A new government initiative to back tech entrepreneurs outside of London has launched, supported by £1m of funding.
The Regional Tech Booster Programme from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), aims to close the gap between the UK capital and the country’s other tech ecosystems.
The programme hopes to support tech clusters and new startups in regions including the North East, South Yorkshire and Scotland.
It will provide tailored support programmes for tech founders including mentoring, investment promotion events and workshops across regional tech communities.
“Tech innovation doesn’t stop at the M25 and we’re choosing to invest in the talent and ideas flourishing across the UK,” said Minister for Tech and Future Digital Economy, Baroness Jones.
“This 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’re creating the conditions for innovation and prosperity to flourish.”
The scheme is the latest in a series of policies aimed at boosting regional tech hubs, including AI Growth Zones, the Local Innovation Partnership Fund and Project Gigabit.
The programme will be run by the UK Tech Cluster Group (UKTCG), a network of regional tech organisations.
“The UK’s nations and regions are home to a diverse and growing network of tech ecosystems. They already make a vital contribution to the economy and with the right support, they can do even more,” said Katie Gallagher chair of the UKTCG and managing director of Manchester Digital
“With members from across the UK’s nations and regions, UKTCG is uniquely placed to deliver this work ensuring every part of the country benefits from the UK’s thriving tech sector.”
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