Digital and Technologies

The UK has one of the most dynamic and innovative technology ecosystems in the world — and this government is backing it to go further.

New technologies are transforming our economy and society, opening enormous new opportunities for growth. The UK's world-renowned science base, deep talent pool, and track record of innovation give us a head start.

The Digital and Technologies Sector Plan sets out how government and industry will work together to prioritise six frontier technologies with the greatest growth potential:

  • Advanced connectivity technologies
  • AI
  • Cyber security
  • Engineering biology
  • Quantum technologies
  • Semiconductors

By 2035, our ambition is for the UK to be one of the top three places in the world to create, invest in and scale a fast-growing technology business, and to secure the UK's first trillion-dollar technology company.

What this means in practice:

  • AI Growth Zones are live; a government-backed site combining streamlined planning, priority grid access, and the infrastructure needed for large-scale AI compute.
  • In North Lanarkshire, an £8.2 billion investment by DataVita and CoreWeave will support more than 3,400 high-value jobs and deliver a purpose-built AI innovation park — with Scotland's green electricity grid ensuring these are among the cleanest data centres in the UK.
  • In Cambridge, IonQ and the University of Cambridge have launched the University's largest-ever corporate research partnership, installing a 256-qubit quantum computer to accelerate research, skills and commercialisation. A £36 million government investment is making Cambridge's supercomputer six times more powerful, supporting 350 projects including AI tools for personalised cancer vaccine development.

These are not one-off decisions. They are part of a long-term plan - giving technology businesses the confidence to invest, hire and grow.

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Sector Plan

The Digital and Technologies Sector Plan sets out the joined-up decisions government is making on R&D investment, frontier technologies, skills, regulation and growth finance — giving technology businesses the stability they need to make long-term decisions.

Sector Planopens assets.publishing.service.gov.uk in a new tab
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A targeted mix of support for the sector

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Investment support

For high-growth technology firms through a £4 billion Industrial Strategy Growth Capital programme - helping businesses start, scale and secure private investment.

British Business Bankopens www.british-business-bank.co.uk in a new tab
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AI Growth Zones

Sites combining streamlined planning, priority grid access and the infrastructure needed for large-scale AI investment. The programme will generate £28.2 billion in investment and create more than 15,000 jobs.

Find out moreopens www.gov.uk in a new tab
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Innovate UK

Funding competitions and innovation partnerships to support technology firms from early-stage research through to commercial scale-up, with a particular focus on frontier technologies.

Visit Innovate UKopens www.ukri.org in a new tab
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UK Export Finance (UKEF)

Helping UK technology businesses compete and win in global markets, supporting exporters to seize large-scale international opportunities.

Discover moreopens www.ukexportfinance.gov.uk in a new tab

Support to grow your business:

Access a broad package of support designed to help businesses scale more quickly, at lower cost, and with greater ease, including

  • • Step-by-step guidance through the practical steps to scale your business
  • • Overview of funding, grants and financial incentives available
  • • Information on events and networks relevant to the business sector and industry

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