In the lead-up to UK Tech Week 2026, we’re shining a spotlight on the partners helping to shape and champion the UK’s tech ecosystem. Through this series, you’ll hear directly from our partners about who they are, what they’re planning for UK Tech Week, and why collaboration across the nation matters more than ever.
In this feature, we speak to Innovate Lancashire to learn more about their ‘Tracking Nature’s Fingerprints’ session in Lancaster, why they’re spotlighting Lancashire Digital Hub, and why showcasing Lancashire’s innovation strengths on a national stage matters during UKTW.
Innovate Lancashire is Lancashire’s innovation investment programme. Part of Lancashire County Council’s Business Growth Service, its mission is to accelerate innovation activity across the county, connect and develop Lancashire’s innovation assets and capabilities, and build Lancashire’s reputation for innovation regionally, nationally and globally.
This is delivered through a range of initiatives, including the Lancashire Digital Hub and the county’s annual LIFT Festival (Lancashire Innovation, Funding and Technology), all designed to strengthen Lancashire’s innovation ecosystem and support ambitious businesses to grow.
As part of UK Tech Week 2026, Innovate Lancashire is hosting ‘Tracking Nature’s Fingerprints’ at Fraser House in Lancaster on 19 March, from 12:30pm–1:00pm (no pre-booking required).
Lancaster University alumnus Dr Charlotte Smith will explore how disciplines such as biochemistry and geospatial data can work together to address environmental, commercial and political challenges. The session will look at how the ‘fingerprinting’ of trees is being used to help tackle global issues such as deforestation and illegal timber exports.
The event coincides with Fraser House running a free taster week for local startups and freelancers, meaning it’s set to welcome a mix of new and established faces from across Lancashire’s growing tech and innovation community.
Innovate Lancashire highlights the Lancashire Digital Hub (LDH), which plays a vital role in engaging tech and innovation communities at a grassroots level across the county.
Last year alone, the LDH team hosted 90 local events, engaging more than 300 businesses. They were also named Tech Hub of the Year by Prolific North, beating competition from across the North of England. Their work continues to strengthen connections and capability across Lancashire’s digital ecosystem.
Innovate Lancashire has supported UK Tech Week since its inception and sees it as a powerful platform to promote Lancashire’s innovation strengths locally and regionally, while showcasing the county’s capabilities on a national stage.
Being part of the UK Tech Week community also connects Innovate Lancashire with partners across the country who are working towards similar objectives, opening the door to meaningful collaboration and mutually beneficial projects that help drive innovation forward.
