Mission Tech

Join the UK Tech Cluster Group for an afternoon focused on tackling challenges and driving innovation across the UK’s tech ecosystems. We’ll showcase the role of local clusters in unlocking growth, connect leaders from every nation and region, and formally launch the Regional Tech Booster programme.

Bringing together ecosystem leaders and local and combined authorities to explore how best to build and strengthen tech ecosystems, the event will feature keynote remarks from Baroness Maggie Jones, Minister for the Future Digital Economy and Online Safety.

Alongside panels and networking, there will be interactive roundtable sessions offering participants the chance to contribute ideas, test solutions, and strengthen the connections that power regional innovation.

Date: 01/10/2025

Time: 12:00-17:30

Location: No. 1 Circle Square, Symphony Park, Oxford Road

Registration link for tickets

AGENDA

Time	Segment	Session Topic	Who
13:00	Arrival
13:15	Opening remarks and launch of the Regional Tech Booster	UKTCG Chair and Baroness Jones, Minister for the Future Digital Economy and Online Safety
13:45	Catalysts for Change	A discussion with some of the winners of the Catalyst Pilot Programme to uncover the impact and innovation they are delivering in their ecosystems	Chair - David Dunn, CEO Sunderland Software City and Dynamo NE
14:30	BREAK
14:45	Investing in the Connectors	How does investing in regional tech ecosystems deliver long-term returns? This panel brings together leaders who track fast-moving sectors, deliver targeted skills programmes, support local innovation, and develop strong local tech markets showing why backing the connectors pays dividends for years to come.	Chair - Stuart Clarke, CEO, Leeds Digital and Leeds Digital Festival
15:30	Interactive roundtable discussions - all participants to select the topic of most relevance/interest to them	These five themed discussions are linked to the Industrial Strategy and key growth topics, each table will be facilitated by a UKTCG member and is an opportunity for participants to share insights, explore challenges, and shape practical actions for regional tech growth.
		Topic 1. Maximising Regional R&D Impact – Turning research into commercial outcomes and local market growth.	Facilitator - Tim Robinson, COO, Tech East
		Topic 2. Skills for Fast-Moving Sectors – Delivering agile training, careers advice, and talent pathways at pace.	Facilitator - Nigel Lambe, CEO, Sussex Innovation
		Topic 3. Innovation in Public Procurement – Using procurement to stimulate local tech growth and market creation.	Facilitator - Katie Gallagher, Managing Director, Manchester Digital
		Topic 4. Unlocking Regional Investment Corridors – Connecting local strengths to national and global capital flows.	Facilitator - Ben Shorrock, CEO, TechSpark
		Topic 5. Digital Adoption for Productivity – Helping SMEs integrate tech and AI to compete and grow.	Facilitator - Mark John, COO, Tramshed Tech
16:20	Closing remarks
16:30	Networking and drinks