, ideas and people shaping the Intelligence Age.
This evening brings together researchers, founders, innovators and industry leaders to examine how AI is moving from the lab into the real world. We'll celebrate the communities, collaborations and entrepreneurial journeys that have helped shape the region's digital ecosystem, while looking ahead to the opportunities AI presents for business, society and the future of work.
Expect inspiring conversations, new connections and a fitting send-off for Digital Thursday's remarkable journey.
In partnership with digialThursday
Powered by Advanced Research + Invention Agency
Step into a space where every conversation could spark something new. Enjoy music, refreshments, and a lively atmosphere designed to bring people together, whether you’re exchanging ideas, discovering collaborators, or simply sharing a laugh. This is the perfect moment to unwind, connect, and let serendipity guide your evening.
Join us before the main event to explore the Innovator Showcase, where you’ll have the chance to meet the talented startups. Be the first to experience the innovative technologies and forward-thinking ideas on display.
💻 Driscop Ltd is a UK-based AI and cybersecurity company dedicated to helping small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) protect themselves against phishing, smishing, and other social engineering attacks.
⚙️ MCR Agentic is A Manchester based Microsoft partner specialising in AI Adoption, Governance, Strategy and Building of AI Agents.
This session is for educators, researchers, neurodivergent individuals, parents and carers, accessibility professionals, technologists, founders, and anyone interested in the future of learning, inclusion, and responsible innovation.
We’ll explore a simple question:
What if learning adapted to learners, rather than expecting learners to adapt to the system?
Through facilitated discussion and interactive activities, the session will explore how neurodiverse learners engage and learn, the signs that may indicate challenge, overload, or progress, the support approaches that work well in practice, and the role technology and AI might play in creating more accessible and adaptive learning experiences.
Guests will leave with new perspectives on neurodiversity and education, practical insights from a range of disciplines and lived experiences, and connections with others interested in building more inclusive learning environments.
Introduction from Venture Café.
Join our Lightning Pitch session where you’ve got just 60 seconds to introduce yourself and share your business or idea with the room. It’s fast, fun, and a brilliant way to meet fellow founders, spark conversations and get your idea out into the Manchester startup community.
🎟️ If you are interested in pitching, please pick up a raffle number from the registration desk for a chance to be selected to pitch!
This fireside chat explores the evolution of Manchester's AI, tech, digital and creative ecosystem over the past three years, reflecting on the role that communities such as digitalThursday have played in its growth. The discussion will consider what the city offers founders and innovators today, the opportunities emerging for startups, and the factors that continue to shape Manchester as a leading place to build and scale ambitious businesses. The session will also feature an announcement from Manchester Metropolitan University, unveiling a programme designed to strengthen support for innovation, entrepreneurship and the region's future talent pipeline.