Barclays Eagle Labs Fuels Tech Innovation Across The UK From Aberdeen To Cornwall

Barclays Eagle Labs announces the launch of the Ecosystem Partnership Programme, to provide a significant boost to tech startups. The programme will work with local business partners to foster innovation and drive economic growth, by providing early-stage entrepreneurs with the tools they need to grow within in the UK Tech sector.

The Ecosystem Partnership Programme will be delivered by Barclays Eagle Labs, which provides access to essential skills, academic resources and business support and funded by the Digital Growth Grant (DGG). Nine local organisations in regions across the UK have been selected to receive funding of up to £250K through the programme. The businesses selected will match the funding they receive pound for pound to put towards their programmes which are designed to nurture and accelerate the growth of tech and digital businesses in their respective regions.

Amanda Allan, Director of Barclays Eagle Labs, said: "We are delighted to support these projects aimed at assisting early-stage tech entrepreneurs across the UK. It’s crucial to bolster startups and scaleups, especially in sectors such as AI, climate tech, and digital innovation.

“Through the Ecosystem Partnership Programme, funded by the Digital Growth Grant, Barclays allocates funding to organisations deeply integrated into their national and regional ecosystems. These initiatives are poised to play a pivotal role in supporting startups and scaleups, which are integral to driving local economies forward.”

Barclays Eagle Labs has ringfenced £1.2m of the Digital Growth Grant in the second year of funding to support delivering activities in local ecosystems. This will be match-funded by the selected partners, meaning the Ecosystem Partnership Programme funding will help deliver £2.4m of equivalent value to the UK ecosystem.

The Ecosystem Partnership Programme offers a tailored suite of support services, including digital infrastructure, entrepreneurship training, and access to networking and funding opportunities. These initiatives reflect the unique strengths and specialisations of their respective regions, whether it’s supporting healthtech in Scotland, the creative industries in Wales or cyber security in the South West.

The programmes supported by the Digital Growth Grant include:

Bayspace St Ives

BetaDen Incubate

BCU Enterprise Limited

Cyber Cheltenham

Manchester Digital Ltd

Northern Reach

Opportunity North East

Sunderland Software City

Tramshed Tech

For more information on the Ecosystem Partnership Programme, please visit the Barclays Eagle Lab website at https://labs.uk.barclays/what-we-offer/our-programmes/ecosystem-partnership-programme/

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Notes

About the Ecosystem Partnership Programme

• The Digital Growth Grant funds the Ecosystem Partnership Programme which enables Eagle Labs to partner with local businesses to support early stage organisations in their area.

• The second round of funding under the Ecosystem Partnership Programmes set to be delivered by 31st March 2025.

About Barclays Our vision is to be the UK-centred leader in global finance. We are a diversified bank with comprehensive UK consumer, corporate and wealth and private banking franchises, a leading investment bank and a strong, specialist US consumer bank. Through these five divisions, we are working together for a better financial future for our customers, clients and communities. For further information about Barclays, please visit our website home.barclays

About Barclays Eagle Labs

Eagle labs are one of the UKs largest entrepreneurial networks, providing a wealth of support to startup and scaleup businesses, particularly those that are focused on technology and innovation. Businesses can be connected to mentors, specialists and a collaborative community designed to help them on their growth journey. Eagle Labs provide these services through physical spaces across the UK, virtual support and an online network. Since launching in 2015, Eagle Labs has supported over 13,000 businesses.