Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

From funding cancer treatments to cutting red tape for businesses, government is backing British science to create jobs, drive innovation, and transform lives.? ?? This #BSW2025, see how we're supporting STEM research and projects right across the UK ??

We’re investing to power the next generation of tech to strengthen connectivity, innovation and economic growth. Secretary of State Peter Kyle spoke techUK’s #TechPolicy2025 on how we’re working to get Britain better connected. ??￡23 million funding into future telecoms technologies ?? Research shows growth in cyber sector boosting our economy and creating jobs Read more: https://lnkd.in/eGbrgPAq

Quantum computing is driving us into the future, reducing costs and energy requirements. At techUK’s #TechPolicy2025 conference, Secretary of State Peter Kyle announced some exciting news for the quantum landscape. ?? A share of ￡12M funding for winners of Innovate UK’s Quantum Missions Pilot ?? SEEQC will install new prototype hardware at the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) to scale up quantum computing ?? Launch of the Quantum Regulatory Forum to look at quantum regulation challenges Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eGbrgPAq

The UK space sector has secured record-breaking levels of funding, turbocharging our Plan for Change. Since June 2022, UK space businesses like Airbus, Orbex and Open Cosmos, with the support of the UK Space Agency, have secured ￡844 million in contracts from the European Space Agency. In the last quarter of 2024 alone, the UK space sector secured European Space Agency contracts worth ￡80 million more than government contributions – a record for any member state. This investment supports 3,800 highly skilled jobs and funds cutting-edge innovation in space. It will also increase the competitiveness of the UK space sector, attracting further private investment and leading to benefits worth over ￡1 billion to the UK economy. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eM2m982T

Lord Willetts has been appointed as the new Chair of the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO), to lead the team in their mission to bring emerging tech to market quickly and safely to improve lives and drive growth.?? ? This comes alongside new funding for Round 2 of the Engineering Biology Sandbox Fund (swipe for graphic??). Opening in April, the Fund will help innovators understand and tackle regulatory barriers in developing cell-cultivated products, such as meat grown from animal cells in a lab environment. This will drive growth in sectors ranging from fuels and food to health and the environment, contributing to the government missions on economic growth, public health, and clean energy.

Women across the UK are breaking down barriers to innovation in science and technology.? ? Peter Kyle met with Sinead, Neringa and Diana at Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. in Wales to see how they've forged careers in the semiconductor industry, which is vital to developing the computer chips needed for new technology.?? ? Sinead Inson is a Senior Manufacturing Manager responsible for over 200 staff at Vishay Newport, which runs 24/7 every day of the year. She started as an operator at Vishay before significant progression to her leadership role today.?? ?? Neringa Markeviciute also started at Vishay as an operator and now leads the Test Group, managing 7 employees. She developed her skills through working on high-visibility and complex production processes. Her commitment to new techniques has made her a pioneer in her work. Puteri Nurdiana Ruslan brought ozone strip tools into production at Vishay and played an essential role in the facility’s manufacturing success. She graduated in 2022 and has now progressed from graduate to fully-fledged engineer. #InternationalWomensDay #WomeninSTEM

As Champion of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, Lord Vallance met local stakeholders to discuss how to boost investment in the UK’s priority high-growth sectors.? ?? During his visit, he:? - opened Cranfield University’s new ASTRA robotics space lab? - saw CH2i, which is the first large-scale hydrogen research hub? - rode on the UK's first self-driving shuttle bus in Milton Keynes?

As part of National Careers Week, Minister for AI and Digital Government Feryal Clark visited last year’s Cyber Explorers Cup winners in Northern Ireland at the The Royal Belfast Academical Institution ?? The Cyber Explorers cup is helping inspire the next generation of cyber security talent by encouraging 11 to 14 year olds to develop essential digital, computing and cyber security skills by competing in online missions and challenges. The school used their prize voucher for new computers and kit, enhancing their cyber and IT curriculum. Schools have just under three weeks left to apply for the next competition round and win up to ￡2k in tech vouchers ?? #NCW2025 Find out more and register: https://lnkd.in/dZT3stut

“The future is a very promising one.” UK based Quantexa are global leaders in helping companies use data and AI for Decision Intelligence, putting the power of analytics to work to help businesses and government agencies to make the right decisions. Following the completion of a $175 million investment round, the company has now been valued at $2.6 billion, giving them a double unicorn status. We spoke to CEO and founder Vishal Marria to find out how the AI Opportunities Action Plan is helping to make the UK a great place to grow an AI business ?? Read more about today’s Quantexa announcement: https://lnkd.in/dVGvchQB Find out more about the AI Opportunities Action Plan: https://lnkd.in/e-8hJWqj

Introducing the Science and Technology Network ?? This global network will enhance science diplomacy and increase collaboration on technologies like AI, quantum, and engineering biology that significantly improve our lives ? Lord Vallance gave a speech at the launch event at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to mark the occasion. Find out more ?? https://lnkd.in/e6i2fX7x