techUK’s Market Access Brief: International Opportunities for tech companies
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.
Our flagship International Trade Conference is on the 3 March, please sign up below. Additionally, if you would like to submit content for our Trade Hub, please do so here.
Recently, 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 [email protected].
techUK members are invited to join an exclusive roundtable in partnership with the Embassy of Ukraine in the United Kingdom to mark the launch of techUK's new policy paper titled 'Next Steps for UK–Ukraine Cooperation in Tech, Trade and Defence'. Taking place on Friday 27 March, this discussion will bring together senior stakeholders from across government, industry, and the UK-Ukraine community to explore the paper’s key recommendations and the next steps for strengthening cooperation on technology, trade, and defence between the UK and Ukraine. For further details and to RSVP, please email [email protected].
Semiconductors are the essential foundation for AI, deep tech, and emerging technologies, yet their strategic value is often overlooked. This session will explore how the UK’s semiconductor ecosystem – from design to end-use – can break down silos, improve collaboration, and make a stronger case to government for long-term support. Keynotes, a fireside chat, and a panel will discuss the sector’s role across areas including AI, energy, defence, and advanced manufacturing, followed by networking. Click here to Sign up
techUK is undertaking targeted research to support the implementation of the UK Government’s trade strategy, with a focus on identifying technology sector priorities in Malaysia and Kenya.
We are keen to hear from members who have an existing presence, partnerships, or strategic interest in either market. Your insights will help shape our engagement and ensure that industry priorities are effectively represented.
If you would like to contribute or learn more, please get in touch with Sabina Ciofu at [email protected].
External events, opportunities, and trade missions
UK cybersecurity companies are invited to join the Philippine Cybersecurity Market Opportunities Webinar, hosted by George Freeman MP, UK Trade Envoy to the Philippines. Taking place on 20 March 2026 (08:30–10:00 GMT), this session will provide insights into the Philippines’ fastgrowing cybersecurity market, emerging opportunities, and how UK expertise can support the country’s digital resilience ambitions. To sign up, please click here.
The UK-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (UKSFTA), the UK-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement (UKSDEA), and the UK–Thailand Enhanced Trade Partnership (ETP) are providing a strategic foundation for modernising trade relationships between the UK, Singapore, and Thailand. This session will showcase how UK TradeTech solutions are delivering real-world impact across the UK-Thailand and UK-Singapore trade corridors. As part of an FCDO-commissioned programme, the webinar will highlight how UK digital trade solutions were tested with end-customers in Singapore and Thailand, the efficiency gains achieved, and what this means for future adoption and collaboration. To find out more and sign up, please click here.
The Business Year is proud to launch a pivotal new initiative to advance economic and investment ties between the United Kingdom and the Gulf Cooperation Council. This dual-format project combines a comprehensive special report with a high-level event designed to deepen strategic partnerships across both regions. With UK–GCC Free Trade Agreement negotiations advancing, this forum will bring together ministers, sovereign wealth fund leaders, CEOs, and financial institutions to explore collaboration in trade, investment, energy, technology, and sustainability. Find out more here.
PUBLIC is running a demonstrator project to support UK TradeTech SMEs working in the APAC region, to showcase how UK innovation in trade digitalisation is delivering real-world impact. They are reaching out to UK TradeTech SMEs who are keen to scale-up their footprint, capitalising on the UK's deepening trade relations within the APAC region and create new opportunities for innovative digital trade solutions. To find out more please email [email protected] or schedule a meeting with the team to discuss how you can get involved.
At Star for Life Ukraine, we meet children where they are – emotionally and physically – and help them grow again through a simple but powerful model. Through school-based tech ‘Labs’, structured learning courses in coding, English, & design as well as the ‘Girl in Tech’ project, they have already reached out 22,000 young students in war-affected zones. Whether you're a small team or a multinational company, we work with you to make your support meaningful, visible, and easy to communicate. Find out how you can get involved here.
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.
Updates and news from techUK members and stakeholders
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 here.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 [email protected] or [email protected]
Daniel Clarke
Senior Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Dan joined techUK as a Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade in March 2023.
Before techUK, Dan worked for data and consulting company GlobalData as an analyst of tech and geopolitics. He has also worked in public affairs, political polling, and has written freelance for the New Statesman and Investment Monitor.
Dan has a degree in MSc International Public Policy from University College London, and a BA Geography degree from the University of Sussex.
Outside of work, Dan is a big fan of football, cooking, going to see live music, and reading about international affairs.
techUK International Policy and Trade Programme activities
techUK supports members with their international trade plans and aspirations. We help members to understand market opportunities, tackle market access barriers, and build partnerships in their target market. Visit the programme page here.
techUK's first delegation to India
techUK’s international team was proud to lead our first-ever members delegation to India
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Sabina Ciofu is International Policy and Strategy Lead at techUK, where she heads the International Policy and Trade Programme. Based in Brussels, she shapes global tech policy, digital trade, and regulatory cooperation across the EU, US, Canada, Asia-Pacific, and the Gulf region. She drives strategy, advocacy, and market opportunities for UK tech companies worldwide, ensuring their voice is heard in international policy debates.
With nearly a decade of previous experience as a Policy Advisor in the European Parliament, Sabina brings deep expertise in tech regulation, trade policy, and EU–US relations. Her work focuses on navigating and influencing the global digital economy to deliver real impact for members.
A passionate community-builder, Sabina co-founded Young Professionals in Digital Policy (800+ members) and now runs Old Professionals in Digital Policy (more experience, better wine, earlier nights). She is also the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club, a network of 500+ women supporting each other with kindness.
She holds advisory roles with the UCL European Institute, Café Transatlantique (a network of women in transatlantic tech policy), and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club for women.
Recognised by ComputerWeekly as one of the most influential women in UK tech, Sabina is also a sought-after public speaker on tech, trade and diversity.
Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.
Senior Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Daniel Clarke
Senior Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Dan joined techUK as a Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade in March 2023.
Before techUK, Dan worked for data and consulting company GlobalData as an analyst of tech and geopolitics. He has also worked in public affairs, political polling, and has written freelance for the New Statesman and Investment Monitor.
Dan has a degree in MSc International Public Policy from University College London, and a BA Geography degree from the University of Sussex.
Outside of work, Dan is a big fan of football, cooking, going to see live music, and reading about international affairs.
Theo joined techUK in 2024 as EU Policy Manager. Based in Brussels, he works on our EU policy and engagement.
Theo is an experienced policy adviser who has helped connect EU and non-EU decision makers.
Prior to techUK, Theo worked at the EU delegation to Australia, the Israeli trade mission to the EU, and the City of London Corporation’s Brussels office. In his role, Theo ensures that techUK members are well-informed about EU policy, its origins, and its implications, while also facilitating valuable input to Brussels-based decision-makers.
Theo holds and LLM in International and European law, and an MA in European Studies, both from the University of Amsterdam.
Tess joined techUK as an Policy and Public Affairs Team Assistant in November of 2024. In this role, she supports areas such as administration, member communications and media content.
Before joining the Team, she gained experience working as an Intern in both campaign support for MPs and Councilors during the 2024 Local and General Election, and working for the Casimir Pulaski Foundation on defence and international secuirty. She has worked for multiple charities, on issues such as the climate crisis, educational inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). In 2023, Tess obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
Senior Policy Manager - International Policy and Trade, techUK
Dan joined techUK as a Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade in March 2023.
Before techUK, Dan worked for data and consulting company GlobalData as an analyst of tech and geopolitics. He has also worked in public affairs, political polling, and has written freelance for the New Statesman and Investment Monitor.
Dan has a degree in MSc International Public Policy from University College London, and a BA Geography degree from the University of Sussex.
Outside of work, Dan is a big fan of football, cooking, going to see live music, and reading about international affairs.
