Brightest tech minds will join forces to see how the impossible can become possible this May
Some of the top AI leaders from across the country are joining forces to show the beneficial intelligence of this new technology at a festival held in Suffolk.
The event – jointly hosted by Eastern Education Group and Orbital Global – takes place on 27 and 28 May 2026 inside the award winning £2million XR lab based in Bury St Edmunds.
The occasion – held in the University Professional Development Centre based on Western Way – will demonstrate how East Anglia is at the centre of the AI revolution.
The programme will include keynote talks, live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, fireside conversations and investor pitch sessions – and delegates will hear directly from organisations shaping the future of AI in the UK.
Discussions will span sectors critical to East Anglia’s economy, including agriculture, healthcare, energy, creative industries, advanced manufacturing, quantum technologies and public services – with a strong focus on practical, real-world applications rather than hype.
Peter Brady is the CEO of Orbital Global and VirtTuri who cofounded the festival with BT. Mr Brady said: “Building on our first successful sold-out festival held in East Anglia five years ago, this exciting two-day event will bring together some of the most influential voices in technology, education, business and investment.”
“Our 2026 programme is bigger, bolder and designed to put the region firmly on the national AI map. It will showcase the extraordinary, applied AI innovation already happening across the region, while exploring what the next wave of artificial intelligence means for jobs, skills, productivity and growth.”
“AI is no longer a future concept; it is reshaping how we work, learn and compete today. The AI Festival is about bringing people together to demystify the technology, showcase what is already delivering real value, and ensure our region continues to play a leading role in shaping what comes next. East Anglia has the talent, ambition and creativity to become a true international force in AI, and this festival is an important step in making that vision a reality. Facilities such as Mid Suffolk District Council’s new Stowmarket Innovation Gateway, with its strategic partnership with the National Generative AI Hub, will play a vital role in nurturing this vibrant innovation ecosystem.”
Phil Stittle, Executive Director of Business and Strategic Growth at Eastern Education Group, added: “This festival reflects our commitment to connecting education and industry at the moment it matters most. AI will define future skills and careers, and by hosting this event we are ensuring learners, employers and communities across the Eastern region are prepared, informed and inspired.”
The AI Festival is supported by a broad coalition of regional and national partners, including Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council, Barclays, BT, Connected Innovation, Creative East, East Suffolk Council, Innovation Labs, Innovate UK, Suffolk Economy, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, University of Suffolk, VirtTuri who will be joined by fast-growing AI startups and scale-ups born in the region.
Tickets are priced at £50 per day and capacity is limited. Early Bird discount (£35+VAT per day) remains live until 31st March 2026.
For more information and ticket registration, visit www.aiglobalfestival.com
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