The UK and Japan launch a Frontier Technology Partnership – What does it mean for the UK tech sector?
On 13–14 June 2026, Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed his Japanese counterpart, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, to Downing Street. Alongside a wider package of commercial and governmental agreements, the two leaders launched a new UK–Japan Frontier Technology Partnership (FTP).
The UK-Japan FTP brings together what the two governments describe as complementary strengths — the UK's software, research and innovation base and Japan's hardware and advanced manufacturing power — and aligns directly with the UK's Modern Industrial Strategy and Japan's Growth Strategy. It builds on an already deep relationship, including the Digital Partnership (2022), Semiconductor Partnership (2023), Economic Security and Industrial Strategy Partnerships (2025), Quantum Memorandum of Cooperation (2025) and Strategic Cyber Partnership (2026).
It is worth noting that the FTP is a political statement of intent rather than a legally binding treaty: it creates no binding obligations and operates within each country's existing legal frameworks. The detail will be worked out through the dialogues, councils and joint programmes it establishes.
What's in it for the tech sector?
Artificial Intelligence
AI sits at the centre of the partnership, framed around a shared ambition for both countries to be "AI makers, not just AI takers." The two governments committed to closer ties between their AI innovation ecosystems, joint research on AI for Science, and exploring formal pathways to link their respective AI semiconductor strengths, with a clear emphasis on supply-chain resilience. Cooperation between the UK AI Safety Institute and Japan's AISI will deepen through the International Network for Advanced AI Measurement, Evaluation and Science. A new high-level dialogue on AI will be established, and the UK is backing Japan's bid to host an AI Summit following Switzerland in 2027.
Quantum technologies
Building on the 2025 Quantum Memorandum of Cooperation, the two countries will connect their quantum computing capabilities and encourage businesses to export, invest and conduct R&D in each other's markets. Both governments committed to long-term collaboration on quantum–high-performance computing (HPC) integration, alongside practical work on testbeds, evaluation frameworks and system integration. A standout commercial outcome is UK firm & techUK member ORCA Computing's landmark export deal, one of the first times anywhere in the world that a tech firm has exported a quantum computer.
Semiconductors
For the first time, a formal partnership between the UK Semiconductor Centre and Rapidus, Japan's advanced manufacturing facility, will create a direct pathway for UK firms to manufacture cutting-edge chips. This is a significant step for the UK's chip design strengths, offering a route to leading-edge fabrication capacity that the UK does not have domestically.
Defence and dual-use technologies
The leaders confirmed their shared commitment to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and discussed launching its next phase. A new Defence Capability and Industrial Council will foster closer industrial cooperation and accelerate joint development of dual-use technologies such as drones and AI — opening access to Japanese investment for UK defence firms.
Space, connectivity and cyber
Through the UK–Japan Space Consultation, the partnership covers space security, sustainability and commercial development, with industry-led research opportunities under JAXA and the UK Space Agency. On connectivity, both countries will collaborate on secure 6G networks and work through the Global Coalition on Telecommunications to implement the 6G Security & Resilience Principles. Reinforcing the 2026 Strategic Cyber Partnership, they will also deepen cyber cooperation and strengthen the resilience of critical national infrastructure.
Civil nuclear, fusion and life sciences
The partnership commits both sides to collaboration on next-generation nuclear technologies, fusion energy, and robotics for safer decommissioning of complex nuclear sites — a strong opportunity area for UK robotics and advanced engineering firms. It also covers R&D in healthcare and drug discovery, alongside cooperation on research security to protect critical and emerging technologies while keeping international research collaboration open and trusted.
In summary
Taken together, the FTP represents a meaningful deepening of the UK–Japan technology relationship, combining a strategic policy framework with concrete early wins. For UK tech businesses, the most tangible near-term opportunities lie in the new semiconductor manufacturing pathway via Rapidus, the quantum export momentum demonstrated by ORCA, and expanded access to Japanese investment in defence and dual-use technologies.
techUK will continue to monitor how these commitments are operationalised and keep members informed of opportunities to engage. Separately, we will be doing a first ever techUK member delegation to Japan for CEATEC in October 2026. Further details on this will emerge soon.
If you would like to discuss any of these announcements, please contact [email protected].
Daniel Clarke
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.
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.
Exporting to America: what SMEs should know
Join techUK to hear from private and public sector experts on what you need to know about when exporting to the US.
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.
Archie Breare joined techUK in September 2022 as the Telecoms Programme intern, and moved into the Policy and Public Affairs team in February 2023.
Before starting at techUK, Archie was a student at the University of Cambridge, completing an undergraduate degree in History and a master's degree in Modern British History.
In his spare time, he likes to read, discuss current affairs, and to try and persuade himself to cycle more.
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.
At last month’s Police Digital Summit in the UK, a panel of police, tech specialists and criminal justice stakeholders discussed how technology could help to meet the challenges of rape and serious sexual offences, and violence against women and girls; techUK’s Georgie Henley, who chaired the panel, highlights some of the key points from the discussion, and the collaborative approaches that can ensure improved responses in the future.
Join over 650 senior leaders from across technology and government at techUK's Annual Dinner, featuring keynote speaker Kanishka Narayan MP, Minister for AI and Online Safety in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and after-dinner speaker Beth Rigby, British journalist.
