The Regional Tech Booster has helped spark a new wave of Tech for Good innovation across the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). Run by Allia and funded by the UK Government, this initiative is developing a more visible and connected Tech for Good cluster in Nottingham and the surrounding region.
The goal was simple – to build a visible, connected Tech for Good cluster, which includes EdTech, AgeTech and Low Carbon Tech. The region is already renowned for its healthtech legacy, but underserved when it comes to joined‑up tech community infrastructure and support for early-stage startups.
Allia Impact Ltd is a not‑for‑profit, mission‑driven company dedicated to growing businesses that deliver social and environmental impact. Allia runs free, high‑quality programmes that help more “good businesses” start, grow and scale, especially those led by under-represented founders including women, ethnic minorities, migrants and young people.
Regional challenges that were identified include a lack of tech sector communities and networks, as well as fractured and disjointed support programmes. On top of this, the EMCCA was only formally established in May 2024, so has not yet published its long-term business support programme strategy. Business support funding continues to be short-term and greatly reduced compared to former programmes. The Covid pandemic really impacted tech networks, due to the loss of income from event fees and sponsorship, as well the ongoing lockdown periods.
The Regional Tech Booster funding was used to design and deliver a full pathway of support for Tech for Good founders – from early idea to investment readiness. Activity included Allia’s Start Strong pre‑launch programme, the Solo to Scale growth programme and a Social Investment offer to help ventures prepare for investment. These were complemented by expert masterclasses, dynamic events, local network support and tech tours.
In March, which is also UK Tech Week, the Tech for Good Summit and showcase will bring founders, partners and investors into the same room to celebrate the initiative and its achievements.
Sheridan Chilvers, Ecosystem Engagement Lead at Allia who designed and led the initiative, said: “The EMCCA region has a really rich history of healthtech and medtech businesses, so we wanted to design a programme to help support the Tech For Good startup ecosystem around Nottingham.
“Previously, there was very little joined-up support out there for early-stage founders to support their growth and also connect them to the wider regional economy. This initiative has focused on creating a stronger longlasting network for founders and entrepreneurs to help support each other as well as connecting them to other partners.”
Partners for this initiative include: University of Nottingham Innovation Park; East Midlands Chamber of Commerce; East Midlands Combined Authority; City and County Local Authorities; Growth Hub and Invest in Nottingham.
The initiative focused on Tech for Good founders across Nottingham and the wider region, with a strong emphasis on inclusive entrepreneurship. It targeted underrepresented groups and impact‑led ventures within EdTech, AgeTech and Low Carbon Tech, as well as social enterprises and mission‑driven startups already trading.
Alongside direct programme participants, the project intentionally bolstered existing grassroots networks such as Built in Notts, Female Founders and BAME in Tech, and convened a new East Midlands Social Enterprise Network to connect leaders from Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.
Since October, Allia has delivered two core programmes (Start Strong and Solo to Scale), directly supporting 15 Tech for Good businesses and helping to re‑energise the regional ecosystem through regular community events and network building.
“Mesh Training is currently in a position to begin scaling due to the demand from the education sector to engage their students with technology. Having run the company myself for two years, I wanted to learn how to build a team, raise investment and protect our assets. Our biggest challenge at the moment is establishing what our next steps would be without impacting our existing services and reducing cashflow.
“This programme has provided us with a clear insight as to what our next steps should be to begin scaling our business and the core considerations that we need to make. The guest speakers and various workshops provided easy to understand, in-depth information that will support us to strengthen our business plan, raise investment and build a team.”
Priten Chauhan, Mesh Training Ltd
“When I embarked on this journey, I had absolutely no idea how to develop an app. My background is in healthcare, where I have progressed to become an advanced specialist. However, venturing into app development was completely new territory for me, and I found myself at a loss as to where to begin.
“During one of the programme sessions, I decided to be open about my lack of knowledge in this area. This honesty proved invaluable, as my peers provided me with excellent advice and support. By the second week of a three-week course, I had managed to write both the prototype and the basic code for the app.
Samantha Jeffries, Specialist Neurodiversity Assessments Ltd
“Participating in the Regional Tech Booster programme has been an incredibly valuable experience. The sessions helped deepen my understanding of the essential steps in launching and growing a tech startup. I especially appreciated the practical insights, supportive environment, and exposure to useful resources. This programme has definitely strengthened my confidence and direction as a tech founder.”
Sharzad Madjlesi , Unique Tech Solution
