where
the future
begins
Welcome to Digital DNA, where local tech communities and ecosystems connect to the world.
About us
We know that building a thriving tech community takes more than just startups and investors, development agencies and corporate employers – it takes a diverse group of individuals with different skill sets and a shared vision. That’s why we created Digital DNA, a platform to bring together key players in the tech ecosystem to collaborate, network, and grow together.
Digital DNA provides a space for entrepreneurs to connect with investors, mentors, and other resources to turn their ideas into successful companies. We also provide opportunities for students and professionals to learn from industry leaders and gain valuable experience.
But we don’t stop there. We know that for local tech ecosystems to truly thrive, they need to have global ambitions. That’s why we also provide access to a network of global partners and resources, so that members of the ecosystem can scale their impact beyond their local communities.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking for funding, a student wanting to jumpstart your career in tech, an organisation looking for a new solution or a professional looking to make a change, Digital DNA is here to support you.
Join our community today and start building the future.
Our History
The very first Digital DNA takes place in Belfast on 13 September 2013 and featured 250 people with some of the biggest names in technology supporting.
In 2014 we launched Digital Futures with an aim to inspire the next generation of tech entrepreneurs and show them the endless opportunities available.
Our 2nd Digital DNA event returned taking place across Belfast in venues such as Titanic Belfast, City Hall and Crumlin Road Gaol.
With tourism booming across NI, we launched a dedicated event to showcase the opportunities for technology to revolutionise the hospitality industry
Our 3rd Digital DNA conference was an epic one but it as also our last in the iconic Titanic Belfast.
Digital DNA 2015 also saw our first "official" after party take place. And just like that, the Digital DNA After Party was born.
March 2016 say our first Digital Futures winners from Dominican College head to San Francisco as winners of our annual Digital Futures competition.
In June 2016 we made St Georges Market our spiritual home in Belfast. It was also our biggest event to date with 1,100 attendees!!!!
Our very first Awards were far from conventional, just the way we like it. And they have been that way every year since albeit we now need the biggest venue in Belfast!!!
2016 also saw us launch upStart, our programme that brought together leading startups to compete to be crowned upStart Champion. And yes, we did do quick fire pitches in a boxing ring!
Our second year at St Georges Market saw us grow to a 2-day event which featured 5 stages, 60+ exhibitors, 100+ speakers and 2,000 attendees.
In 2017, we broke the mold and held the very first awards ceremony in the prestiges St Annes Cathedral. 500 people joined us to celebrate the very best of the NI Tech community.
Our Awards became their own standalone event in April 2018. We also created a new award for individuals who champion the NI tech community on the global and our first recipient was non other than the late Brian Conlon.
In 2018, we announced a new multi year partnership with PwC NI as our headline partner for Digital DNA's flagship event in Belfast. 2018 also saw our numbers grow to 3,000 attendees over 2-days.
in March 2019, the Digital DNA Awards became the only awards that mattered for the NI tech community with a record number of entries and a capacity audience of 550 people.
June 2019 saw Digital DNA become NI's biggest tech and business event with 3,000 delegates over 2-days. We also introduced dedicated tracks for young entrepreneurs as well as tech for good.
As part of their prize fund, upStart 2019 winners ESTHER received an immersive trip to NYC to meet with investors, potential customers and policy makers connected to Digital DNA.
The Digital DNA Awards in 2021 became the first truly hybrid awards. With a live studio audience, the awards were produced as a TV show and were viewed live by 1,500 people from 20 countries.
Digital DNA become the first major event to return to in-person in Ireland and even though we were socially distanced, 1,500 people attended over the 2-days.
With a change in venue needed for the 700 guests, the Digital DNA Awards are now the biggest sectoral specific awards in Northern Ireland.
Digital DNA Belfast 2022 become our most successful event to date. Following the pandemic we were back to full capacity with an unprecendted 175 speakers and 500+ companies taking part.
Our inaugural event in Glasgow saw 1,000+ attendees come together to be part of the newest event for the Scottish Tech ecosystem.
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