'From St Columb’s to Facebook HQ' - Colm Long headlines TechTides

Pictured are Ryan Williams, Founder and Co-Owner, The AMP, Erin McFeely, Director Northern Ireland, Alchemy Technology Services, Alastair Cameron, Founder, TechTides, Alison Ballard, Director, Allstate NI | TechTides

placeholder image — Pictured are Ryan Williams, Founder and Co-Owner, The AMP, Erin McFeely, Director Northern Ireland, Alchemy Technology Services, Alastair Cameron, Founder, TechTides, Alison Ballard, Director, Allstate NI | TechTides

Derry’s premiere technology summit TechTides hits its stride with an expanded programme mapping the future of AI and cybersecurity.

Over 600 people visited Derry to attend leading tech conference, TechTides at The Millennium Forum last week.

Following its inaugural year in 2025, the conference returned with an expanded programme, bringing together leading voices from across the technology sector, emerging start-ups and the wider business community.

The conference also saw hundreds of students avail of free tickets with tailored talks on topics including future-proofing a career in tech and recruitment.

Highlights from this year’s conference included, a keynote interview with Derry native, Colm Long, ‘From St Columb’s to Facebook HQ’ led by Ryan Williams, Founder and Co-owner of The AMP, a Startup Pitch Competition which saw 10 emerging startups from across the island compete for a cash prize as well as panel discussions and talks on topics ranging from AI adoption to cyber security.

Pictured is headline speaker, Colm Long at TechTides Derry | TechTides

TechTides Founder, Alastair Cameron commented: “TechTides exists to showcase the best of the North West, whilst creating thought-provoking debate and discussion through getting everyone in the tech ecosystem together in the same room.

“We began TechTides here in Derry last year, and we took it to Belfast in June. We were delighted to return to our home, where the conference began. The atmosphere and energy in the room was electric. We are proud of what we have achieved, and look forward to the continued growth of TechTides.”

TechTides Derry is proudly supported by Headline sponsors The AMP, Alchemy Technology Services, part of NTT DATA, and Allstate NI with Gold Sponsors including Seagate Technology, NWRC, AVEVA, and InterTradeIreland.

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