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.
This week is the International Trade team’s annual Campaign Week. This year’s Campaign Week is titled Shifting Currents: Tech, Trade, and Security. Please read about it here.
In recent months we have made changes to the way we send emails. Please sign up to our mailing lists for India (here), Japan (here), China (here), APAC (here) to make sure you are still receiving emails for areas of focus that you are interested in.
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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 Delegation to the WTO Public Forum 2025; 17 – 18 September
techUK invites members to join our delegation to this year’s WTO Public Forum, taking place in Geneva on 17–18 September 2025. This year’s Forum comes at a crucial time for global digital trade. With the WTO’s next Ministerial Conference (MC14) scheduled for March 2026 in Cameroon, critical issues - including the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions - are on the table. The Forum will provide a unique opportunity to help shape the dialogue in the run-up to this pivotal moment. Find out more here.
techUK Delegation to Washington DC 2025; 23 – 25 September
techUK invites members to join our 2025 delegation to Washington DC, an opportunity to connect directly with senior US policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders shaping the future of technology and trade. Taking place against the backdrop of the recently signed UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal and ongoing discussions around digital trade, AI governance, and tech regulation, this visit provides valuable context and access for UK tech businesses and policy teams navigating the US landscape. Find out more here.
External events, opportunities, and trade missions
CII UK-India Annual Business Forum; 15 July
techUK and CII will be launching our latest report titled Securing the Future: Deepening UK-India Technology Security Collaboration at the CII’s UK-India Annual Business Forum on the 15 July. It will feature a presentation on the contents of the report, a short Q&A session, followed by networking.
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. Sector themes include clean energy in Blyth (24 April), life sciences in Oxford (16 July), advanced manufacturing in Birmingham (15 May), technology in Cardiff (13 June), creative and digital in Belfast (11 September), and financial services in Edinburgh (25 September). Register your interest here today.
Unlocking Alberta – Opportunities for UK Business; July
The webinar series will highlight Alberta’s strengths across sectors including clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and technology – all well as a general overview session on Alberta’s economy. Exploring Canada’s fastest-growing economic region and how businesses can benefit from the opportunities it presents. Find out more about all four webinars and sign up to them here.
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. This year, a special emphasis is being given this year to Oil & Gas, Transport & Logistics, Investments in ICT, Education, Healthcare, Banking & Finance, Tourism, Retail and Manufacturing. Sign up here.
UK Trade Mission: Taiwan & IAC Australia; 23 September - 3 October
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) invites UK-based companies to express their interest in a prospective joint trade mission to:
• Taipei, Taiwan, for the UK-Taiwan Space Trade Mission (23–26 September)
• Sydney, Australia, for the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) (29 September–3 October).
Deadline for applications is Monday, 30 June. For more information and how to sign up, please click 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.
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.
Runway to the Future 2025 Call4Startups - Rome Airport Innovation Challenges
Runway to the Future is ADR global program open to startups (and not only) from all around the world, aimed at scouting innovative solution to build the airport of the future. The Runway to the Future programme is actively looking for innovative solutions in priority areas such as:
Artificial Intelligence applications for AI Content Creation, Gen AI Automation and Digital Construction Management
Sustainable Solutions in the field of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), Circular Economy, Energy Tech and Sustainable Mobility
Passenger Experience with dedicated Digital Services, Passenger engagement, Smart Wayfinding and pricing intelligence
Asset Intelligence & Maintenance solutions through Internet of Things (IoT), Performance Optimization and Mixed Reality applications
Alongside dedicated business mentors, in one of the biggest airports in Europe, selected startups are rewarded €80,000, at the beginning of the programme and up to € 2 MLN for a full commercial rollout at the end of the programme. Additionally, all applying companies have the opportunity to be included in ADR supplier directory and be considered for future needs. Please find more information here, and apply 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. The services on offer are either free of charge or heavily subsidised by the UK Government. 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
The UK Government’s new trade strategy represents a critical evolution in how Britain understands and promotes its economy globally. For the first time, it explicitly centres digital services, transformative technologies, and innovation-led growth—a vision that closely reflects many of the core policy recommendations outlined in techUK’s “Enabling Growth and Resilience” report, especially under Pillar 3 (Accelerating Growth Through Trade) and Pillar 4 (Strengthening International Development and Cooperation). Read the full insight here.
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.
Intralink launches in India to help UK tech firms expand in world’s fastest growing major economy
International business development consultancy Intralink has expanded its global presence to India to help UK technology companies secure customers and partners in this rapidly-developing market, and to enable Indian businesses to grow overseas. With Intralink now operating from New Delhi and Mumbai, this is the latest step in the company’s plans to enable even more companies around the world to expand in international markets. Read more 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.
Singapore Digital Economy Agreement (DEA) Survey
DBT are conducting some research on how the Singapore Digital Economy Agreement has been working in practice for businesses. The outcome of this engagement will feed into government-to-government discussions with our counterparts in Singapore. The agreement committee meeting with Singapore is expected to take place this year. Their aim is to support this forum by gathering information and feedback from UK businesses regarding their experience with the agreement, particularly any issues or barriers that have encountered that’s within scope. If you have any experience (good or bad) of trading with Singapore please complete our survey 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.
Japan's Quantum sector - opportunities for UK companies
While Japan was at the forefront of quantum computing in the late 1990s, it has fallen behind in recent years and the Japanese government is now investing heavily to catch up. This is creating significant opportunities for UK firms specialising in quantum computing hardware, software and services to work with Japanese companies to bridge the gap between where quantum computing is today and real-world commercial applications. This report details these opportunities, recommends market entry strategies and covers different viable business models, all illustrated by high-value case studies and testimonials from in-market players. Click here to read the report.
Hiring in Asia – Skills workshop
Understanding how to manage your local talent is a crucial part of setting up shop in a new country and securing mid-to-long-term growth. In Asia, even experienced team builders often run into unexpected issues. Intralink invited experts in talent attraction and executive search from across Asia to advise you – talking Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Watch the skills workshop here.
Launch of Horizon Europe International Campaign Stakeholder Toolkit
At the start of 2024, the UK rejoined Horizon Europe. That means that Horizon Europe applicants can take their bids to the next level by utilising the UK's thriving R&D infrastructure. The UK Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) is encouraging the brightest thinkers with the biggest ideas from across Europe to partner with UK scientists, researchers and businesses through the world-leading Horizon Europe programme, as part of a new international campaign that launches today (Thursday 14th March). Further information can be found at the UK's Horizon Europe Hub, which includes a tool for searching for Horizon Europe partners.
eBook: Doing business in the UK
techUK member Hawksford are pleased to announce the launch of their new eBook, ‘Doing business in the UK’. This publication provides an overview of what you need to know when considering doing business in the UK, including the fundamentals of investing, from setting up a company in particular jurisdictions to successfully running a business. Click here to read.
Procurement opportunities;
The British Academy: International Interdisciplinary Research Projects 2026
Agri-tech and food technology, Mid and North Wales - CRD
Future Leaders Fellowships: Round 10, business and non-academic
International Science Partnership Fund (ISPF) Early Career Fellowships 2025/26
Funding competition: Canada-UK Semiconductors
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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
