The UK government has unveiled the Regional Tech Booster, a £1 million funding programme aimed at accelerating tech innovation and economic growth across regions outside London—including Scotland, the North East, Humber & East, and South Yorkshire.Designed under the Plan for Change, this initiative seeks to narrow the gap between the capital and emerging tech ecosystems throughout the UK.
Empowering Regional Tech through Tailored Support
The programme offers targeted tools for early-stage digital startups and tech clusters:
- Mentorship, matching experienced founders with regional tech entrepreneurs.
- Improved access to funding, including investor connection events.
- Skills development workshops and best-practice sharing across diverse tech communities.
The objective: create environments where tech startups can thrive locally and contribute meaningfully to regional economies.
Championing Regional Innovation
Baroness Jones, Minister for Tech and Future Digital Economy, affirmed the scope of the project:
“Tech innovation doesn’t stop at the M25— we’re choosing to invest in the talent and ideas flourishing across the UK. … By supporting regional tech entrepreneurs, we’re creating the conditions for innovation and prosperity to flourish.”
Reflecting regional tech leaders’ enthusiasm, Katie Gallagher, Chair of the UK Tech Cluster Group and MD of Manchester Digital, said:
“The UK’s nations and regions are home to a diverse and growing network of tech ecosystems. … This programme will focus on collaboration, connecting clusters, sharing best practice, supporting founders … and creating a practical playbook for building strong, sustainable regional tech economies.”
Strategic Fit within a Broader Tech Ecosystem
The Regional Tech Booster complements existing initiatives like Project Gigabit, AI Growth Zones, and digital skills programmes—collectively reinforcing regional tech infrastructure under the government’s industrial strategy
The UK Tech Cluster Group will lead delivery, working closely with academic institutions, industry leaders, and local stakeholders to ensure the programme creates sustainable, long-term impact.
Why the Tech Community Should Engage
- Decentralizing innovation: Encourages tech enterprises to flourish outside of oversaturated city hubs.
- Enhanced founder support: Tailored mentorship and funding access help level the playing field for regional startups.
- Blueprint for expansion: The development of a regional playbook offers a replicable model for growing tech ecosystems nationwide.
What Comes Next
Details on how tech founders and regional clusters can apply to the programme are expected later this year. Meanwhile, groundwork is underway to ensure structured and effective rollout.