The United Kingdom’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has urged startups from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and other parts of Africa to participate in its Unicorn Kingdom – Pathfinder Awards (UKPA).
It hopes to discover the most promising tech startup companies across the world through the platform.
Specifically, the UKPA, which is now open, is looking for companies specialising in artificial intelligence (AI), Connected and automated mobility (CAM) technology, cyber security and digital trade solutions from across Africa.
UK said winners will receive a tailor-made programme to help scale up and grow their business in the UK, including industry meetings, VIP events and expert business growth support.
First announced by the UK’s Business Secretary at London Tech Week in June 2023, it builds on the success of the UK’s Tech Rocketship Awards and Global Entrepreneur Programme.
The UK DBT said it is on the hunt to unearth the most promising tech start-up companies across the world through the UKPA.
Building on the success of the UK’s Tech Rocketship Awards, UKPA will be the UK DBT’s largest global award for tech start-up companies ever.
According to the U.K., start-up companies with ambitions to grow globally in the AI, CAM technology, cyber security and digital trade solutions sectors are eligible to apply for a chance to pave their way into the UK’s thriving tech sector, valued at $1 trillion.
UK Investment Minister, Dominic Johnson, said: “These awards are a fantastic opportunity for tech scale-up companies to join the UK’s thriving $1 trillion tech sector.”
“The awards are part of our commitment across government to help more businesses scale up and benefit from our highly skilled workforce and supportive regulatory system. The UK already has more unicorns than France and Germany combined, and our country continues to be a place where tech businesses from across the world come to thrive.”
His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, John Humphrey, said: “The African startup landscape is now front and centre as the world focuses on African know-how and innovation. From bustling tech hubs across the continent from North to South and East to West, young businesses are changing the game by providing innovative solutions to African and global problems, while creating jobs and empowering their communities in the process.
“The launch of the Unicorn Kingdom: Pathfinder Awards across Africa, which offers tech start-ups from across this vibrant continent the opportunity to showcase their innovation and potential on a global scale, while opening up fascinating opportunities for the UK’s already vibrant tech ecosystem, is an exciting journey of growth and success.”
The UK said it offers endless opportunities, including a highly skilled workforce, fair regulatory system, and a welcoming business environment.
