techUK’s Market Access Brief: International Opportunities for tech companies
See upcoming events, opportunities, news, and updates from techUK's International Trade Programme…
Welcome to the latest Market Access Brief insight. This is a new fortnightly insight which focuses on the events, opportunities, trade missions, as well as wider updates that we have within the techUK International programme and from our members and stakeholders.
Thank you to everyone that sent in their Campaign Week submissions. If you missed it, our Campaign Week titled Shifting Currents: Tech Trade & Security, took place on the 7-11 July. You can read about it here.
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Separately, we wanted to note that if you are a techUK member, you are entitled to advertising events, updates, and opportunities to our wider network of members, prospects, and stakeholders, through this newsletter. To do this, please email tess.newton@techuk.org.
techUK Events, Opportunities and Trade Missions:
techUK’s Funding Focus: Horizon Europe event; 25 September
Join techUK and Innovate UK UKRI as we explore what Horizon Europe is and how UK organisations can take part in its 2026/27 Work Programme. Horizon Europe is the current EU €95 billion research and innovation Framework Programme for 2021 to 2027. The Programme funds scientific excellence, research and development in all areas of research and innovation, as well as key sectors and technologies, supporting international collaborations to address global challenges in areas such as net zero, energy, health, agriculture, digital technologies, space and transport. Horizon Europe is an opportunity open to all types of organisations.
techUK’s first-ever Delegation to Ottawa, Canada; 27 – 30 October
techUK is pleased to announce the members-only first-ever trade and policy delegation to Ottawa, Canada from 27 to 30 October 2025, offering members a valuable opportunity to engage directly with the Canadian Government, explore commercial opportunities, and build relationships with Canadian companies and stakeholders. Find out more here.
techUK’s first ever Delegation to the Gulf: Dubai & Riyadh; 13 – 16 October
techUK are organising a member-only business and innovation-focused delegation to the Gulf from 13–16 October, with a packed agenda spanning Dubai and Riyadh. This is an opportunity to explore two of the region’s most dynamic markets, connect with leading industry figures, and learn about commercial opportunities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Find out more here.
External events, opportunities, and trade missions
Uk-Ukraine Tech Bridge Regional Roadshow;
The UK-Ukraine TechBridge are organising a UK Regional Roadshow in November 2025 to help Ukrainian and UK businesses explore business partnerships, products, services, and market opportunities, beyond London. The roadshow will include networking, matchmaking events and guest speakers. Please fill out this survey to express your interest and specify the sectors and opportunities you are interested in. If you wish to discuss this initiative, reach out to them here: TechBridge@businessandtrade.gov.uk.
How the Light Gets In: Festival of Ideas; 20-21 September
HowTheLightGetsIn returns to London on the 20th and 21st September! Each year, the festival brings together some of the world's most brilliant minds to rethink the greatest challenges of our time in search for a new vision for the future. Set on the beautiful grounds of Kenwood House, there is no better place to hear thought-provoking conversations with party leaders, Nobel Prize winners, pioneering philosophers, and renowned scientists as they puzzle over questions of AI, the climate, geopolitics and the biggest and smallest scientific questions. Awaken your curiosity and dive deeper into the world around you during a weekend dedicated to exploring ideas and celebrating art, science, technology, and politics. techUK members can receive a special 10% discount code by using the code TECHUK10.
Genval Forum II; 24 September (Brussels)
This year’s Genval Forum focuses on "Emerging technologies for European resilience" - an invite-only convening of decision-makers, industry, and EU allies around themes relevant to the EU's strategic focus on competitiveness, emerging technologies, resilience, and defence. The Genval Forum is part of our wider focus on convening and strengthening the Brussels/EU ecosystem around dual-use technologies. Find out more here.
UK Government UK-ASEAN AI Innovation Summit; 6-8 October (KL, Malaysia)
The UK-ASEAN AI Innovation Summit is a strategic platform for advancing shared priorities between the UK and ASEAN Member States. It builds upon previous engagements such as the UK-MY AI Conference 2023, UK AI Week in Thailand, and the AI for Sustainable Development in ASEAN (AISDA). The Summit is also aligned with the forthcoming ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) and the UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan (2024). There will be keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops for the Summit covering the following themes: Sustainable and secure AI infrastructure and cross-border compute access, Trusted data-sharing partnerships to support inclusive innovation, AI talent development and skills exchange, including pathways for women and non-traditional learners, Pro-innovation regulation and responsible AI governance, Public sector adoption and business innovation partnerships. If you would like to attend, please email Poorani.Krishnan@fcdo.gov.uk
Global Business Innovation Programme - Robotics & Automation in Manufacturing, Japan
Innovate UK is inviting ambitious innovative companies to participate in its Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP). Each GBIP aims to help UK businesses grow and scale on a global stage through building R&D and innovation collaborations and partnerships and accelerating access to the market. The programme consists of a Get ready preparation phase followed by a market visit to Japan, to include a 5-day tailored programme to connect with businesses, research organisations, and other key stakeholders, followed by an Exploit the opportunity workshop. Registration closes on 26 September 2025. Find out more and apply here.
Made in the UK, Sold to the World Roadshows; April - September (UK-wide)
Made in the UK, Sold to the World Roadshows are touring six UK regions in 2025: Northern England, Midlands, Wales, Southern England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Each roadshow event will be spotlighting a different sector. Open to all industries, these dynamic events are designed to boost your confidence in global trade and fast-track your export growth. Whether you're new to international markets or scaling up your global presence, if you have an export-ready product or service, these roadshows offer direct access to buyers, sector experts, and overseas market specialists. Each event features a flexible programme of seminars, commercial zones, and business support led by senior representatives from the Department for Business and Trade. Register your interest here today.
COMEX - Global Technology Show; 7 - 10 September (Oman)
COMEX – Global Technology Show showcases the trends & breakthrough technologies that impact the way people live, communicate, work & network in the 21st century. For 33 years COMEX, has been serving as a sourcing and networking hub for Oman technology market and continues to be one of the Gulf’s leading platforms for ICT procurement, new product launches and technology demonstrations. Join top ICT elites, innovators and entrepreneurs from the world in showcasing the most advanced and innovative ICT products, attracting more than 5,000 local and international trade visitors from Government and private sectors. Sign up here.
UK Launch Pad - SmartTech and AI UK Virtual Mission; 15 – 26 September
We invite international companies to apply for the UK Gateway: Pre GTM Accelerator, a virtual program designed to help growth-stage startups expand into the UK market. The Accelerator focuses on Smart Cities, Climate & Sustainability Tech, as well as Generative & Agentic AI and includes over 20 plus expert sessions hosted by London & Partners, KPMG, PwC, Lenovo, Intel, Govt investment and more. The program will provide you will access to UK market insights, mentors, partners and prospects alongside insights to help shape and refine UK-GTM strategy, and tailored support to fast-track your UK entry. Find out more and apply here.
International Cyber Expo; 30 September - 1 October (London)
Whether you're a seasoned cybersecurity supplier or a newcomer navigating the digital maze, International Cyber Expo is your gateway to the latest security innovations, expert insights, and powerful business connections. Bursting with innovation, this two-day event offers immersive workshops, live demonstrations, and free content designed to keep you ahead of cyber threats. From hands-on experiences to expert-led discussions, International Cyber Expo is where the future of cybersecurity takes shape. Find out more and sign up here.
UK Delegation to India Mobile Congress; 6-11 October
The UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT), is organizing a UK Trade Mission to India, aligned with IMC 2025 from 6-11 October 2025. This initiative aims to foster partnerships, explore investment opportunities, and support UK businesses in navigating India’s rapidly evolving telecom and semiconductor ecosystem.
What to expect:
Attendance at the India Mobile Congress.
B2B Sessions with key telecom companies attending the event.
Engagement with the relevant state and central government departments.
Opportunity to showcase your solutions to the Indian telecom community.
Engagement with the wider UK government
To register, please click here. If you should have any further questions, please email RashmiPriyesh.fcdo.gov.uk.
Cyber Trade Mission to Singapore; 21-24 October
UK Defence and Security Exports (UKDSE), in association with the British High Commission in Singapore invites you to join a trade mission to introduce you to Singapore’s cyber ecosystem and identify potential commercial opportunities. The mission is organised to align with Singapore International Cyber Week and a British High Commission Flagship Cyber Event combining regional industry, academia and government. You will have the opportunity to connect with cyber security stakeholders around the region and promote your company. Sign up here.
UK Pavilion Webinar AICS Bahrain; 5 – 6 November
Are you a Cyber Company with your sights set on the Middle East? The Arab International Cybersecurity Conference & Exhibition- AICS, taking place between 5 – 6 November is the gateway to the Middle East. Join to hear from a range of speakers who will be discussing the opportunities, benefits and participation in the UK Pavilion at this year's AICS. Sign up to the webinar here.
Digital, Immersive & Retail tech mission to NRF 2026; 9 – 13 January
UK retail, digital commerce, immersive tech businesses will have the opportunity to join DBT’s trade mission to New York City and showcase on the UK Pavilion at NRF’s The Big Show. The mission is aimed at supporting UK companies providing retail tech, digital commerce, immersive tech, etc. looking for growth opportunities to the USA selling to stockists and suppliers in the retail ecosystem. Applications close on Friday 26 September. Find out more and sign up here.
UK–India AIxcelerate Programme 2025–26
Join the flagship UK–India AIxcelerate 2025–26 programme, a bilateral programme supported by the UK–India Centre for AI under the Technology Security Initiative across six critical sectors: Health, Engineering Biology, Climate, Energy, AgriTech, and FinTech. The programme will bring together leading innovators, researchers, startups, policy professionals, and governance experts from the UK and India to co-create responsible, inclusive, and high-impact AI solutions.
The initiative is designed as a three-stage journey:
Sandpit (September 2025, Hyderabad/Bangalore): Cross-border ideation & design workshops
Sprint (November 2025, Hyderabad/Bangalore): Prototype development & refinement
Showcase (February 2026, Delhi): Presentation of innovations at the AI Impact Summit 2026
To register interest, please click here.
Department of Business and Trade Market Access Survey
Announced earlier this year in the UK Trade Strategy, the Ricardo Fund will support unlocking opportunities worth billions of pounds for UK businesses, aiming to tackle complex regulatory issues, shape global standards, and remove obstacles for UK businesses selling abroad. The Department of Business and Trade are therefore looking to better understand better the current and future priorities for businesses across various sectors when it comes to market access. DBT are welcoming any thoughts and insights into existing trade barriers and market shaping opportunities companies are focused on through their market access survey, which you can find and fill out here.
UK Ukraine TechBridge Investment Accelerator
The UK-Ukraine Tech Bridge Investment Accelerator is a hybrid program that prepares Ukrainian startups for expansion into the UK market. It aims to equip the cohort with in-depth knowledge of the UK’s investment landscape, refined fundraising strategies, and expertise from influential UK-based VC funds with a focus on securing investment deals.
Government-backed Intralink Programme helps tech firms grow into APAC
Intralink’s Government-backed UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme provides support for UK firms to expand in 11 APAC markets: Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea. Intralink’s teams on the ground in APAC can identify participants’ business opportunities, provide market entry advice and help companies sell their products, forge partnerships and raise investment. They include skills workshops; in-market visits and trade missions; opportunities to pitch to APAC corporates looking to adopt and invest in UK tech; and 10-week ‘business development initiatives. Find out more and apply to participate in the programme here.
Updates and News from techUK Members & Stakeholders
Santander Spring 2025 Trade Barometer
Santander’s Trade Barometer is a twice-yearly survey of over 1,000 UK businesses with a minimum £1m turnover. Amid the rapidly evolving global trade landscape, the Barometer offers valuable, timely data to help government advise businesses wanting to trade internationally, as it covers business sentiment towards international trade and identifies regional and sectoral differences. Read the full results of the survey here.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation and the Lviv IT Cluster, present CodeUA, a national tech marketplace, enabling international businesses to connect, collaborate and partner with verified Ukrainian tech companies, strengthening global networks and fostering growth across borders, without financial risk. With over 2100 verified IT-companies, around 2000 startups and over 300,000 skilled professionals, the Ukrainian tech sector is a vital driver for the European tech market. Find out more here.
UK Accession to the CPTPP: Benefits, Opportunities, and Navigation Guide
On 15 December 2024, the UK officially became a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), marking a significant achievement as the first non-founding and first European county to join. techUK’s insight outlines the benefits and opportunities this membership provides for UK businesses seeking to strengthen their presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, the UK Government released guidance documents to help businesses navigate the agreement’s provisions. Read more here.
Innovate UK Horizon Europe Hub
Horizon Europe is the world’s largest research and innovation programme running from 2021 until 2027, providing over £80 billion in funding to address some of the greatest global challenges. It supports groundbreaking ideas across various fields, from curing diseases to safeguarding cultural heritage. Horizon Europe offers a unique chance for cross-border collaboration, expanding the UK’s research connections, access to funding, networks, and global talent. Check out the hub here.
Procurement opportunities;
Future Leaders Fellowships: Round 10, business and non-academic
International Science Partnership Fund (ISPF) Early Career Fellowships 2025/26
Funding competition: Canada-UK Semiconductors
If you would like to put events, opportunities, or updates in this newsletter insight, and you are a techUK member or stakeholder, please reach out to tess.newton@techuk.org or daniel.clarke@techuk.org
