techUK's market access brief: international opportunities for technology companies
Welcome to the latest Market Access Brief. Every fortnight, we share events, opportunities, trade missions, and updates from our International Trade Programme that we have within the techUK International programme and from our members and stakeholders.
In particular, we are keen to spotlight our delegations to CEATEC in Tokyo from 13 - 16 October and to GITEX in Dubai from 7 - 11 December. We will soon be opening places for our delegation to SXSW in Austin, Texas, taking place 15–20 March 2027. If you are interested in attending, please contact Archie Breare in the meantime. All three will allow delegates to meet a variety of stakeholders including policymakers, investors and technology companies. You can find out more below.
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techUK events, opportunities and trade missions
Breakfast with UK and Turkish trade officials ahead of Enhanced FTA negotiations 28 September (London) - MEMBERS ONLY
We're hosting a working breakfast on the UK-Türkiye Enhanced FTA with the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST). The Enhanced FTA aims to expand the current UK-Turkey FTA to include services, digital trade and investment
You'll engage directly with the UK and Turkish negotiation teams at the highest level, to share practical experience of trading and operating in Turkey, and help shape the evidence available to negotiators before the negotiations
The breakfast will take place on Monday 28 September from 08:30–09:30. There is a virtual option for those unable to make it in person.
To express an interest or to find out more, please respond to archie.breare@techuk.org.
Roundtable and networking session with delegation of Taiwanese business and finance institutions 1 October (London) MEMBERS ONLY
We're hosting a roundtable event with a delegation of Taiwanese firms coming to the UK as part of our Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing with the Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association (CIECA).
You'll network with the delegation of Taiwanese officials and companies, to hear their plans for growth, and to meet those who can help you deepen your company’s presence in Taiwan. There is also the opportunity to pitch to the Taiwanese delegation on a first-come-first-served basis.
Attending companies on the Taiwanese side include CIECA, Walsin Lihwa, Winbro Group Technologies, (Quaser Machine Tools Inc.), Compal Electronics Inc., Everlight Chemical, Intumit Inc., Konsttech Ltd., NeoPower Technologies, Reipeng Technology, Dacheng Taiwan Law Office, ITRI UK Office, ASUStek Computer Inc., Taishin Securities Co., Ltd., Taiwan AI Cloud Inc. (TBD), Taiwan Trade Centre, London, The Central Bank of China, London Representative Office, Taiwan Financial Supervisory Commission, The Export-Import Bank, Representative Office in Prague.
This roundtable will include a delegation of Taiwanese companies, a small company presentation session, and a networking reception on the afternoon of 1 October. A full agenda will be confirmed nearer the day.
The event will take place from 15:00–17:00 on Thursday 1 October in London. If you would like to accept, please email archie.breare@techuk.org by Friday 25 September.
techUK Delegation to Switzerland; 28 September – 1 October (Zurich)
Our Financial Services Delegation to Zurich will strengthen UK–Swiss commercial and regulatory ties, create market access opportunities, and connect members with key Swiss institutions, companies, regulators, and policymakers. The delegation is designed for companies operating in Financial Services and Cloud, and is suitable for companies working in Artificial Intelligence; Digital Assets; or who wish to expand their operations into Switzerland. This delegation costs £250 for members and £500 for non-members to attend. Find out more and register your interest on our website.
techUK Delegation to Japan for CEATEC Tech Conference 2026; 13 – 16 October (Tokyo)
We're offering members and selected non-members the chance to join our delegation to Tokyo, Japan for the CEATEC tech conference as well as meetings with the Japanese Government and Japanese tech companies between 13th - 16th October 2026. While CEATEC is a free conference, techUK delegates will secure exclusive access to the first day (13th October), which is invite-only, and will include a reception with VIPs, government dignitaries, ambassadors, and exhibitor executives. Find out more and sign up for the CEATEC delegation.
Join the UK Pavilion at GITEX GLOBAL 2026 - Dubai; 7 – 11 December (Dubai)
We're partnering with the Department for Business and Trade and Tradefair to offer UK tech companies an exclusive opportunity to exhibit on the UK Pavilion at GITEX GLOBAL 2026 - the world's most prominent technology event - taking place in Dubai from 7–11 December. Securing a place on the Pavilion means joining techUK's delegation to GITEX Global, giving your company a prime platform to build commercial connections, understand regional market dynamics, and raise its profile in one of the world's fastest-growing digital economies. Find out more and express your in the GITEX delegate.
techUK Strasbourg Visit: Engaging with the European Parliament; 15 – 16 December (Strasbourg)
Join us for our December visit to Strasbourg. This delegation is an opportunity to engage directly with Members of the European Parliament and other key stakeholders shaping the EU's approach to technology and defence policy. Against the backdrop of the evolving UK-EU relationship, the agenda will offer strategic insight into the regulatory and political environment for tech and defence firms operating in the EU, and direct dialogue with MEPs on sector priorities and opportunities. Find out more and sign up for the Strasbourg visit.
External events, opportunities, and trade missions
Build specialist trade policy expertise with an online Diploma; September 2026 and January 2027
Tariffs, digital trade and geopolitics are reshaping the global trading system fast — are you or your team equipped to keep up? The Centre for Inclusive Trade Policy's Online Diploma in International Trade Policy is a flexible, part-time CPD qualification covering trade policy issues across economics, law and politics. Taught by leading academics and practitioners and comprising four modules, you can study flexibly with one module or the full diploma. Two intakes each year with the next modules starting 28 September 2026 or January 2027.
FinTech Forward; 6-8 October (Bahrain)
UK Fintech firms have been invited to attend FinTech Forward in Bahrain as part of a UK delegation.
Bahrain has established itself as a fintech hub in the Middle East and a gateway to the wider GCC market. FinTech First is hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board and is supported by Bahrain FinTech Bay. The FCDO is aiming to take a delegation of UK companies to Bahrain for FinTech First.
The programme for the delegation is as follows:
Monday 6 October
09:00 – 15:00 | Briefing sessions with Bahrain's fintech ecosystem, including the Bahrain EDB, Bahrain FinTech Bay, Central Bank of Bahrain, Tamkeen, BENEFIT and other key stakeholders
18:30 – 21:30 | VIP FinTech Forward networking reception
Tuesday 7 October
09:00 – 14:00 | FinTech Forward – Day 1
15:30 – 18:30 | Optional cultural tour of Muharraq (arranged by EDB)
19:00 – 21:00 | British Embassy networking reception (TBC)
Wednesday 8 October
09:00 – 14:00 | FinTech Forward – Day 2
16:00 onwards | Bahrain International Circuit (F1 track) tour (TBC)
Interested members should contact Yara Tawfeeq, Country Director for Business and Trade – Bahrain Yara.tawfeeq@fcdo.gov.uk
Wave by Vento; 7-9 October (Italy)
Wave by Vento returns to Turin from 7–9 October, bringing together founders, investors and corporates from across Europe. While the full agenda goes live in September, the macro-themes are confirmed: day one covers technology and culture alongside the state of the Italian tech ecosystem; day two moves from AI to physical AI, with a read on the wider European ecosystem; and day three looks at intelligence as a resource and the future of tech. techUK members can claim 15% off passes with the code TECHUK-WAVE15, which stacks on top of Wave's group rates (10% for 5+, 15% for 10+, 20% for 20+ passes). Early Bird pricing starts at €173 + VAT for a startup pass, rising to €375 general, €525 investor and €675 VIP.
BIST Mission to India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026; 7 – 10 October (New Delhi)
The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) is organising a trade delegation to India Mobile Congress (IMC) in New Delhi, 7-10 October. IMC is Asia's leading telecoms forum, bringing together industry, government, and academia. Participants get invitation-only access to India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026, direct meetings with senior Indian telco and corporate stakeholders, increased visibility with Indian multinationals, and networking with bodies like NASSCOM and Invest India, plus access to major players such as Infosys. BIST will offer dedicated support from UK trade teams in India, prioritising Advanced Communications and Technology (ACT) and Cyber sector companies interested in or already active in the Indian market. A separate Innovate UK-led Global Business Innovation Programme (GBIP) visit runs the week before. Register for the India Mobile Congress delegation.
2026 Export Control and Sanctions Symposium; 14 October, all day (London)
The Export Control and Sanctions Symposium is hosted by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST)
The programme will include:
a plenary session with a Keynote from Director of EC&S Rosemary Pratt
interactive workshops
opportunities to engage directly with government officials and network with businesses and other key stakeholders.
In addition to the opening Plenary, there are now four workshop choices delivered by the Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU), the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) and partner organisations, as well as joint sessions. The popular Knowledge Hub returns with an extended lunchtime session, providing direct access to representatives from across EC&S, wider government and trade associations who can answer your questions and offer practical guidance.
Tickets cost £396 per person. View the full agenda and sign up for the Export Control Symposium.
German British Business Summit 2026 15 October, all-day (London)
The German British Business Summit 2026 brings together senior decision-makers, policymakers and business leaders to discuss the future of UK-German trade, investment and cooperation. Through practical insights, high-level networking and focused discussion, the summit will explore how companies can navigate economic change, strengthen cross-border partnerships and identify new opportunities for growth. Find out more and register for the German British Business Summit.
AI Adopt Summit; 3 – 4 December, (Paris)
The Adopt AI Summit will take place on 3 and 4 December in Paris.
Adopt AI is a business summit. Its speakers and partners are the companies building, providing and adopting AI today across dedicated ecosystems: AI for Health, AI for Finance, AI for Industry, AI for Defence, AI for Retail, and more. Each ecosystem brings together the decision-makers and builders shaping its sector. Across two days, the Summit will gather 20,000 senior professionals, including 2,000 CEOs and 4,000 CXOs, alongside heads of state and government, including President Emmanuel Macron.
techUK members can use the discount code BF10-GB to get 10% off of tickets. These are limited and will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis
If your company wishes to go further with an exhibition booth, a speaking opportunity or a tailored learning expedition, sponsorship packages are available, including a 10% discount for companies participating for the first time through Business France. Please contact aude.defrancqueville@businessfrance.fr and amandine.lenouy@businessfrance.fr for further information.
Digital, Immersive & Retail tech mission to NRF 2027 - Expression of Interest; 9 -12 January 2027 (New York City)
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is delighted to announce a Digital, Immersive & Retail tech mission to New York City for the NRF Big Show 2027. UK retail, digital commerce, immersive technology companies will have the opportunity to join the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) trade mission to New York City, from 9th to 12th January 2027 and showcase on the UK Pavilion at NRF’s Big Show. This mission is aimed at supporting UK companies in the retail tech space seeking growth opportunities to the USA selling to stockists and suppliers in the retail ecosystem (including but not limited to solution innovators, AI startups, digital and immersive technology providers). Find out more and register for the NRF mission.
ISE Barcelona; 2-5 February 2027 (Barcelona)
Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) is the annual tech show for the audiovisual and systems integration industry. In 2026, ISE hosted over 1,751 exhibitors. Organisers are keen for attendees to attend Spark, a two-day creative industries event, and the Open Innovation Challenge. Find out more about ISE and Spark on the ISE website.
Updates and news from techUK members and stakeholders
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) is a £9.5 billion initiative from the Indian government to strengthen research, innovation, industry engagement and translational impact across academia, industry and government. The ANRF provides match funding for companies doing research in India.
Request for Expressions of Interest (EOIs): UK Trade Mission to NASPO Exchange 2027 Orlando, FL; 8-12 March 2027
The Department for Business, Science, Innovation and Trade (BIST) invites UK companies to apply to join a trade mission to the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) Exchange conference - the premier annual conference for US state, local, and education government procurement. With an estimated $1.5 - $2 trillion annual spend, comprising over 450,000 tenders, the US state, local, and education (SLED) procurement market represents one of the world's largest public procurement opportunities for UK exporters. Tech (e.g. Cybersecurity, Digital Infrastructure, Al, IT Consulting, Digital Services), Infrastructure (e.g. Utilities, Engineering) and Logistics.
Interested firms should email ExchangeDelegation@businessandtrade.gov.uk as soon as possible for more information. The final deadline for expression of interest is 25 September.
Exporting from the UK to Mexico: A market guide
Mexico has now ratified the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) meaning the UK will be able to access CPTPP provisions with Mexico from 22 June 2026. Mexico is the UK’s second largest trading partner in Latin America, with significant opportunities for UK businesses. CPTPP builds on the UK–Mexico Trade Continuity Agreement (TCA) by improving market access through reduced tariffs and greater services market access, while offering greater certainty through clear and modern digital trading rules, helping UK businesses operate and expand in the Mexican market with confidence. To support businesses in making the most of these new CPTPP opportunities, the Department for Business and Trade has published a range of guides on the Mexico market page.
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New platform live with opportunities for UK cyber companies in Ukraine
The Tallinn Mechanism has launched the TM Platform, a new portal providing information on cyber delivery opportunities and collaboration in support of Ukraine’s civilian cyber resilience. Cyber companies can register to access tenders and partnership opportunities, with a dedicated webinar available for the UK sector to outline how to engage. Find out more about the TM Platform.
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. Read the Japan quantum sector 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 on hiring in Asia.
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. Explore the Horizon Europe Hub.
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. Read the eBook on doing business in the UK.
Procurement opportunities
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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 Ammal Kamran.
