Residents, businesses and innovators across Northamptonshire are being invited to explore the latest in technology, creativity and digital thinking as Merged Futures 8 returns this summer.Taking place on Friday 26 June at the Learning Hub, Waterside Campus, University of Northampton, the free annual showcase brings together forward-thinking organisations, industry experts and local talent to share ideas, spark conversations and demonstrate how technology is shaping everyday life.Now in its eighth year, Merged Futures has built a strong reputation for making complex topics accessible, relevant and engaging. From artificial intelligence and robotics to health technology and digital education, the event offers something for everyone, whether you are a business owner, student, public sector professional...

27 March, 2026

Tech enthusiasts, professionals, educators, students – and anyone curious to learn about how tech is shaping Northampton - are invited to West Northants’s biggest technology innovation showcase, Merged Futures 7, scheduled for Friday, 13 June, from 10 am to 4 pm at the Learning Hub, Waterside Campus, University of Northampton.Hosted by the grassroots group Digital Northants, Merged Futures 7 promises an engaging and immersive experience for attendees of all backgrounds and interests. The event will feature a diverse range of sessions and exhibitions, highlighting the latest advancements in technology such as how VR is being used in an SEN school...

04 April, 2025

UK businesses are, for the first time, being invited to have their say on the government’s electronic invoicing (e-invoicing) proposals.E-invoicing is the digital exchange of invoice information directly between buyers and suppliers. It could help businesses get their tax right first time, reduce invoicing and data errors, improve the accuracy of VAT returns, help close the tax gap and save time and money. It usually results in faster business to business payments, leading to improved cash flow and less paperwork.This will help cut down time and resources businesses spend managing their tax affairs so they can be more productive. It...

13 February, 2025

From school friends to successful business partners – two Northamptonshire sporting heroes are this year celebrating 20 years of digital growth and success.Joe Zielinski and Paul Coverdale are co-owners and co-directors of Northamptonshire based Zinc Digital, a digital marketing company now celebrating its 20th birthday.Zinc Digital, whose headquarters are in the village of Little Houghton, has hundreds of clients across Northamptonshire, the UK and further afield and an expanding team committed to launching state of the art websites, creating bespoke software and supporting companies to embrace all things digital to grow and expand.Joe, a gymnast for 15 years and winner...

27 January, 2025

Artificial intelligence will be unleashed across the UK to deliver a decade of national renewal, under a new plan announced today (13 January 2025).In a marked move from the previous government’s approach, the Prime Minister is throwing the full weight of Whitehall behind this industry by agreeing to take forward all 50 recommendations set out by Matt Clifford in his game-changing AI Opportunities Action Plan.AI is already being used across the UK. It is being used in hospitals up and down the country to deliver better, faster, and smarter care: spotting pain levels for people who can’t speak, diagnosing breast cancer quicker, and getting people...

13 January, 2025

Digital Northants proudly announces the return of its flagship event, Merged Futures 6, set to captivate audiences on Friday, 14 June from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Learning Hub, Waterside Campus, University of Northampton.Following the resounding success of last year's event, Merged Futures 6 promises to elevate the excitement and engagement to unprecedented heights. With an array of dynamic sessions and a diverse lineup of exhibitors, this year's showcase is set to be an unforgettable experience for attendees from all walks of life.Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in groundbreaking discussions and hands-on experiences, exploring the...

31 May, 2024

“The UK is an island of innovation.And it is a goal of mine to make this country the best place in the world to start, grow and invest in tech businesses.The reason why I believe we can do this is because we start from a position of strength.Here are just a few of the reasons why, if you’re a start-up, investors or entrepreneurs, the UK really is the place to be to grow your tech business. #1 – In the last decade the UK has created 134 tech unicorns A tech unicorn is a privately held company with a valuation of over...

13 June, 2023

A programme of specialised support for aspiring and existing tech entrepreneurs. Who it’s for Startup and scaleup tech businesses across the UK What you can get Participants can access a range of services including:Growth programmes - Scaleup, Funding Readiness, Product Builder, Female Founders and Black Founders Sector-specific support via the Industry Bridge Programme - including agritech, care and healthtech Mentoring sessions Research and insights Events Online learning materials Tailored local supportAll support is fully funded by HM Government and delivered by Barclays Eagle Labs. APPLY HERE ...

04 May, 2023

The next evolution of 5G, future telecoms and a national mission to connect all communities.New plans and investment to boost digital connectivity and put the UK at the forefront of future telecoms technologies have been unveiled by Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan today (Tuesday 11 April) – unlocking growth, innovation and potential across the country.As part of the new Wireless Infrastructure Strategy, the Government has set out its ambitions to blanket the country with the fastest, most reliable wireless coverage available – with an ambition for all populated areas to be covered by ‘standalone’ 5G (what some companies call 5G-plus) by...

11 April, 2023

Government funding package awarded to organisation to boost regional growth of tech start-ups and scale-ups.Barclays Eagle Labs has been awarded a new grant to boost small and scaling tech businesses in all corners of the UK.Estimates suggest strengthening regional tech industries could grow the UK’s digital sector by an additional £41.5 billion by 2025 and create 678,000 jobs.The £12.09 million Digital Growth Grant builds on more than £42.2 million invested by the government to support tech start-ups and scale-ups since 2016.Combined investment from Eagle Labs and the government will increase support for the tech sector so more than 22,000 businesses...

20 January, 2023

Ways of how digital technology can help transform the lives of vulnerable people have been showcased at an event.Bridging the Digital Divide demonstrated how tech – including virtual reality – can create solutions for identified issues, resulting in positive outcomes for people.Support Northamptonshire in partnership with Café Track, VR Therapies, The University of Northampton and Digital Northants hosted the event.Talks included:Support Northamptonshire showed how digital technology can enable collaborative case management and wellbeing outcomes for vulnerable people. Café Track discussed how they are using digital technology to help create employment opportunities for autistic people. VR Therapies demonstrated how virtual...

04 December, 2022