To drive economic growth beyond the capital, the UK Government has announced a new £1 million investment into the Regional Tech Booster Programme to support tech entrepreneurs nationwide
The new Regional Tech Booster Programme, announced by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), will accelerate innovation in areas including Scotland, the North East, the Humber, East Yorkshire, and South Yorkshire.
Improving the tech landscape
London has consistently been recognised as Europe’s leading tech hub, but regional areas are increasingly showing their potential to contribute to the UK’s digital economy. The new Regional Tech Booster program is designed to bridge the gap between the capital and other regions by providing critical support to early-stage digital startups and tech clusters.
The Regional Tech Booster Programme will deliver mentoring, help businesses get access to funding, and support skills development. By addressing some of the most critical challenges faced by tech entrepreneurs outside of London, it looks to create a more balanced and inclusive tech ecosystem across the UK.
Personalised support for startups
A significant aspect of the Regional Tech Booster is its emphasis on practical, hands-on support. Startups and small tech firms in the selected regions will benefit from personalised mentoring, investment-focused events, and workshops designed to promote the sharing of best practices.
This personalised approach is expected to empower local founders, boost confidence among investors, and create stronger connections between regional tech communities. It’s not just about helping individual companies succeed; it’s about building the foundations for long-term, sustainable growth across regional tech clusters.
The overall economic strategy
The Regional Tech Booster Programme complements existing schemes such as Project Gigabit, the Local Innovation Partnership Fund, AI Growth Zones, and digital skills initiatives, while also contributing to the UK Government’s Plan for Change.
Together, these efforts show a strategic investment in regional innovation and productivity. By improving access to essential resources and knowledge, the government hopes to unlock the full potential of tech communities beyond the capital.
A national collaboration effort
The delivery of the Regional Tech Booster Programme will be led by the UK Tech Cluster Group (UKTCG), a national organisation representing regional tech ecosystems across the UK. With extensive local networks and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing tech firms, UKTCG is well-positioned to lead this initiative.
The group will work closely with industry leaders, academic institutions, and local governments to ensure the Regional Tech Booster Programme delivers a lasting impact. An essential element of this effort will be the creation of a “practical playbook”, a set of guidelines and insights that can help build strong, self-sustaining tech economies in different parts of the UK.
Minister for Tech and Future Digital Economy, Baroness Jones, said:
“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 next steps
Details on how regional tech clusters can apply to take part in the Regional Tech Booster Programme will be announced later this year. In the meantime, preparations are underway to ensure the initial rollout is effective and that support reaches those who need it most.
