Skills, Talent and Diversity updates
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Multiple routes in a career in deep tech innovation
The days of a technology career being mainly the domain of computer science and engineers have long gone, as technology increasingly touches upon almost every sector and the roles available vary significantly. Whether it’s the creative industries, defence and security, or energy and utilities, at Digital Catapult we focus on high-growth sectors and the market opportunities within them, that are increasingly adopting and developing deep tech innovations, equipping themselves for the future.
This means that a technology career is now more likely to build on transferrable skills such as communication, problem solving and sector expertise, and capabilities that go far beyond programming. It’s why there are now many different careers in technology, and just as many paths and opportunities to get there. Our priority is supporting diversity, depth and breadth of talent, with equity and inclusion at the heart of everything we do.
Last year, the UK’s technology sector was valued at £1 trillion, making it the largest tech sector in Europe and the third largest globally. It is also a key vehicle for economic growth, employing approximately 3 million people in the UK, reflecting the diversity of roles that sit across the sector. At Digital Catapult, we deliver research and innovation programmes that accelerate the practical application of deep tech innovation in industry, collaborating with a huge range of partners. By working across different sectors, and with companies at different stages of growth from startups, scaleups and large companies, the tangible impact of deep tech solutions is clear to see, particularly on the types of skills and capabilities needed to support businesses that embrace digital technologies.
Our quantum innovation programme for example is focused on translating emerging quantum technologies into practical, real-world business applications, and the Gridflex programme is delivering on the UK Government’s clean power mission. As a result, organisations within these sectors are rethinking the skills they require, with individuals who once operated in narrowly defined roles increasingly upskilling or retraining for positions that intersect with technology or become technology-enabled careers in their own right.
Digital Catapult is itself an example of how careers in technology span a diverse ecosystem of expertise that enables deep tech innovation to move from concept to commercial impact. Our staff have qualifications in many different disciplines and have worked in a huge variety of sectors. Alongside our innovation and technology consultants, our teams work directly with industry to scope challenges and design deployable solutions, while investment and finance, marketing and communications experts, policy analysts and regional specialists all play a vital role in translating innovation into sustainable growth. This breadth of capability underpins our place-based approach to innovation, ensuring that technology careers are not confined to a single geography but embedded across the UK.
At Digital Catapult, we also ensure there are diverse and accessible pathways into careers in technology. Through our internship and apprenticeship programmes, we provide experience that enables early-career talent to work on real-world innovation challenges alongside industry experts. We complement this with wider partnerships that broaden access to the sector, including collaborations with ScreenSkills to strengthen talent pipelines in media production, engagement with the Ada Lovelace Institute, and participation in the Industrial Cadets Programme in the North East delivered by the Engineering Development Trust. Together, these initiatives not only help people to secure their first role in technology related careers, but help ensure that careers in deep tech more broadly are open, inclusive and accessible.
By accelerating the practical application of deep tech innovation, Digital Catapult is supporting the innovation ecosystem to develop the markets of the future. From our international research foundations in Horizon Europe programmes like 6G leader to our Black Founders programme which addresses the disparity in funding secured for minority-ethnic founders in the UK, we will continue to support startups and scaleups and help our most exciting companies to become the giants and employers of the future.
If you are interested in learning more about our early careers' programmes you can find out more here.
About the campaign
techUK’s TechTogether campaign, taking place throughout March, is a collection of activities highlighting the UK’s technology sector pursuit to shape a more equitable future. In 2026 we are exploring: Inclusive AI, investing in diverse founders and entrepreneurs, the power of allyship and mentorship, and empowering young people.
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Authors
Jessica Rushworth
A policy and strategy specialist with 20 years’ experience, Jessica works with senior leaders in business, research, and government. She is experienced in policy-making, programme development and the interface between government, research and business. Having worked in the Civil Service for 15 years prior to joining Digital Catapult, Jessica’s previous roles in DCMS, BEIS and the Cabinet Office have given her a deep understanding of the importance of innovation and emerging technologies to the UK economy. She is Chief Partnerships Officer at Digital Catapult and leads the Strategy, Insights and Partnerships function. Jessica brings with her unique experience building capability for an RTO across multiple political tenures. Jessica works in collaboration with cross disciplinary teams to design and deliver Research, Development and Innovation interventions with economic impact, aligning applied R&D concepts to targeted government and societal priorities.
