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

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:

• 79 businesses engaged through the programme
• 42 workshops delivered across Norfolk & Suffolk covering business models, IP, investment, marketing & PR
• 42 companies were given free desk-space and memberships
• 36 companies supported through the Future Programme
• Over £2m+ investment has been raised by companies across the two cohorts, with c.£4m more being pitched for
• £435,000+ in grant funding secured by companies on the cohorts
• Estimated £1m of commercial deals introduced and secured
• You can view the summary report for 2024/25 here – The Future Tech Programme 2024/2025

Delivery Partners

Norfolk Lead

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.

Find out more HERE

Suffolk Lead

The Innovation Labs Group will be supporting Suffolk’s tech ecosystem, scaling their current services and providing more support to a greater number and range of businesses, investors and entrepreneurs.

Find out more HERE