The Government wants the most innovative North East firms to spearhead a new campaign at the heart of Whitehall.

Science and Technology Secretary Michelle Donelan wants them to showcase their innovations at the entrance to the new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology HQ in London, as part of the Department’s plans to champion innovation.

She told BUSINESSiQ: “UK businesses, universities and research organisations are already world leaders in their fields, and nowhere is that truer than in the North East. As highlighted by the sci-tech companies based at the North East Technology Park, and the three Catapult centres in Sunderland, Blyth and Durham bridging the gap from R&D to market.

“To seize on the potential for science and technology to keep our nation secure, our people prosperous, and our planet healthy, it is essential we place this work at the very centre of what we do in Government – and hosting them in our new HQ demonstrates our commitment to working hand-in-hand with the sector while opening up one more avenue for collaboration.

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“These exhibitions will give us another opportunity to see first-hand how these technologies are improving the lives of everyone in the UK, and it will give those exhibiting a new platform to showcase their work, right in the heart of Government.”

The department is marking its six-month anniversary by also extending the invitation to other businesses and organisations from across the country to give their work prominence and visibility to Ministers, businesses, Government officials, and visiting investors.

Those selected to exhibit will be promoted across the Department’s social media channels as well as at internal events.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is the force behind the Prime Minister’s commitment to growing the economy, and to improving lives through new discoveries that advance the health and prosperity of society whilst protecting values both at home and abroad.

The Government has set out its aim to be a science and technology superpower by 2030, to meet this ambition it has identified five technologies:

  • Quantum
  • AI
  • Engineering Biology
  • Semiconductors
  • Future Telecoms.

Together with life sciences, space, and green technologies, these technologies have been identified as most critical to the UK in the coming decades.

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In the last six months, the Department has launched the Science and Technology Framework, backed by over £370 million to boost investment in innovation, and the AI Taskforce, backed by £100 million in government funding, to accelerate the UK’s generative AI sector.

Other highlights from the last six months include the 10-year National Quantum Strategy backed by £2.5 billion of public funding, and the International Technology Strategy.

The first exhibitions are expected to begin early in 2024.

Businesses and organisations who are interested can contact exhibit@dsit.gov.uk for more information.