TECHNEXT
Cyber Resilience Hackathon with Made Smarter
The Stephenson Building
Spot, stop and protect against cyber attacks
Marks & Spencer and Jaguar Land Rover both hit the headlines last year following major cyber attacks that cost each company millions of pounds and an untold amount in reputational damage.
Made Smarter - the finance and support programme that helps North East manufacturers adopt new digital technology - has joined forces with Sunderland Software City and Punk Security to deliver a free fringe event at this year’s TechNExt exploring cyber security and how you can protect your business from similar attacks.
Open to businesses from any sector, you’re invited to join us at Newcastle University's Stephenson Building on Tuesday 16 June as cyber resilience specialists Punk Security walk us through a real-life cyber attack. They’ll share:
- examples of incidents that have affected businesses in our area
- highlight practical steps you can take to better protect yourself.
You’ll come away with knowledge and skills to keep your business safe online and and across your digital networks.
If you’re a business owner or responsible for IT in our organisation, this event is for you.
About Made Smarter
Made Smarter helps manufacturers in the North East increase profits, improve efficiency and grow by investing in digital technology, people and processes.
Open to SMEs (under 250 employees) working in the manufacturing and advanced manufacturing sectors, businesses that take part in Made Smarter benefit from:
- Expert support to create a digital roadmap
- Access to fully funded workshops or digital skills courses with other manufacturers
- Grant funding to invest in new technology and software
- Fully funded Digital Intern Placements to support with digital projects
Advanced Manufacturing is one of the growth-driving sectors in the North East Combined Authority’s Local Growth Plan, which outlines the need to increase tech adoption to improve productivity and competitiveness.
The manufacturers of tomorrow use technology to streamline their processes - they are faster, more responsive, and more efficient. Ultimately, they make better products for less. Made Smarter helps manufacturing businesses secure a competitive edge.
To find out more, to view case studies from businesses that have taken part in the programme, and to sign up, visit madesmarter.uk
About Punk Security
Punk Security is an award-winning DevSecOps Cyber Security consultancy that provides a suite of services including CREST Accredited penetration testing, security consulting, ISO27001 and Cyber Essentials support. Based in Northallerton, Punk Security has vast experience working with clients across a broad range of sectors including government, retail, finance, manufacturing and tech.
Exhibit
Exhibitors
See the exhibitors at last year's event below.
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Tech Talent Live Lightning Talks
The full Lightning Talks programme will be announced closer to the event,
featuring engaging 15-minute insights from experienced industry professionals, all free for attendees. Talk timings are as follows:
14:30 – 14:45
15:00 – 15:15
15:30 – 15:45
16:00 – 16:15
16:30 – 16:45
17:00 – 17:15
About Tech Talent Live
Spot, stop and protect against cyber attacks
Marks & Spencer and Jaguar Land Rover both hit the headlines last year following major cyber attacks that cost each company millions of pounds and an untold amount in reputational damage.
Made Smarter - the finance and support programme that helps North East manufacturers adopt new digital technology - has joined forces with Sunderland Software City and Punk Security to deliver a free fringe event at this year’s TechNExt exploring cyber security and how you can protect your business from similar attacks.
Open to businesses from any sector, you’re invited to join us at Newcastle University's Stephenson Building on Tuesday 16 June as cyber resilience specialists Punk Security walk us through a real-life cyber attack. They’ll share:
- examples of incidents that have affected businesses in our area
- highlight practical steps you can take to better protect yourself.
You’ll come away with knowledge and skills to keep your business safe online and and across your digital networks.
If you’re a business owner or responsible for IT in our organisation, this event is for you.
About Made Smarter
Made Smarter helps manufacturers in the North East increase profits, improve efficiency and grow by investing in digital technology, people and processes.
Open to SMEs (under 250 employees) working in the manufacturing and advanced manufacturing sectors, businesses that take part in Made Smarter benefit from:
- Expert support to create a digital roadmap
- Access to fully funded workshops or digital skills courses with other manufacturers
- Grant funding to invest in new technology and software
- Fully funded Digital Intern Placements to support with digital projects
Advanced Manufacturing is one of the growth-driving sectors in the North East Combined Authority’s Local Growth Plan, which outlines the need to increase tech adoption to improve productivity and competitiveness.
The manufacturers of tomorrow use technology to streamline their processes - they are faster, more responsive, and more efficient. Ultimately, they make better products for less. Made Smarter helps manufacturing businesses secure a competitive edge.
To find out more, to view case studies from businesses that have taken part in the programme, and to sign up, visit madesmarter.uk
About Punk Security
Punk Security is an award-winning DevSecOps Cyber Security consultancy that provides a suite of services including CREST Accredited penetration testing, security consulting, ISO27001 and Cyber Essentials support. Based in Northallerton, Punk Security has vast experience working with clients across a broad range of sectors including government, retail, finance, manufacturing and tech.
Exhibitors at Tech Talent Live
Browse some of the fantastic companies exhibiting at Tech Talent Live.
Tech Talent Live Lightning Talks
All lightning talks were held in Committee Room 1, an easily accessible room overlooking the main careers fair hall. The talks typically lasted 10 to 15 minutes per subject.
Schedule:
15:00 – Breaking into Tech: No Technical Experience? No Problem!
Discover how people from retail, music, healthcare and more are building new tech careers through low code platforms, self-learning and support from inclusive communities. This session will share powerful real-life stories and practical advice to help you confidently take your first step into tech without a traditional background.
15:30 – Why Can’t Women Thrive in Tech?
With women facing unique challenges in tech, this session will provide actionable strategies to overcome barriers like imposter syndrome and bias. You’ll gain practical advice on building confidence, developing key skills, and expanding your network to thrive in the tech sector.
16:00 – Ever Wondered About Public Sector Tech Jobs? It’s More Exciting Than You Think!
Think public sector tech is all red tape? Think again. This fast-paced session unveils how digital roles in government shape essential services used by millions, from tax collection to digital operations across departments. Discover how you can make a real impact while enjoying benefits like flexibility, job security, and room to grow. No matter your background, this could be your most exciting move yet!
16:30 – The Secret Skills That Get You Hired (and Promoted)
While technical skills open doors, soft skills like communication, adaptability, and collaboration drive career growth. This session will highlight the key soft skills tech employers value most and provide actionable tips on how to develop and showcase them.
17:00 – Want to Innovate? Try Content Design.
Discover how content design plays a crucial role in driving innovation within the tech sector. This session will introduce you to the skills and opportunities in content design and provide clear steps to start your career.
17:30 – What if 15 minutes could shed light on why your CV gets ghosted?
In this quick lightning talk you will learn about common CV pitfalls that prevent your application from standing out and practical tips to avoid them. This session is perfect for job seekers who want to make simple and effective improvements without rewriting their entire resume.
Overview
Spot, stop and protect against cyber attacks
Marks & Spencer and Jaguar Land Rover both hit the headlines last year following major cyber attacks that cost each company millions of pounds and an untold amount in reputational damage.
Made Smarter - the finance and support programme that helps North East manufacturers adopt new digital technology - has joined forces with Sunderland Software City and Punk Security to deliver a free fringe event at this year’s TechNExt exploring cyber security and how you can protect your business from similar attacks.
Open to businesses from any sector, you’re invited to join us at Newcastle University's Stephenson Building on Tuesday 16 June as cyber resilience specialists Punk Security walk us through a real-life cyber attack. They’ll share:
- examples of incidents that have affected businesses in our area
- highlight practical steps you can take to better protect yourself.
You’ll come away with knowledge and skills to keep your business safe online and and across your digital networks.
If you’re a business owner or responsible for IT in our organisation, this event is for you.
About Made Smarter
Made Smarter helps manufacturers in the North East increase profits, improve efficiency and grow by investing in digital technology, people and processes.
Open to SMEs (under 250 employees) working in the manufacturing and advanced manufacturing sectors, businesses that take part in Made Smarter benefit from:
- Expert support to create a digital roadmap
- Access to fully funded workshops or digital skills courses with other manufacturers
- Grant funding to invest in new technology and software
- Fully funded Digital Intern Placements to support with digital projects
Advanced Manufacturing is one of the growth-driving sectors in the North East Combined Authority’s Local Growth Plan, which outlines the need to increase tech adoption to improve productivity and competitiveness.
The manufacturers of tomorrow use technology to streamline their processes - they are faster, more responsive, and more efficient. Ultimately, they make better products for less. Made Smarter helps manufacturing businesses secure a competitive edge.
To find out more, to view case studies from businesses that have taken part in the programme, and to sign up, visit madesmarter.uk
About Punk Security
Punk Security is an award-winning DevSecOps Cyber Security consultancy that provides a suite of services including CREST Accredited penetration testing, security consulting, ISO27001 and Cyber Essentials support. Based in Northallerton, Punk Security has vast experience working with clients across a broad range of sectors including government, retail, finance, manufacturing and tech.
Speakers
Event Registration is Closed
This event is either sold out or has taken place. Registration is closed.
Registration
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How to get involved
Please read the information back below, and then fill out an expression of interest form. This will let us know you’d like to take part, what age the participating children are and whether you’d like any support from us or an ‘industry mentor.’
Plan your challenge, consider your resources and the participating students. Challenges can be completed in small or large groups. but please be aware that only 8-10 students from selected schools will be able to attend the celebration event.
Submit your challenge responses via our online form below. Your school can submit up to 10 entries. The deadline for responses is Friday 9 May, 2025. Please get in touch if you are struggling to meet the deadline.
The Schools Challenge steering committee will identify a small group of students from selected schools to be invited to a celebration event on the morning of Friday 20 June at South Shields Customs House.
If selected, you will be invited to attend by 23 May. There will also be an opportunity to display students‘ work as part of a number of public
exhibitions across local authority areas.
If you have any issues, contact us via email: getinvolved@technext.co.uk
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