Some UK regions are set to benefit from a new 拢1m government programme which aims to boost tech innovation and growth outside London.
Scotland, the North East, Humber & East and South Yorkshire are the focus of the investment which will provide mentoring, funding access and skills development for entrepreneurs.
The Regional Tech Booster programme, aimed at accelerating the growth of tech clusters and early-stage digital startups, will be run by the UK Tech Cluster Group, chaired by Manchester Digital managing director Katie Gallagher (pictured).
Its tailored support for tech founders will include mentoring, investment promotion events and workshops to share best practices across communities.
The initiative complements existing government support for regional development, including Project Gigabit, the Local Innovation Partnership Fund, AI Growth Zones, and digital skills programmes.聽
鈥淭he UK鈥檚 nations and regions are home to a diverse and growing network of tech ecosystems,鈥� said Gallagher. 鈥淭hey already make a vital contribution to the economy and with the right support, they can do even more.
鈥淲e鈥檙e pleased that DSIT (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) has selected the UK Tech Cluster Group to pilot a new approach. This programme will focus on collaboration, connecting clusters, sharing best practice, supporting founders and entrepreneurs and creating a practical playbook for building strong, sustainable regional tech economies.
鈥淲ith members from across the UK鈥檚 nations and regions, UKTCG is uniquely placed to deliver this work ensuring every part of the country benefits from the UK鈥檚 thriving tech sector.鈥�
Minister for Tech and Future Digital Economy, Baroness Jones said: 鈥淭ech innovation doesn鈥檛 stop at the M25 and we鈥檙e choosing to invest in the talent and ideas flourishing across the UK.
鈥淭his investment forms an important part of our Plan for Change to kickstart economic growth in every part of the UK. By supporting regional tech entrepreneurs, we鈥檙e creating the conditions for innovation and prosperity to flourish.鈥�