Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall, launches flagship group that brings together leading experts to better support women in the UK tech sector.
- dismantling barriers to education, training, and career progression for women
- tackling the specific challenges for women in entering, staying and leading in the tech sector
- developing practical solutions for industry and government to implement side by side
- shaping policy that encourages diversity and levels the playing field
- expanding opportunities for women across the UK
- driving sustainable and inclusive economic growth
- championing diversity in the UK tech sector.
The founding members of the task force are all experts in the field, providing not only essential knowledge and experience but being excellent role models for encouraging more women and girls to get into the sector.
The taskforce will complement other initiatives to develop and support tech talent in the UK, such as the TechSkills First Programme and the Regional Tech Booster Programme. They will also also ‘look to replicate the success of outstanding women-led UK tech companies, including Ivee, Starling Bank, Peanut, and Koru Kids.’
Why this matters for everyone
More women in tech benefits everyone. The UK tech sector is losing an estimated £2-£3.5 billion every year because women leave the sector, yet female-founded start-ups deliver 35% higher returns on investment than all-male ones. However, women in tech face many barriers, e.g., female-founded start-ups receive 5.9x less funding than those founded by males. Additionally, others’ perspectives – such as 20% of men in a 2023 Fawcett survey believing ‘women are less suited for these roles’ – obviously feed into these unnecessary barriers.
The Government has recognised that if we want a more inclusive and diverse industry, then this starts with education. To help, it has launched the TechFirst skills Programme, with the aim of opening pathways into the sector. This programme builds on its previous CyberFirst programme, which has already engaged 415,000 young people. The Government aims to reach over 1 million secondary school students and 4,000 graduates, researchers and innovators through the TechFirst skills programme, offering different opportunities depending on their stage (e.g. exploring, studying, upskilling etc.)
Here are some of the opportunities available:
- TechYouth: An opportunity for 11-18 year olds to develop their tech skills, gain insights into tech careers and get confident with AI.
- TechGrad Scholarship: An undergraduate scholarship programme (open to students wanting to study at a UK university) that will help students from all backgrounds build the key skills and connections needed for a career in tech.
- Semiconductors Scholarship: A specialist programme to help develop a highly-skilled workforce in this industry, providing opportunities for professional development and connecting students with industry professionals.
- Spärck AI Scholarship: Provided for masters students at nine leading universities, this AI focused course will help students to build connections across the landscape and gain work experience with industry partners.
- TechExpert: For 50 doctoral students to conduct research focusing on critical questions of national cyber security, machine learning, quantum technology and more.
- Turing AI Fellowships: Two different fellowships are available – the Turing AI Global Fellowship, which will bring together world-class researchers for a five-year programme, and the Turing AI Pioneer Interdisciplinary Fellowships, which provides established professionals from non-core AI backgrounds with the resources to develop AI skills and knowledge to tackle specific challenges in their fields.
- TechLocal: A regional grant fund for employers and tech talent – helping innovators and small businesses find people and connect them to roles that create growth.
“Technology should work for everyone, that is why I have established the Women in Tech Taskforce, to break down the barriers that still hold too many people back, and to partner with industry on practical solutions that make a real difference. This matters deeply to me. When women are inspired to take on a role in tech and have a seat at the table, the sector can make more representative decisions, build products that serve everyone, and unlock the innovation and growth our economy needs.” – Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall.
Learn more about the Women in Tech Taskforce.
References
- GovUK (2025) ‘Press release: Launch of Women in Tech taskforce’. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/launch-of-women-in-tech-taskforce (Accessed: 17 December 2025).
- GovUK (2025) ‘ Guidance: TechFirst’. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/techfirst (Accessed: 17 December 2025).
