The Ipswich & Suffolk Tech Network
A Legacy of Community and Learning





Over the past decade, the Meetups who formed the Ipswich & Suffolk Tech Network (ISTN) has stood as a testament to what’s possible when passionate people come together with a shared purpose: to inspire, to educate, and to grow the region’s technology ecosystem.
Born out of a recognition that Suffolk and Ipswich needed a stronger bridge between education and industry, ISTN was formed by a coalition of local professionals, educators, and partners, supported by the New Anglia LEP in 2020. From the outset, our mission was clear, create an environment where skills, ideas, and opportunities could flourish.
We built proof of concept again and again.
The original board laid the foundations: forging partnerships with schools and universities, hosting events and meetups, and giving individuals the tools to advance their skills and careers. Through meetup groups—like Suffolk Developers, SIMS, and SYNC Ipswich—we created vibrant communities around shared interests, from ethical hacking and app development to career progression and innovation.
Our Career Talks offered practical support to students and early-career professionals. Industry leaders shared their expertise on CV writing, interviews, and getting a foothold in technology. These sessions reached hundreds of learners, demystifying what it takes to build a career in tech.
We asked our community for support and the offers came in.
We kept coming back.
While grassroots initiatives often struggle to sustain momentum, the community repeatedly proved its resilience. Many of the meetups that shaped our community were originally formed in and around the early 2010s, when Ipswich hosted a vibrant array of groups like IPRUG (Ipswich Ruby User Group), the 365 Project, local social Jellys, and even a dedicated developer conference. Over time, and especially during the pandemic, all of these efforts were consolidated into what became the Ipswich & Suffolk Tech Network, bringing together decades of grassroots activity under one shared umbrella.
Sadly, the loss of our vice-chair after the pandemic took the wind out of our sails. It was a difficult period that reminded us just how much this work depends on the dedication and energy of individuals who care deeply.
Now, we stand at the threshold of change again.
The Ipswich & Suffolk Tech Network is about to pass the baton. As the network is wound down in its current form, a new chapter begins with the creation of the Innovate Suffolk Talent Network. This new initiative will build on everything we’ve learned, carrying forward the same commitment to community, education, and collaboration.
To everyone who contributed—thank you.
You can see the people who helped behind the scenes here. Every event you attended, every talk you gave, every hour you volunteered, every conversation you sparked, it all mattered. You made this proof of concept real. You demonstrated that when people come together to learn and share, it always works.
A legacy, and a beginning.
ISTN’s story is one of perseverance and reinvention. It shows that an educational ecosystem isn’t built once—it’s built over and over, through collective effort, fresh ideas, and the courage to try again.
As we turn the page, we invite a new generation to pick up the torch, reimagine what comes next, and create opportunities that will inspire the community for years to come.
Together, we proved what’s possible. Now, it’s time for the next chapter.