The UK is putting its weight behind the next wave of technology innovators, with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) awarding the Unicorn Kingdom Pathfinder Awards to four standout tech scale-up companies.
London’s LinkedIn HQ hosts awards celebrating UK’s pioneering tech solutions in AI, cybersecurity and mobility. This move signals the UK’s ambition to remain a global leader in technology, attracting investments and boosting economic growth.
Introduction
The UK government is amplifying its support for tech scale-ups with the Unicorn Kingdom Pathfinder Awards. This initiative from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) showcases the UK as a world-class destination for innovative tech businesses, reinforcing its £1 trillion tech sector as a powerhouse for global investment.
Championing Innovation Across Sectors
The Unicorn Kingdom Pathfinder Awards spotlighted four companies that are pushing the envelope in their respective fields.
Winners were selected across four categories—AI, Cyber Security, Digital Trade Solutions, and Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM)—based on their unique potential to revolutionise technology and solve pressing global challenges.
Each winning company will receive customised growth support, including guidance from government and industry experts to help them scale up within the UK’s thriving tech ecosystem.
The Winners and Their Contributions
The four award recipients represent some of the most innovative solutions in tech today:
- AI: Massive Bio – Leveraging artificial intelligence to connect cancer patients with bio-pharmaceutical clinical trials, Massive Bio offers a groundbreaking solution in personalised healthcare.
- Cyber Security: CyLock – Providing an accessible, automated platform to test IT systems for cyber-attack vulnerabilities, CyLock is designed to empower organisations to strengthen cybersecurity defenses.
- Digital Trade Solutions: Grubtech – Enabling restaurants and grocery chains to adopt omnichannel capabilities seamlessly, Grubtech integrates digital solutions without requiring changes to core systems.
- Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM): Bottobo – Specialising in autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), Bottobo is transforming industrial operations through robotics, with solutions that increase efficiency in warehouses and distribution centres.
This award reflects the UK’s support for not only established tech giants but also emerging players who are poised to disrupt markets with cutting-edge technology.
Why the UK is a Prime Destination for Tech Scale-Ups
Gareth Thomas, Minister for Small Businesses, expressed the government’s enthusiasm, noting,
“The UK’s Pathfinder Awards are essential for encouraging more tech scale-ups from around the world to do business here in the UK.”
His statement reflects the government’s determination to make the UK an epicentre of tech innovation and investment.
Fostering Growth through Collaboration and Investment
Each award recipient will benefit from a tailored growth programme designed to help scale their operations in the UK. Seasoned industry leaders provide mentorship and valuable connections through DBT’s Global Entrepreneur Programme, accessing global networks and resources.
Additionally, winners will gain strategic advice from government specialists, helping them overcome potential barriers and grow sustainably.
A distinguished panel, including John Edwards (DBT Investment Director) and Ellie Steel (Founders Forum Group Operations Director), selected the winners. This expert-led evaluation ensures that only the most promising companies receive the support needed to succeed.
The Impact of the Awards on the UK’s Tech Sector
The Unicorn Kingdom Pathfinder Awards represent more than just recognition—they’re an investment in the UK’s technological future. These awards provide a gateway for global tech companies to gain a foothold in the UK, boosting job creation and innovation. The government’s proactive stance ensures the UK remains an attractive, dynamic destination for tech pioneers.
2023 Unicorn Kingdom Pathfinder Award categories and the winning companies:
| Category | Winner | Specialisation |
|---|---|---|
| AI | Massive Bio | Connecting cancer patients to clinical trials via AI. |
| Cyber Security | CyLock | Cybersecurity solutions for vulnerability testing. |
| Digital Trade Solutions | Grubtech | Omnichannel solutions for restaurants and grocery chains. |
| Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) | Bottobo | Robotics and autonomous mobile robots for industrial efficiency. |
A Bright Future for UK Tech
The UK’s Unicorn Kingdom Pathfinder Awards signal it’s open for business, backing top global tech innovators. These awards strengthen the country’s reputation as a tech-friendly environment, fostering a thriving tech ecosystem.
Groundbreaking AI in healthcare and revolutionary cybersecurity/mobility advances empower scale-ups to impact the global stage from the UK. The UK tech sector grows through investment-driving initiatives, solidifying its position as a global tech leader.
Sources: THX News, Department for Business and Trade & Gareth Thomas MP.
