UK government seeks tech start-up companies Globally
Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
The UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is on the hunt to unearth the most promising tech start-up companies across the world through the Unicorn Kingdom: Pathfinder Awards.
Start-up companies with ambitions to grow globally in the AI, Connected & Automated Mobility (CAM) Technology, Cyber Security and Digital Trade Solutions sectors are eligible to apply for a chance to pave their way into the UK’s thriving tech sector, valued at $1 trillion.
They’ll also receive exposure and recognition through promotional activities run by DBT to accelerate their growth.
The UK offers endless opportunities, including a highly skilled workforce, a fair regulatory system, and a welcoming business environment.
Speaking, the UK Investment Minister, Dominic Johnson, said that, building on the success of the UK’s Tech Rocketship Awards, UKPA will be the UK’s Department for Business and Trade’s largest global awards for tech start-up companies ever.
“These awards are a fantastic opportunity for tech scale-up companies to join the UK’s thriving $1 trillion tech sector. The awards are part of our commitment across government to help more businesses scale up and benefit from our highly skilled workforce and supportive regulatory system. The UK already has more unicorns than France and Germany combined, and our country continues to be a place where tech businesses from across the world come to thrive,” he said.
According to His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, John Humphrey, tech start-ups will create opportunities for growth and success.
“The African start-up landscape is now front and centre as the world focuses on African know-how and innovation. From bustling tech hubs across the continent from North to South and East to West, young businesses are changing the game by providing innovative solutions to African and global problems, while creating jobs and empowering their communities in the process.
“The launch of the Unicorn Kingdom: Pathfinder Awards across Africa, which offers tech start-ups from across this vibrant continent the opportunity to showcase their innovation and potential on a global scale, while opening up fascinating opportunities for the UK’s already vibrant tech ecosystem, is an exciting journey of growth and success.”
Winners of the Award will receive a tailor-made programme in the UK that includes meetings with leading industry and government sector specialists, invites to VIP events and receptions, and expert support from DBT’s Global Entrepreneur Programme, which supports ambitious businesses to scale and grow from a UK global headquarters.
