If you’re a tech entrepreneur, be it aspiring, scaling or late stage, we have a programme for you. See here...
Supporting climate tech founders
Empowering underrepresented tech founders
Growing late-stage ventures, to IPO and beyond
Powering the UK's most ambitious Series A startups
Championing disabled founders and entrepreneurs innovating around disability
Our previous Rising Stars competition has evolved into four distinct UK early-stage competitions, designed to spotlight the best emerging startups.
Where 10 ambitious EIS-eligible founders pitch to win an opportunity for investment that defines their next chapter
Where SEIS-eligible founders from across the UK compete for their share of £2M investment opportunity at a Grand Final in Manchester
Where transatlantic founders aged under 26 compete for up to £500k in investment
Where exceptional founders from around the world pitch to win the backing, spotlight, and momentum that shapes what comes next
Your entry to Europe’s innovation powerhouse
Discover the steps to apply and begin your journey
Premium account management for companies launching in the UK
Commission a high-impact experience for your cohort of early-stage startups
Connecting the world’s brightest minds to UK AI opportunities
Connecting the world’s brightest minds to UK Quantum opportunities
Our inaugural list of the UK’s most promising early-stage tech companies, spotlighting the founders, regions and ideas shaping the next generation of breakout success.
Which early-stage companies will define the next chapter of UK tech?
The Tech Nation Breakout 50, published in partnership with Cooper Parry, is our 2026 spotlight on the founders building at the front edge of the UK’s startup ecosystem. Our report highlights 50 trailblazing companies competing in our two national pitch competitions, NextWave and OnetoWin, designed to identify and support the country’s most promising SEIS and EIS-stage startups.
This list is a lens into where early-stage innovation is emerging across the UK, which sectors are gaining momentum, and how founders are responding to some of the most urgent challenges facing businesses, consumers and society. From AI and robotics to climate, fintech, health, infrastructure and the future of work, the companies featured demonstrate the breadth of technical talent and commercial ambition being built across the country.
The Breakout 50 also shows regional insights into the UK’s tech ecosystem, offering a snapshot of the founder activity and sector strengths emerging across the country. From established innovation hubs to fast-growing local clusters, it highlights how ambition is being built in every part of the UK. Whilst opportunity is not yet distributed evenly across the country, these innovative companies show the importance of regional ecosystems, local support networks, and national platforms in ensuring that talented founders can access the backing they need, wherever they are based.
Complete the form above to download the Breakout 50.
