Don't know of any specific channels, but the irc.freenode.net network has loads of tech/software channels. Some of it is developer or user support for FOSS so it can get pretty hardcore. You can always find something.
you may find a decent irc searching google e.g. [google]techie irc[/google], but, i found lug radio to be very informative (ages ago now, they have probably stopped it now, i'll check & get back to you)
Edit: lug radio (lug radio is not an irc, but, i was impressed, but please don't be offended by the strong language)