GRAFT

Prolific North is the leading news and events hub for the media, marketing and creative sectors in the North.Established in January 2012, Prolific North exists to celebrate, connect and inform the North’s creative and digital sectors. Every day, we share the latest news, insight and opinions. Our annual events programme includes acclaimed awards galas, informative thought leadership events, must-attend networking sessions and more.

Prolific North

GRAFT brings Northern tech founders, investors and leaders together to scale businesses, unlock funding and drive growth.

Sister - Renold Building

After an incredible first year establishing itself as a standout event for the Northern tech community, GRAFT returns even bigger for 2026.This is where CEOs, founders, investors and ecosystem leaders come together for a one-of-a-kind conference focused on scaling tech businesses, unlocking funding, and showcasing the innovations shaping the future. <h3>Why to Expect</h3>High-impact keynotes Hear from industry voices and global tech leaders sharing real insights - not theory.Meaningful networking Connect with founders, funders and policymakers driving the Northern tech economy. Colour-coded lanyards make meeting the right people effortless.Hands-on workshops Practical sessions built for startups and scaleups looking to refine their product, sharpen their strategy and accelerate growth. The roundtable topics include:<ul><li>Access to capital</li><li>Scaling leadership</li><li>The rollercoaster of achieving product-market fit</li><li>Moving the sales process beyond the Founder</li></ul> Why GRAFT mattersThe North is still an underpowered tech powerhouse. Despite London securing over 70% of UK tech investment, the North receives just 6% - but momentum is building. GRAFT will show you where the opportunities are and how to access them.Whether you're a startup gaining traction or a scaleup aiming for international expansion, GRAFT delivers real value you can take back into your business. Come with questions. Leave with clarity, momentum and new connections. Tickets are limited - secure yours early. Your lanyard will match the ticket type you select

Agenda

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Get ready because GRAFT 2026 is kicking off strong. This first session isn’t just a warm-up; it’s a reality check and a reset. We’ll be looking at where the Northern tech sector stands today, how it compares to global leaders, and what the next stage of growth could look like.

Expect honest insights, clear data and a focused look at what needs to happen next. It’s a chance to bring the industry together and push things forward because the North isn’t just gaining momentum, it’s ready to lead.

The GRAFT ethos & Welcome to GRAFT 2026!

Keynote - UrbanChain: The 1% journey

Scale-up founders. 30 minutes. Zero fluff. We’re talking IPOs with IntelliAM, cross-border expansion with Buymedia, and high-velocity growth with UrbanChain. If you want to know how the North’s top 1% build, pivot, and exit, this is the only seat you need to be in.

Panel  - Why Scale Here? IPOs, international moves, and Northern dominance

Facilitated conversations between founders & investors - no pitching, just real talk.

Speed Networking Break

Building a startup is rarely a straight line. Newcastle-based Polybox began with a vision for smarter analytics, but the real story lies in the pivots required to find true product-market fit. In this 10-minute lightning session, Rojin shares the unfiltered reality of taking on investment, the lessons learned from shifting direction under pressure, and what it actually takes to scale a data-driven startup in the North.

Lightning Talk - The Founder Perspective

What does "deployable capital" actually look like in 2026? A rapid-fire view from the other side of the table on valuations, term sheets, and what makes a Northern founder a "yes."

Lightning Talk -The Investor Perspective 

We’re splitting into 5 focused groups of no more than 15 people. No slides, no pitches, just a moderated, off-the-record conversation where you can trade "scars" and strategies with peers at your level. Chatham House Rules. You choose the table; you set the agenda.

The GRAFT Roundtables (Round 1)

Join us for a networking lunch, where founders and investors can connect and chat.

Lunch & Networking

Closing Remarks

Talks End

Your chance to hit the topic you missed in the first round. New peers, same unfiltered honesty.

The GRAFT Roundtables (Round 2)

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GRAFT

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