Tech Nation is to relaunch at Birmingham Tech Week next month.
The growth platform for tech scaleups closed its doors in March after the government instead awarded the £12.1 million Digital Growth Grant to Barclays Eagle Labs in a shock move.
Founders Forum Group stepped in to acquire the brand, but not before several key staff departed for other roles supporting the tech industry.
Ahead of an official unveiling on Monday 16th October – where Carolyn Dawson OBE (pictured), CEO of Founders Forum Group, will give a keynote address at the Tech Leadership Breakfast, the official opening of Birmingham Tech Week – Tech Nation said it will relaunch a core selection of programmes and events.
These include its research & insights arm, which will “continue to produce data-driven reports on the tech ecosystem and equip scaleup founders with the industry knowledge they need to grow game-changing businesses”. The annual Tech Nation report crunched the stats on tech hubs around the UK.
Birmingham Tech Week ‘to harness power of the audience’s voice’
Tech Nation will also continue to process the Global Talent Visa for the Home Office for the time being. It said applicants can continue to apply as normal while the Home Office identifies a new endorsing body to take over.
“Our mission is to build a world in which all tech entrepreneurs have access to the knowledge and communities they need to succeed,” said Dawson.
“Tech Nation 2.0 will champion all kinds of tech founders, highlighting their needs and fighting for our incredible industry from seed stage to success story.”
FF Group co-founder & chair Brent Hoberman added: “By bringing back Tech Nation, we can act as a lighting rod to support the UK’s most exciting businesses and founders, bringing together a full spectrum of brilliant talent and growing a new generation of global powerhouse companies.
“At a time when cities and markets around the world are competing for the best and brightest, we will help the UK continue its momentum as the European magnet for technology entrepreneurs.”