Tech Nation launches the Net Zero programme for a more sustainable future
The tech sector is essential in tackling the climate crisis and technology has the potential to reduce global emissions by 15% and the time for climate action is now. This is why Tech Nation has launched the Net Zero programme for companies "who are paving the way to stabilising global temperatures and reaching the UK’s net-zero target by 2050".
Tech Nation is currently looking for digital and hardware companies operating across key sectors including electricity & energy, transport & mobility, agriculture, food systems, manufacturing and building technology. Companies may directly contribute to net zero, with emission-reducing and carbon capture technologies or may contribute indirectly by changing consumer behaviour, or increasing efficiencies.
Net Zero is tailor-made to help innovative, mission-driven founders realise their visions and achieve their potential and scale. The initiative is free to join and will start in October 2020.
Ericsson to take over the 5G rollout in the UK
Ericsson has been selected by O2 to deploy its 5G radio access network (RAN) even farther across the UK, upgrading the existing 2G/3G/4G sites as part of a substantial network modernisation program. Following the launch of O2’s 5G commercial network in October last year, the extended partnership with Ericsson includes hardware, software and service upgrades in the West of the UK, bringing greater coverage, voice and data capacity.
“We are pleased to be moving forward with Ericsson as one of our primary vendors for our 5G rollout. Telecommunications has never been more important in keeping the country connected, and we look forward to bringing the enhanced capabilities of 5G to our customers.” - Brendan O’Reilly, CTO, O2
Ericsson will continue to support O2 with the rollout of commercial 5G in other cities, towns and locations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland bringing enhanced mobile broadband services and increased connectivity to millions of UK subscribers.
“5G will be crucial for the UK’s economic recovery and underpin its digital future. We are committed to ensuring that the UK achieves its gigabit connectivity targets so that enterprises and society at large benefit from high-quality connectivity. We are delighted to be continuing our long-term partnership with O2 with this 5G network evolution." - Arun Bansal, President of Europe and Latin America, Ericsson
Trade Secretary Liz Truss sets a new strategy for the UK tech sector
Ahead of a difficult post-COVID-19 recovery, the Government has announced a range of measures to help boost digital trade and establish the UK tech industry as a global player. The new measures will help create and support jobs by increasing exports and attracting international investment and ensure that the tech sector can benefit from new Free Trade Agreements.
Liz Truss will make strategic interventions during London Tech Week to help UK tech companies seize trade and investment opportunities overseas. Developed in partnership with stakeholders across the industry, the interventions will boost the sector in the long term and support its immediate recovery from the coronavirus crisis.
The new measures announced by both the Department for International Trade and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, aim to increase tech export to fast-growing international markets, including Asia-Pacific, strengthen scaleups’ market readiness to export, and attract investment to drive innovation and create jobs.
