As a founding member of the UK Tech Cluster Group, Sunderland Software City will be helping to deliver the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s regional Tech Booster programme, which is focused around building a stronger, more joined-up tech ecosystem that reflects the diversity and potential of every region across the UK.

This booster will deliver tailored support programme to address key challenges including entrepreneur support, access to finance, and skills development and aims to accelerate the growth of tech clusters and early-stage digital startups. What sets this programme apart is that it is locally delivered and nationally connected. It is designed with long-term sustainability in mind, not short-term fixes.

Over the next year, the Regional Tech Booster will:
• Support 10 regionally led pilot projects offering mentoring, funding access and business support to tech founders.
• Launch a regional investment initiative to improve capital flow and connect local investors with startups.
• Run ecosystem workshops to share best practice and strengthen collaboration across the UK’s tech communities.

Announcements including how and when to apply for the pilot projects are set to be revealed later this year. Read more here.

‍

David Dunn, CEO of Sunderland Software City, said:

“Sunderland Software City is a founding member of the UK Tech Cluster Group and working with DSIT on this work is a brilliant step in ensuring the needs of local ecosystems are met. Success on this is not just success for the North East but success for the whole of the UK’s tech sector. We’d love to see more brilliant companies such as Inflo, SoPost and Coatsink be established in the region.”

‍

Minister for Tech and Future Digital Economy, Baroness Jones said:

“Tech innovation doesn’t stop at the M25 and we’re choosing to invest in the talent and ideas flourishing across the UK. 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.”

‍

Katie Gallagher, chair of the UKTCG and managing director of Manchester Digital, said:

“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. We’re pleased that DSIT 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.”

“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.”

‍

About the UK Tech Cluster Group

The UK Tech Cluster Group works to support our regional digital ecosystems to thrive. Operating at the local grassroots and in national partnerships, the UK Tech Cluster Group ensures all people, businesses and places can feel the benefits of digital technology. We do this to support and grow the tech sector, build skills, accelerate growth, and unlock potential across the UK.  

If you would like to learn more about the UK Tech Cluster Group, you can check out our website here.

‍

Final Thoughts  

This programme is a strong vote of confidence in the power of local tech ecosystems to drive innovation and fuel economic growth. It recognises that regional strengths, when connected and supported, can unlock national impact.

You can read more about the Regional Tech Booster programme here. If you have any further questions, please get in touch with our team at: info@sunderlandsoftwarecity.com