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A programme of speaker events, learning sessions, networking and conferences comes to Dundee from November 3 to 16 as Dundee Digital Fortnight returns for another year.
Led by the Tay Cities Digital Ecosystem group, the annual event will be based at Abertay cyberQuarter, the Life Sciences Innovation Hub and the Flour Mill with games, cybersecurity, AI, digital innovation and more on the agenda across the two weeks.
Open to all, but with booking required for some sessions, the programme of 10 events (the majority of which are free of charge) will appeal to business leaders, digital and tech professionals, students and academics, as well as members of the public with an interest in tech.
Lead organiser Cheryl Torano, Business Development Manager at Abertay cyberQuarter and the chair of Tay Cities Digital Ecosystem group said:
Dundee Digital Fortnight is back for 2025 with a great line-up of speakers, events and opportunities for learning and collaboration. The city’s reputation as a global hub for technology is world renowned and it’s fantastic to be able to bring forward events like these which have such an impact on developing that ecosystem even further.
Dundee is a globally-renowned hub for tech innovation. The video games industry alone contributes over £75 million annually to Dundee's economy and according to Creative Dundee’s 2025 report, the wider Creative & Digital Industries are Dundee’s leading sector by turnover, generating £353.4 million — more than any other Scottish Government growth sector. The sector also employs 3,530 people locally, not including those working in education or freelance roles that fall outside standard industry classifications.
Tayside TechFest – 9.30am-5pm, Tuesday 4 November at Abertay cyberQuarter
Tayside TechFest is the region’s flagship celebration of innovation and digital excellence. Bringing together startups, scale-ups, industry leaders, students, and tech enthusiasts, the event showcases the vibrant digital ecosystem across Dundee, Angus, and Perth & Kinross. Expect a full day of inspiring talks from tech pioneers, demos, and networking with innovators. From cutting-edge projects to local success stories, TechFest is a gateway to explore career paths, discover new ideas, and connect with the people shaping the future of tech in Tayside. Gold sponsors and keynote speaker for the event include Brightsolid, with further presentations from CoSTAR Realtime Lab, Lloyds Banking Group and AWS.
Ladies Hacking Society Mentoring Programme Launch – 6pm-8pm, Tuesday 4 November at Abertay cyberQuarter
The Ladies Hacking Society (LHS), supported by Sage, launches its new mentoring programme to tackle the diversity gap in cybersecurity. This initiative offers structured support to women in the field, helping them build networks, gain visibility, and advance their careers. LHS is a non-profit founded by women, for women, with a mission to promote gender equity in technical roles. The programme is open to women working in cybersecurity across Scotland and the North East of England. Sage’s backing reflects a shared commitment to inclusion and talent development.
Cyber Resilience: The Performance Impact of Stress – 1.30pm, Wednesday 5 November at Abertay cyberQuarter
Organised by ScotlandIS and led by Annabel Berry from Leading Cyber, this workshop explores the critical link between mental wellbeing and cyber resilience. In high-pressure environments, sustained stress can impair judgment, reduce vigilance, and compromise security. The session will raise awareness of mental health challenges in cybersecurity, promote practical self-care strategies, and equip leaders with tools to support team wellbeing. It also introduces the work of the Mental Health in Cyber Security Foundation (MHinCS) and its industry charter. This is a must-attend for professionals seeking to build healthier, more resilient cybersecurity cultures.
Unfiltered: Tech community catch-up from Codebase – 9am, Thursday 6 November at Abertay cyberQuarter
Unfiltered is a relaxed, informal morning for anyone interested in connecting with people from across the tech ecosystem. The agenda is loose, focussing on good conversations over coffee, with space to meet new people and catch up with familiar faces. Unfiltered includes a ‘Community Bell’ - a chance to hear about opportunities and events happening over the next month. You don’t need a background in tech to join the event and anyone interested in meeting new people and learning more about the community is welcome.
Hack the Isles – Thursday 6 to Friday 7 November
Hack the Isles kicks off the UK and Ireland’s first Cyber Battle competition, led by Belfast-based academy Cyberspark. Aimed at young cyber enthusiasts aged 14–24, this bootcamp blends lectures, hands-on exercises, and expert guidance in a simulated cyber range environment. Participants will explore topics like Linux basics and cryptography, with access to the cyber range for self-study after the event. The bootcamp is part of a wider series culminating in a live final in autumn 2025. Students, schools, and organisations are encouraged to register early. It’s a unique opportunity to gain real-world skills and connect with the cybersecurity community.
Dundee Digital Fortnight Brunch – 9.30am, Tuesday 11 November at Life Sciences Innovation Hub
The Dundee Digital Fortnight Brunch provides an opportunity to bring together the Digital and Life Sciences sectors. Taking place at the Unversity of Dundee Life Sciences Innovation Hub, the brunch is delivered in partnership with BioDundee, the Tay Cities Digital Ecosystem and the Dundee Founders Collective and is sponsored by Firefinch Software Development. This event provides companies, founders and entrepreneurs from across Scotland with the opportunity to find out more about all event partners, network with members of the BioDundee community, tour the new Life Sciences Innovation Hub and attend a drop-in clinic with Firefinch Software.
AI Panel Discussion – 12pm, Tuesday 11 November at Flour Mill
An AI Panel Discussion at the Flour Mill Dundee with expert panellists delving into the world of artificial intelligence, discussing its impact on various industries and its future implications. Whether you are a tech enthusiast or just curious about AI, this event is perfect for gaining insights and engaging in thought-provoking discussions.
AWS GameDay: Generative AI Unicorn Party – 6pm, Wednesday 12 November at Abertay cyberQuarter
Join the AWS User Group Dundee for a hands-on, team-based GameDay challenge exploring Generative AI. Led by Mayank Gupta (AWS), this session features the official “Unicorn Party” scenario — a fast-paced cloud challenge where teams keep their fictional startup running using AI tools. No prior experience is needed. AWS environments are pre-configured, so just bring your laptop and team spirit. Teams of 2–4 will form on the day, with food, drinks, and AWS swag provided. It’s a fun, competitive way to learn about cloud technologies and AI in a supportive, social setting.
State of the Map Europe conference 2025 – Friday 14–Saturday 15 November
The European OpenStreetMap community comes to Abertay University for State of the Map Europe 2025 — a two-day conference celebrating open data, mapping, and geo innovation. The event features talks, panels, poster sessions, and networking with contributors from across Europe. Attendees can also explore Dundee’s rich history and creative scene, from the V&A Design Museum to the Royal Research Ship Discovery. Tickets are available now, with updates via the event newsletter.
Makers Gonna Make (State of the Map Edition) – 10am, Sunday 16 November
Inspired by Peter Trizuliak’s Makers Gonna Make sessions, this special edition welcomes State of the Map Europe attendees and local makers for a full-day build sprint. Whether you're coding, designing, writing, or tinkering, this is your space to turn “some-day” ideas into “done-today” results. Hosted at the Flour Mill, join for the full day or drop in for morning or afternoon sessions. Expect coffee, pastries, lunch, fast Wi-Fi, and a supportive community of indie hackers, cartographers, and weekend tinkerers. No pitches, no pressure — just making, sharing, and celebrating creativity.
