TECHNEXT
KaraokAI: Remix the North East with AI
KaraokAI is an award winning interactive platform that uses generative AI to turn written content into karaoke performances. For TechNExt26, we will curate a library of content drawn from the festival's themes and the North East tech scene — from AI and creative technology to local startups and tech for good initiatives. We'd welcome input from the TechNExt team on what to include, making this a genuinely bespoke experience for the festival.
Here's how it works: participants choose a topic from the curated library, then pick any song from our catalogue of 400+ tracks spanning genres and eras. The system then generates a completely unique karaoke track live — mapping that content to that song in real time. No two performances are the same. Then they take the mic and sing it.
Developed by Anna and team, KaraokAI has toured internationally - — from CHI 2025 in Yokohama (where it won the Popular Vote Award with over 1,000 participants) to ECSCW, the Northumbrian Water Innovation Festival, and the University of Lisbon. It has been used to communicate academic research, hackathon outcomes, government initiatives, school curriculums organisational ideas and so much more - through song.
This session is suitable for all audiences — no technical background or singing ability required. Just curiosity and a willingness to have fun.
Technical requirements: Reliable internet access; a large screen or projector; microphones and speakers (we can bring our own but venue-provided alternatives would be helpful).
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
KaraokAI is an award winning interactive platform that uses generative AI to turn written content into karaoke performances. For TechNExt26, we will curate a library of content drawn from the festival's themes and the North East tech scene — from AI and creative technology to local startups and tech for good initiatives. We'd welcome input from the TechNExt team on what to include, making this a genuinely bespoke experience for the festival.
Here's how it works: participants choose a topic from the curated library, then pick any song from our catalogue of 400+ tracks spanning genres and eras. The system then generates a completely unique karaoke track live — mapping that content to that song in real time. No two performances are the same. Then they take the mic and sing it.
Developed by Anna and team, KaraokAI has toured internationally - — from CHI 2025 in Yokohama (where it won the Popular Vote Award with over 1,000 participants) to ECSCW, the Northumbrian Water Innovation Festival, and the University of Lisbon. It has been used to communicate academic research, hackathon outcomes, government initiatives, school curriculums organisational ideas and so much more - through song.
This session is suitable for all audiences — no technical background or singing ability required. Just curiosity and a willingness to have fun.
Technical requirements: Reliable internet access; a large screen or projector; microphones and speakers (we can bring our own but venue-provided alternatives would be helpful).
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
KaraokAI is an award winning interactive platform that uses generative AI to turn written content into karaoke performances. For TechNExt26, we will curate a library of content drawn from the festival's themes and the North East tech scene — from AI and creative technology to local startups and tech for good initiatives. We'd welcome input from the TechNExt team on what to include, making this a genuinely bespoke experience for the festival.
Here's how it works: participants choose a topic from the curated library, then pick any song from our catalogue of 400+ tracks spanning genres and eras. The system then generates a completely unique karaoke track live — mapping that content to that song in real time. No two performances are the same. Then they take the mic and sing it.
Developed by Anna and team, KaraokAI has toured internationally - — from CHI 2025 in Yokohama (where it won the Popular Vote Award with over 1,000 participants) to ECSCW, the Northumbrian Water Innovation Festival, and the University of Lisbon. It has been used to communicate academic research, hackathon outcomes, government initiatives, school curriculums organisational ideas and so much more - through song.
This session is suitable for all audiences — no technical background or singing ability required. Just curiosity and a willingness to have fun.
Technical requirements: Reliable internet access; a large screen or projector; microphones and speakers (we can bring our own but venue-provided alternatives would be helpful).
Speakers
Event Registration is Closed
This event is either sold out or has taken place. Registration is closed.
Registration
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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