TechLocal: Connecting local talent to local tech jobs
Innovate UK · United Kingdom
Grant funding for collaborative projects to enable local tech talent to secure entry level roles in frontier technology sectors. Part of the TechFirst programme.
Summary
Deadline
18 Mar 2026
Complexity
Medium
Time to apply
20-60 hours
Updated
9 Jun 2026
Grant funding for collaborative projects to enable local tech talent to secure entry level roles in frontier technology sectors. Part of the TechFirst programme.
Eligibility
Applicant types
Business, Public Sector, Charity Community
Business size
SME, Large
Industries
Frontier technology sectors: Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Engineering Biology, Semiconductors, Advanced Connectivity Technologies, Quantum.
Match funding
Required
Requirements
Lead must be a UK registered business, research and technology organisation, charity, not for profit or public sector organisation. Local authorities cannot lead but may collaborate. UK registered organisation eligible per TechLocal connecting local talent to local tech jobs competition. Projects must enable local talent into entry level tech jobs. Must demonstrate impact in specified geographi...
Eligible applicants
Lead must be a UK registered business, research and technology organisation, charity, not for profit or public sector organisation. Local authorities cannot lead but may collaborate.
Funding and scope
Benefit amount
£225,000
Total fund available
£7,600,000
Funding intensity
Industrial research funding: up to 70% for micro or small organisations; up to 60% for medium organisations; up to 50% for large organisations. Research organisations undertaking non-economic activity can receive up to 100% of eligible costs. Je-S registered institutions receive 80% FEC.
Payment type
Reimbursement (in arrears)
Eligible scope
Projects must enable local talent into entry level tech jobs. Must demonstrate impact in specified geographic areas. Must align with local economic growth plans and skills strategies. Must contribute to TechLocal target of 1,000 new tech jobs.
Eligible expenses
- Eligible project costs only. Must comply with Innovate UK project cost guidance. Academic institutions must upload Je-S form where applicable.
Ineligible costs
- Costs not eligible under Innovate UK IFS competition guidance.
Application and risks
Application platform
Innovation Funding Service
Competitiveness
Closed / Not accepting applications
Decision timeline
Applicants notified 27 April 2026.
Assessment process
Reviewed by three independent assessors. Portfolio approach applied.
Application sections
- Project details. Application questions. Finances.
Application components
Not specified
Required documents
Not specified
Appendices
- One appendix for approach. One appendix for team summary. Project plan or Gantt chart. Risk register.
Assessment criteria
Not specified
Decision risks
Portfolio approach may limit awards. Financial viability checks apply. Prior non-compliance with Innovate UK terms may affect funding.
Timeline and partners
Opening date
4 Feb 2026
Project duration
6 to 9 months
Project start
30 Jun 2026
Project end
30 Mar 2027
Co-funders
- Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Collaboration rules
- Collaboration only. Lead and at least one other organisation must apply for funding. No partner may account for more than 70% of total eligible costs.
Consortium requirements
- Partnerships between local employers and training providers as per competition rules.
Additional guidance
[{"label":"Application Limit","value":"A business, RTO, academic institution, charity, not for profit or public sector organisation can lead one application and collaborate in two more. If not leading, can collaborate in two. Local authorities can collaborate in any number but cannot lead."},{"label":"Research Category","value":"Industrial research"},{"label":"Subcontractors","value":"Allowed. Overseas subcontractors must be justified and evidence provided."},{"label":"Subsidy Scheme","value":"Awarded under the Research, Development and Innovation Streamlined Subsidy Scheme SC10780 under the Subsidy Control Act 2022. Classified as a Subsidy. Does not form part of Minimal Financial Assistance allowance."},{"label":"Sanctions Rule","value":"Funding will not be provided where it breaches UK sanctions."},{"label":"Animal Research Rule","value":"Projects involving animals must comply with UKRI animal welfare guidance. Additional information required if applicable."},{"label":"Interview Stage","value":"Not specified"},{"label":"Key Requirements","value":"Must demonstrate local networks. Must show measurable job creation. Must support frontier technologies. Must not include URLs in application answers. Must start on first of the month."},{"label":"Renewal Rules","value":"Previously submitted applications that reached assessment stage may be resubmitted once if not materially different."},{"label":"Important Notes","value":"Round 1 of potential four rounds. Projects must not start before Grant Offer Letter approval. Funding allocation may be adjusted."}]
Quick facts
- Status
- Closed
- Deadline
- 18 Mar 2026
- Funding amount
- £225,000
- Funding band
- Large (£5M+)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Payment type
- Reimbursement (in arrears)
- Audience
- Business, Public Sector, Charity Community, Mixed
- Industry
- Frontier technology sectors: Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Engineering Biology, Semiconductors, Advanced Connectivity Technologies, Quantum.
- Last updated
- 9 Jun 2026
- Published
- 27 Jan 2026