Group Invites African Start-Up Companies In Technology To Submit Applications For UK’s Global Technology Awards

Start-up businesses in Africa that specialise in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, Connected & Automated Mobility (CAM) Technology, and Digital Trade Solutions are now eligible to apply for the Unicorn Pathfinder Awards (UKPA).

The winners will receive a specially designed programme that includes industry meetings, VIP events, and professional business growth support to help them scale up and grow their businesses in the UK.

Building on the success of the UK’s Tech Rocketship Awards and Global Entrepreneur Programme, it was first announced by the Business Secretary of the United Kingdom during London Tech Week in June 2023.

Through the Unicorn Kingdom: Pathfinder Awards, the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is searching the globe for the most promising tech start-up businesses.

UKPA will be the largest global awards programme for tech start-up companies ever established by the UK Department for Business and Trade, building on the success of the UK’s Tech Rocketship Awards.

Applying for a chance to get into the $1 trillion tech sector in the UK is open to start-ups in the AI, Cyber Security, Connected & Automated Mobility (CAM), and Digital Trade Solutions sectors with plans to expand internationally.

“These awards are a fantastic opportunity for tech scale-up companies to join the UK’s thriving $1 trillion tech sector,” said Dominic Johnson, the UK’s minister of investments.

“The awards are a part of our government-wide commitment to assist more businesses in growing and reaping the rewards of our highly qualified workforce and helpful regulatory framework. More unicorns live in the UK than in France and Germany put together, and the nation continues to be a haven for international tech companies.

 John Humphrey, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, stated: “As the world turns its attention to African know-how and innovation, the African startup landscape is now front and centre.” Young companies are revolutionising the game by offering creative solutions to African and global problems, while also generating jobs and empowering their communities. These innovative businesses are emerging from thriving tech hubs spread throughout the continent from North to South and East to West.

“The launch of the Unicorn Kingdom: Pathfinder Awards across Africa is an exciting journey of growth and success, providing tech start-ups from this vibrant continent with a global platform to showcase their innovation and potential, while also creating exciting opportunities for the UK’s already vibrant tech ecosystem.”

The UK has a wealth of opportunities, a workforce with a high level of skill, a just regulatory framework, and a friendly business environment.

The winners will receive a specially designed programme in the UK that includes invitations to VIP events and receptions, meetings with top industry and government sector experts, and professional assistance from DBT’s Global Entrepreneur Programme, which helps ambitious businesses expand and grow from a UK global headquarters. To hasten its expansion, DBT will also conduct promotional events that will provide them visibility and acknowledgement.