TechFirst
Source: gov.uk (2025-12-04)

TechFirst is the government’s flagship tech skills programme opening pathways into the UK’s fast-growing tech sector.

TechFirst builds on the success of CyberFirst, which has proven impact supporting talent into the cyber security workforce, engaging over 415,000 young people since launch. TechFirst will broaden this success to new areas of technology and grow its impact.

Our ambition is to support over 4000 graduates, researchers and innovators, and reach one million students in secondary schools across the UK.

TechFirst offers tailored support for people at key stages in the tech ecosystem: from young people beginning to explore the world of technology, to students and researchers studying critical tech subjects, to businesses looking for new talent.

You can find information about the different TechFirst opportunities available.

For young people (up to 18)

TechYouth

TechYouth is for young people aged 11-18. We aim to reach one million students in schools and colleges across the UK with opportunities to develop their tech skills, get confident with AI and gain insight into a range of potential tech careers.

CyberFirst already supports young people interested in cyber security in schools and colleges throughout the country. By August 2026, this will be expanded to more areas of technology, with provision available in every region and home nation of the UK. Delivery partners will support the programme at a local level, organising activities and inspiration days for schools and colleges in their area and recognising those committed to excellence in computing and technology education. They will work in partnership with local industry, academia and third sector organisations.

Cyber Explorers (https://www.cyberexplorers.co.uk/) is our interactive cyber security learning platform for 11-14 year olds. It offers free tailored lesson plans, interactive content and live competitions, with over 120,000 students registered already. We will work with industry partners to expand this offer to more students, covering more areas of computing and technology.

This year’s CyberFirst Girls Competition (https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberfirst/girls-competition) is now underway. Delivered in collaboration with IBM, the competition runs from the 1st to 10th of December and is open to girls aged 12 to 13. Teams from schools across the UK will tackle challenges from cryptography to machine learning for the chance to be crowned cyber security champions. Winners will each take home a brand-new laptop and have the chance to win prize money for their school. The fun will continue with a TechFirst Girls Competition held in 2026.

For university students

TechGrad Scholarship

TechGrad will support individuals who want to take the university route into a tech career. It aims to support up to 900 domestic undergraduate students and 100 master’s students every year.

The undergraduate scholarship programme is designed to help students from all backgrounds build the skills and connections they need for a career in tech. It is open to students in planning to study at any UK university - you just need an interest and aptitude for technology. Scholarship holders will receive £4000 per year of their degree, summer placement opportunities with top tech employers and access to an inclusive network of experts and alumni.

Applications for study in 2026 have now closed. Applications for 2027 scholarships will open in September 2026.

Semiconductors Scholarship

Semiconductors are at the heart of the UK’s frontier technologies, powering innovation in areas from artificial intelligence to clean energy. As part of the Digital and Technologies Sector Plan (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/digital-and-technologies-sector-plan), the government is investing in the development of a highly skilled workforce to support this strategically vital sector.

To help deliver this ambition, the government is expanding its recently established programme (https://www.ukesf.org/semiconductor-skills/) to encourage and support undergraduate students to pursue careers in the semiconductor sector. Students looking to study undergraduate degrees in electrical and electronic engineering, computer science, materials science and physics will be able to apply for scholarships.

This programme is designed to raise awareness of the semiconductor sector and promote exciting and rewarding career pathways. Scholarship holders will benefit from opportunities to connect with industry and access professional development activities and training. Further details, including how to apply, will be shared in the coming months.

Spärck AI Scholarship

For master’s students, the Spärck AI Scholarship (named after pioneering British computer scientist Karen Spärck Jones) will provide full tuition and stipend funding for master’s degrees at 9 leading UK universities, paired to AI and AI interdisciplinary courses.

We are looking for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate leadership potential, resilience, and a clear vision for the future of AI.

As part of a prestigious cohort, you’ll take part in a variety of activities that help you build connections across the AI landscape and as a group. Towards the end of your Master’s course, you’ll have the chance to apply for a work placement in an AI-related field with one of our industry partners. Partner universities will soon provide details about the courses linked to the Spärck AI Scholarship. Once available, this page will be updated with direct links to each university’s relevant course information.

For researchers

TechExpert

TechExpert (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/techexpert) will support 500 domestic doctoral students, offering a stipend top-up of up to £10,000 per year with comprehensive wraparound support. Students will be conducting research in the frontier technology sectors, focusing on critical questions of national cyber security, machine learning, quantum technology and more.

TechExpert aims to make doctoral study a more competitive and financially viable option for talented graduates, while also providing a pathway back into research for those who may have left due to financial constraints. By doing so, it strengthens the UK’s innovation pipeline and contributes to a more inclusive, resilient, and high-impact research ecosystem.

Applications for supported doctoral training places can be applied for through Autumn and early Winter, with eligible Centres for Doctoral Training advertising the increased stipend. A current list of participating universities can be found here.

Turing AI Fellowships

The Turing AI Fellowships were first launched to attract and retain the best AI research talent and support world-leading academic work across the UK. Since 2021, they have supported over 80 leading researchers across UK universities and institutions, helping to build a strong national AI research and innovation ecosystem.

This year, DSIT announced an expansion of the Turing AI Fellowships to strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader in AI. The expanded programme now includes 2 new fellowship opportunities:

Turing AI Global Fellowships

The Global Fellowships will bring world-class AI researchers from around the globe to the UK. Fellows will relocate to the UK and lead a 5-year programme of cutting-edge AI research. They will receive support for visas, relocation and family transition, ensuring a smooth move to the UK, and join a cohort of Turing AI Fellows shaping the UK’s long-term AI ecosystem. The Turing AI Global Fellowships are part of the UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ai-opportunities-action-plan/ai-opportunities-action-plan), our roadmap to ensure the UK remains a global leader in AI. Turing AI Global Fellowship applications are open now (https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/turing-ai-global-fellowships/).

Turing AI Pioneer Interdisciplinary Fellowships

Turing AI Pioneer Interdisciplinary Fellowships will provide established professionals from non-core AI backgrounds with resources to develop AI skills and knowledge to tackle a specific challenge in their fields. Fellows will receive research funding and be connected with AI mentors, experts, and industry leaders.

Turing AI Pioneer Fellowship applications launched via UKRI on 22 July, and closed on 14 October 2025. More information can be found here (https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/turing-ai-pioneer-interdisciplinary-fellowships-outline-applications/).

For local businesses, innovators, and tech talent

TechLocal

TechLocal is a regional grant fund designed to support local employers and tech talent across all parts of the UK. Delivered by Innovate UK, it aims to help regional innovators and small businesses find skilled people, connecting them to roles that create growth. The fund will open for applications in Spring 2026.

How organisations and industry can get involved

Organisations interested in supporting the TechFirst programme and developing the talented students coming through it, please get in touch via xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx).

There are 3 main ways to support as an organisation:
- TechFirst delivery partners will deliver the programme at a local level, working in partnership with local organisations to support schools and colleges in their area to engage with TechFirst.
- Industry partners will support the various activities within the TechFirst programme, including engaging with events, volunteering within schools and supporting scholarship work placements.
- Strategic industry partners will commit to substantial numbers of scholarship work placements and mentoring hours across the UK, as well as supporting researchers and engaging with TechFirst events.
If you are an industry professional interested in supporting the programme and sharing your expertise with schools, please consider signing up to become a STEM Ambassador (https://www.stem.org.uk/stem-ambassadors/become-a-stem-ambassador).

For essential digital skills

In addition to the TechFirst programme, government is committed to ensuring everyone has the essential digital skills they need to get on in everyday life and the workplace. To find out more about government’s work to support essential digital skills, please visit:
- Skills for Life (https://www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/pages/skills-for-life/digital-skills/essential-digital-skills-for-work) to find training courses in essential digital skills, to progress your career and stay competitive in the workplace.
- UK AI Skills Hub (https://aiskillshub.org.uk/about-us/) to find the training and resources to start your AI upskilling journey. This is part of government and industry’s commitment to upskilling 7.5 million UK workers with essential AI skills for the workplace by 2030.