Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what progress her Department has made in delivering the TechFirst programme; and what discussions her Department has had with organisations in Ealing Central and Acton constituency on supporting TechFirst.

TechFirst has recently launched its expanded undergraduate scholarships programme, which will find and support promising young talent from across the country. The Department plans to shortly launch new programmes that support more home students access Master’s scholarships and PhD top-ups in digital and tech.

TechFirst supports local partnerships between industry, academia and third sector and will recruit regional partners to maximise impact – including a London partner. We encourage organisations based in Ealing Central and Acton to apply, as well as commit to regular opportunities for stakeholders, such as those from Ealing Central and Acton constituency, to engage and support TechFirst’s objectives.