TechFirst LocalTechLocal is part of the government’s TechFirst initiative to improve skills across the UK’s digital sectors and help grow the economy. ThisTechLocal funds local partnerships that help people develop the skills needed for jobs inin fast-growing technology sectors, fast-growingand supports technology sectors, and supports employers to find the talent they need.need. 

TechFirst Local was launched on 28 January 2026 as part of the government’s announcement on improving AI skills.

The programme focuses on frontier technologies including: 

• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Cyber security
• Quantum computing
• Engineering biology
• Semiconductors
• Advanced connectivity technologies.  

TechLocal has 2two separate grant funding competitions, each with different aims, eligibility and requirements. 

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TechFirst:TechLocal: Connecting local talent to local tech jobs

Aim

To support at leastleast 1,000 1,000people into people into tech jobs across the UK by funding projects that connect skilled individuals with local employment opportunities - particularly in SMEs.. 

Projects must focus on helping people move intointo entry-level entry-level tech rolesroles (minimum (minimum 25 hours per week for at least 6six months).months). 

What the funding supports

Projects that: 

• Help newly trained individuals, career changers or returners move into tech jobsjobs 
• Support SMEs and local employers to recruit andand retain tech retain tech talenttalent 
• Offer activities such as work placements, apprenticeships, mentoring or employer-led onboardingapprenticeships, mentoring or employer-led onboarding
• Address local skills gaps and contribute to local economic strengthsstrengths  

Funding available 

• Total fund: up to £7.6 million 
• Grant size per project: £100,000 - £225,000
• Application rounds: 2026 (now closed), 2027, 2028

HowFind toout applymore at an online briefing

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TechLocal: AI Professional Degree and Traineeship Accelerator 

Aim 

To develop develop AI focused professional focused professional practice degree courses, graduate traineeships and work experience opportunities that provide industryindustry ready ready AI skills, aligned to local and strategic demand.demand. 

What the funding supports 

Projects that deliver: 

• New or updated Level 6 or Level 7 AI courses with integrated work-based learning 
• Graduate traineeships with industry mentorship 
• Internships, work placements or co-operative education opportunities with local employers 
• Strong partnerships between educators and employers  

Funding available 

• Total fund: up to £7.8 million over 4four years 
• Grant size per project: £100,000 - £300,000 

Find out more at an online briefing

ApplicationsFor formore information on this competitionAI havestrand nowof closed.TechLocal, Winningjoin projectsthe online briefing event for applications at 14:00 on Tuesday 10 February 2026:

Register to attend

Briefing slides will be announcedavailable shortly.to download from the ‘Supporting Information’ link after the event.

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Tech Local programme important dates

These dates apply to both the programmes described above.

• Publication date: 28 January 2026 
• Applications open: 4 February 2026 
• Applicant briefing sessions: 10 February 2026 (see above)
• Applications close: 18 March 2026 (11am UK time) 
• Applicants notified: 27 April 2026 
• Earliest project start date: 1 July 2026  

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How to apply 

Applications for both strands must be submitted through the Innovation Funding Service (IFS). Full guidance on scope, eligibility and assessment criteria is provided within the service. 

Apply for the local tech jobs grant scheme

TechLocal: Connecting Local Talent to Local Tech Jobs

Apply for the AI degrees and traineeship grant scheme

TechLocal: AI Professional Degrees and Traineeship Accelerator

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About TechFirst

TechFirst Local isTechLocal is part of of TechFirst, the government’s flagship £187 million tech skills programme opening pathwaysprogramme, designed to open pathways into the UK’s fast-growingthe fast-growing tech sector for people of all ages and backgrounds. It builds on the success of CyberFirst and aims to reach one million young people while supporting over 4,000 graduates, researchers and innovators across the UK. 

TechFirst is made up of four strands, each supporting people at different stages of the tech sector. Fortalent pipeline: 

• TechYouth – for young people aged 11 to 18, offering opportunities to develop tech and AI skills and explore future careers. 
• TechGrad – providing scholarships and support for university students studying key technology subjects. 
• TechExpert – funding and industry engagement for doctoral researchers in AI, cyber, quantum, semiconductors and other frontier tech fields.
• TechLocal – regional funding competitions that help connect skilled people to tech jobs and create new AI degrees and graduate traineeships  .

For more information, information, visit the TechFirst page.