Based on the successes we have seen in 2024/25 and 2025/26, Connected Innovation together with Norfolk County Council and have agreed to continue funding this vital support programme for early-stage tech founders in 2026/27.

The funding for the Future Tech Programme is used to support and scale early-stage tech founders from across a wide range of technology sub-sectors in three critical ways:

• Developing a local ecosystem with stronger connections between experienced entrepreneurs and the next generation of regional tech start-ups
• Developing a process for identifying, engaging and supporting early-stage tech founders and integrating them into the local community
• Creating more opportunities for founders from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds who would not otherwise be able to commit to their venture full-time.

Key results to date:

• 133 businesses engaged through the programme via evaluation workshops covering business models, IP, investment, marketing & PR
• 69 companies were given free desk-space and memberships
• 62 companies supported all the way through the Future Tech start-up programme
• Over £2.5m investment has been raised by companies across the two cohorts, with c.£4m more being pitched for
• Over £500,000 in grant funding secured by companies on the cohorts
• Significant and increasing commercial deals introduced and secured
• You can view the summary report for 2024/25 here – The Future Tech Programme 2024/2025

Delivery Partners

Akcela Ventures is supporting the Norwich/Norfolk tech ecosystem through scaling their current services and providing more support to a greater number and range of businesses, investors and entrepreneurs.

This includes a dedicated startup portal collating support opportunities available regionally and nationally.

Find out more about how you can join the Future Tech Programme HERE and access the Startup Portal HERE