UK Tech Hubs. Exploring the U.K.’s Most Underrated Tech Cities for Relocation
The United Kingdom has been at the forefront of technological innovation for many years, with the likes of London, Cambridge, and Manchester leading the charge. However, there are many other cities that are emerging as tech hubs, and are often overlooked by those looking to relocate. In this article, we will explore some of the U.K.’s most underrated tech cities that are worth considering for your next move. If you’re an international tech entrepreneur or professional seeking to relocate to the UK, the country’s tech hubs offer an exciting opportunity for innovation and growth. With the UK Global Talent Visa or Innovator Founder Visa, you can gain access to the vibrant tech communities in cities such as Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, and Southampton, which provide a supportive ecosystem for startups and established tech firms alike.
UK Tech Hub. Bristol
Bristol is one of the most exciting cities in the U.K. and is quickly emerging as a tech powerhouse. It has a thriving tech community, with a high concentration of startups and innovative companies. The city is home to several world-renowned universities, including the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England, which attract some of the brightest minds in the country. Bristol is quickly establishing itself as a hub for innovation and technology, with a range of tech hubs that are providing support and resources to startups, founders and tech specialists.
Here are some of the top tech hubs in Bristol:
Engine Shed is one of the most prominent tech hubs in Bristol, and it is home to some of the most innovative companies in the city. The hub is located in the heart of Bristol’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone, which is a designated area for startups and high-growth businesses.
SETsquared Bristol is a partnership between the University of Bristol, the University of Bath, and the University of Exeter. The hub provides support for startups, entrepreneurs, and high-growth businesses, with a focus on technology and innovation. SETsquared Bristol offers a range of services, including mentorship, access to funding, and access to world-class research facilities.
3. Bristol and Bath Science Park
The Bristol and Bath Science Park is a hub for science and technology innovation, with a focus on cutting-edge research and development. The park is located on a 59-acre site and provides state-of-the-art facilities for businesses in the science and technology sectors. The park also provides a range of support services, including access to funding and mentorship.
4. Future Space
Future Space is a tech hub that is focused on supporting high-growth businesses in the science and technology sectors. The hub is located in the heart of the University of the West of England’s Frenchay Campus and provides a range of services, including co-working spaces, access to funding, and mentorship.
Bristol Games Hub is a community of game developers and designers, focused on supporting and promoting the gaming industry in Bristol. It is also home to a range of events and workshops, designed to help game developers and designers connect and collaborate.
UK Tech Hub. Newcastle
Despite being frequently overlooked in the tech world, Newcastle is rapidly gaining recognition as a thriving hub for innovation. The city has a strong tradition of engineering and innovation, and this is reflected in its thriving tech scene. Newcastle also has a range of co-working spaces and tech incubators, which provide a supportive environment for startups and tech founders.
Newcastle Helix is a £350m urban regeneration project that aims to create a hub for scientific research and innovation. The site includes a range of research and development facilities, including the National Innovation Centre for Ageing, the Urban Observatory, and the National Centre for Energy Systems Integration. The hub also provides office and laboratory space for startups and small businesses in the region.
2. PROTO
PROTO is a tech hub and innovation centre located in Gateshead, just across the river from Newcastle. The hub offers a range of resources and support services, including access to funding, business advice, and networking opportunities. PROTO also provides a range of cutting-edge technologies, including virtual and augmented reality, motion capture, and 3D printing, to support the development of innovative new products and services.
TusPark Newcastle is a collaboration between TusPark, the largest science park operator in China, and Newcastle University. The hub offers office and laboratory space for startups and small businesses in the region, as well as access to funding and business support services.
4. Campus North
Campus North is a coworking space and tech community located in the heart of Newcastle. The hub provides a range of resources and support services, including access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Campus North also hosts regular events, workshops, and meetups to connect the tech community in Newcastle.
UK Tech Hub. Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the U.K., but it is also an emerging tech hub. The city has a thriving tech scene, with a range of startups and innovative companies operating in the area. Edinburgh is also home to some of the best universities in the U.K., including the University of Edinburgh, which is ranked among the top 20 universities in the world. The city also has a rich cultural heritage, with a range of museums, art galleries, and historic buildings.
Here are some of the top tech hubs in Edinburgh:
CodeBase is one of the largest and most successful tech incubators in the UK, with offices in Edinburgh and Stirling. The hub provides office space, mentorship, and support for tech startups in Scotland. CodeBase is home to more than 100 companies, including some of the most successful startups in the country, such as FanDuel and Skyscanner.
2. The Data Lab
The Data Lab is a Scottish government initiative that is focused on driving innovation and growth in the data science sector. The hub provides support and resources for businesses and startups working in the field of data science, including access to funding, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities.
The E-Enterprise Centre is a business incubator that is focused on supporting startups and entrepreneurs in the tech sector. The hub provides office space, mentoring, and access to funding for early-stage businesses. The E-Enterprise Centre is located in the University of Edinburgh’s King’s Buildings campus, which provides a supportive environment for tech startups and entrepreneurs.
4. Bayes Centre
The Bayes Centre is a hub for data science and artificial intelligence, located in the University of Edinburgh’s School of Informatics. The centre brings together academics, researchers, and industry partners to collaborate on research and development projects in the field of data science and AI. The hub provides access to world-class research facilities, funding opportunities, and collaboration opportunities for businesses and startups working in the field.
UK Tech Hub. Leeds
Leeds is a city that is often overshadowed by its nearby neighbor, Manchester, but it is quickly emerging as a tech hub in its own right. The city has a thriving tech scene, with a range of startups and innovative companies operating in the area. Leeds is also home to some of the best universities in the U.K., including the University of Leeds, which is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world. With a range of incubators, coworking spaces, and support services available, Leeds is an attractive location for tech startups looking to establish themselves in the UK market.
Here are some of the top tech hubs in Leeds:
Nexus is the innovation hub at the University of Leeds and provides a range of services to support startups, SMEs, and corporates in the region. Nexus offers office space, mentorship, funding, and access to research facilities for businesses in a range of sectors, including tech, healthcare, and engineering.
2. Platform
Platform is a digital hub located in the heart of Leeds city centre, providing coworking spaces, offices, and meeting rooms for tech startups and small businesses. Platform offers a range of resources and events to support startups, including workshops, networking opportunities, and mentoring programmes.
3. The Centre for Financial Technologies and Innovation
The Centre for Financial Technology (CFT) is a research centre based in the Business School at the University of Leeds. The aim of the CFTI is to bring together academics, industry experts, and policymakers to research and develop innovative solutions for the financial sector.
The Leeds Digital Hub is a coworking space and incubator for tech startups, providing affordable office space and support services.
UK Tech Hub. Southampton
Southampton, a city on the south coast of England, has a growing tech sector, with a range of tech hubs and incubators supporting startups and small businesses in the region. Here are some of the top tech hubs in Southampton:
Solent Futures is the enterprise and innovation team at Solent University, providing support and resources for startups and small businesses in the region. Solent Futures offers a range of services, including business advice, mentoring, and access to funding and investment opportunities.
The Watermark WestQuay is a coworking space and innovation hub located in the heart of Southampton city centre. The hub offers flexible office space, meeting rooms, and events to support the growth and development of startups and small businesses in the region.
Basepoint Business Centre is a coworking space and business incubator located in Southampton’s Chandlers Ford. The hub offers flexible office space, meeting rooms, and support services to startups and small businesses in the region.
The Science Park in Southampton is a campus-style technology park that provides office and laboratory space for businesses in the science, engineering, and technology sectors. The park is located in a green environment, and the facilities and services provided are designed to create an ideal environment for research and development activities.
By relocating to these tech cities, you can benefit from access to world-class research institutions, funding opportunities, and a talented pool of tech professionals. Additionally, you can enjoy a high quality of life in some of the UK’s most dynamic and innovative cities, with a range of cultural and recreational activities on offer.
Whether you’re looking to establish a new business, or join an existing tech company, the UK’s tech hubs provide a rich environment for growth and development. With the support of government initiatives like the Global Talent Visa and Innovator Founder Visa, international entrepreneurs and IT professionals can thrive in the UK’s exciting and dynamic tech sector.
You can check whether your qualifications and skills are suitable for obtaining the UK Global Talent Visa or Innovator Founder Visa by passing our AI Test.
- APPLY FOR GLOBAL TALENT VISA
- UK GLOBAL TALENT VISA
- UK IMMIGRATION
- UK INNOVATOR FOUNDER VISA
- UK TECH
- UK TECH CITIES
- UK TECH HUBS
- UK TECH VISA
