The UK government has launched a £1 million programme aimed at supporting tech entrepreneurs outside London to grow their businesses and stimulate innovation across regional areas. This initiative is designed to strengthen local economies by targeting regions such as Scotland, the North East, Humber and East, and South Yorkshire, thereby promoting tech sector growth beyond the capital.
The programme will provide targeted support including mentoring, improved access to funding, and skills development for early-stage digital startups and tech clusters. It aligns with the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change and aims to drive broader economic prosperity throughout the UK.
Named the Regional Tech Booster, the initiative is spearheaded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). It seeks to reduce the disparity between London’s tech dominance and emerging regional tech ecosystems by tackling common barriers such as limited financial access and lack of support infrastructure.
Support will be delivered through customized initiatives such as founder mentoring, investment promotion events, and workshops that foster knowledge-sharing among regional tech communities. The programme complements ongoing government efforts like Project Gigabit, the Local Innovation Partnership Fund, AI Growth Zones, and digital skills training.
To ensure long-term impact, the UK Tech Cluster Group will oversee the programme’s implementation in partnership with industry, academia, and local tech leaders. They will work to ensure the benefits extend beyond the initial funding period. Further details on how regional tech clusters can apply will be released later in the year.
