The digital and technologies sector develops and applies advanced technologies and digital tools to drive transformative changes in our economy and society. These technologies are foundational, enabling other innovations and transformation across other sectors. Many are emerging, novel and untested, and will therefore take some time to be fully developed and realise their potential for high economic growth.
Case studies
Institute of Coding - Digital skills for growth and access for all, University of Bath
University of Bath Institute of Coding learners
Led by the University of Bath, the Institute of Coding (IoC) is a national collaboration helping people gain the digital skills needed in today’s economy. Working with over 35 universities and 300 employers, the IoC supports growth in key sectors, including AI, cybersecurity and creative digital industries.
More than one million learners have now taken part in IoC programmes, from short online courses to degree apprenticeships with wraparound employability support. Many of these learners previously faced barriers to education or employment.
Click Start, the IoC’s flagship employability programme funded by Nominet, has supported over 30,000 UK learners, with 9,000 completing all elements and 7,000 progressing to jobs, further study or entrepreneurship. Fiona, who fled Ukraine, completed Click Start and now works as a UX/UI consultant, while Jo retrained through TechUPWomen after leaving her job due to disability and successfully transitioned into tech.
When I moved from Ukraine to the UK, finding a job wasn’t easy. Everything felt so different: the culture, the way people communicate, even how the job hunt works. I often felt unsure about how to approach things. Learning how to network effectively (especially through LinkedIn) was a real turning point in my confidence and career readiness. What stood out to me was the supportive and inclusive atmosphere. Even though English isn’t my first language, I never felt held back.
Fiona
Click Start leaner
Earlier programmes have also supported the NHS, delivering digital training to frontline staff in the North East and boosting confidence and capability in one of the UK’s most vital sectors. Across all programmes, the IoC prioritises inclusion: 47% of learners are women and 54% from ethnic minority backgrounds.
By removing barriers, aligning learning with employer demand and opening digital careers, the IoC is growing the UK’s skilled workforce and driving long-term innovation and economic resilience.
FutureCraft: Identifying Talent to Propel Growth, University of Gloucestershire
The University of Gloucestershire is working with public and private sector partners to create FutureCraft – an aptitude identification game that will help meet the technical skills needs of the £1 billion Golden Valley Development in Cheltenham.
Golden Valley will establish one of Europe’s largest purpose-built tech campuses, cementing Cheltenham’s role as the UK’s cyber capital. To realise this opportunity, employers need access to a pipeline of local technical talent.
Developed with Amazon Web Services, Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucestershire College, Gloucestershire County Council and HBD, FutureCraft will identify young people with natural talent in skills such as pattern spotting and analytical thinking. These individuals will be supported into tailored education, training or apprenticeship pathways through Gloucestershire’s new Cyber Skills Hub.
As part of the county’s new Cyber Skills Hub, the game will be rolled out across schools and colleges through the careers service. By using an accessible, engaging format, FutureCraft reaches students from all backgrounds, including those who might otherwise miss out on traditional pathways.
Currently in testing and due for launch in late 2025/26, FutureCraft has already been well received by focus groups, offering an innovative and inclusive route to building the future cyber workforce.
Voxshell spinout, Cranfield University
Voxshell, a Cranfield University spinout, has developed ChopMesh – an automated process that can cut the time needed to generate 3D mesh digital models from hours to just minutes. This patented meshing algorithm enables faster, smarter and more efficient product creation, significantly reducing one of engineering’s most time-consuming tasks.
Founder and CEO of Voxshell, Dr Liang Yang shares how a CFD/FEA simulation that might take 20 hours can now be completed in just one hour, resulting in a 95% time saving.
At typical engineering rates, this equates to over £1,650 saved per project in labour and avoided rework. For one client’s six-month project, ChopMesh saved approximately 394 engineering hours.
Dr Liang Yang
Founder and CEO of Voxshell
The technology has already secured £150,000 in funding and support, joining the STFC Digital BIC business programme, the Healthcare Technologies Capability Connector, Nvidia Inception and Innovate UK’s Global Incubator Programme in Singapore. Cranfield’s School of Management has also provided entrepreneurial expertise to help scale the venture.
Voxshell’s customers range from leading engine manufacturers to energy start-ups, with partnerships including nTOP and Leap 71. In October 2025, the company begins a £100K Innovate UK-funded collaboration with fellow Cranfield spinout WAAM3D.
With its blend of advanced engineering and commercial backing, Voxshell is helping to speed up innovation and cut costs across multiple industries.