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TechLocal: Connecting Local Talent to Local Tech Jobs

Description

This competition, delivered by Innovate UK (part of UK Research and Innovation) in partnership with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), aims to invest in local initiatives that support the development of tech sector careers and growth opportunities in the UK. The funding seeks projects that address barriers preventing local talent from entering entry‑level roles in frontier technology fields.

Funding amount

  • Total funding available: up to £7.6 million (grant).
  • Per project: eligible grant funding request must be between £100,000 and £225,000.

Submission deadlines

  • Competition opens: Wednesday 4 February 2026.
  • Online briefing event: 10 February 2026 (register to attend)
  • Competition closes: Wednesday 18 March 2026 at 11:00am UK time.
  • Applicants notified: 27 April 2026.
  • Earliest project start: 1 July 2026.
  • Latest end date: 31 March 2027.

Submission conditions

  • Applications must be submitted via the Innovation Funding Service and meet all eligibility and scope requirements.
  • Projects must demonstrate their ability to deliver measurable impact within the selected local geography and frontier technology area(s).
  • All project work must be carried out in the UK and the results exploited from the UK.
  • Projects must start only after the Grant Offer Letter has been issued and adhere to Innovation Funding Service guidance.
  • Lead organisations must justify involvement of overseas subcontractors if relevant in the proposal.

Eligible types of organisations

Lead organisations must be UK registered and can include:

  • UK businesses of any size
  • Research and technology organisations (RTOs)
  • Academic institutions
  • Charities and not‑for‑profit organisations
  • Public sector organisations

Local authorities cannot lead projects but may collaborate. Collaborating organisations can be UK registered partners invited into the application. Non‑funded partners (including EU or non‑UK entities) may contribute and carry out work from their home country.

Expected Outcome

Funded projects should deliver local initiatives that:

  • Increase the number of individuals entering entry‑level tech roles.
  • Help SMEs in their local areas to grow by improving access to a skilled workforce.
  • Demonstrate measurable impact towards the programme’s target of 1,000 new tech jobs across supported geographic areas.
  • Show evidence of sustainability and scalability beyond project funding.

Scope

Projects should:

  • Focus on creating impactful interventions that enable local talent to access entry‑level tech jobs.
  • Be delivered in specified geographic areas across the UK, addressing local needs or leveraging local strengths.
  • Show clear contributions to helping SMEs adopt frontier technologies through a skilled workforce.
  • Align with national and local economic and skills strategies (e.g., Jobcentre initiatives, Growth and Skills Levy, Local Skills Improvement Plans).
  • Address one or more of six identified frontier technology areas: artificial intelligence, cyber security, engineering biology, semiconductors, advanced connectivity technologies, and quantum technologies.

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