Welcome to Wales – a dynamic tech ecosystem that’s redefining the stereotype of what a global centre of excellence looks like.
Wales is building a landscape where global connections seamlessly intertwine with local expertise. As the joke goes, you’re never more than two connections away from anyone in Wales. This is a nation where cutting-edge technologies are not just developed but are solving real-world challenges to shape the way we all live, work, and play.
As we approach Wales Tech Week 2025, on the 26th March 2025, in collaboration with Welsh Government London we were delighted to invite an international audience of investors, diplomats, trade representatives, officers, and other business stakeholders to discover the opportunities in Wales.
A huge thank you to our host, Foresight Group, and to our speakers:
- John Cordrey, Principal, Foresight Group London
- Dr John Davies MBE – Co-Founder, Cyber Wales
- Sarah Kocianski – CEO, FinTech Wales
- James Smith – CEO, Critical Cloud
- Avril Lewis MBE – Managing Director, Technology Connected
Highlights from the Panel
Why Wales: Your Strategic Tech Launchpad
Wales is a strategic gateway to the UK, European, and global markets.
With a uniquely interconnected network of businesses, universities, and investors, Wales offers an unparalleled environment for technological growth and international expansion.
Our robust global network provides comprehensive support for businesses looking to expand internationally. From identifying trading partners to facilitating critical introductions and running targeted trade missions, Wales offers a full-scale ecosystem designed to accelerate your business’s global ambitions.
Uniquely positioned as a devolved nation, Wales also provides an opportunity to serve as an exceptional sandbox for innovation, particularly in public and health sector projects. Both UK and Welsh governments actively support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), creating opportunities that transform potential into tangible success.
Wales for Startups & International Expansion: Where Scale Meets Opportunity
For startups and scale-ups, Wales presents a compelling proposition for founders already in Wales and those looking to expand.
Our interconnected ecosystem, populated by successful companies and rich with knowledge and investment opportunities, provides an ideal launchpad within the UK market. Unlike London’s high-cost environment, Wales offers a more cost-effective operational landscape, allowing businesses to allocate resources more strategically, especially in infrastructure-intensive businesses.
Talent is the cornerstone of any tech ecosystem. Proximity to the successful companies already in Wales provides access to specialist skills, while local universities generate a continuous pipeline of highly skilled graduates who often choose to build their careers locally. This creates a dynamic, innovative workforce ready to drive technological transformation.
With robust support from the Development Bank of Wales, Cardiff Capital Region, and initiatives like the British Business Bank “Investment Fund for Wales”, Wales has unique funding opportunities to start and grow a business.
Wales’s Tech Strengths: Global Impact, Local Innovation
Cyber Security: The Global Defensive Frontier
South Wales isn’t just a cyber security location – it’s the epicentre of the UK’s cyber resilience capabilities. Connected to global hubs from Silicon Valley to Japan, Wales’ cyber community is at the forefront of addressing critical infrastructure challenges and emerging cyber warfare threats.
Compound Semiconductors: Powering Global Technology
If you’re using an iPhone, you’re already experiencing a piece of Welsh innovation. As the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster, Wales is transforming how global technology functions.
Fintech: Driving Financial Inclusion
Wales’ fintech ecosystem is thriving. The financial technology sector is pioneering solutions that provide access to financial services, including for underserved communities, addressing complex funding challenges with innovative approaches.
Data & AI: The Infrastructure of Tomorrow
With world-class competitive technology, robust security infrastructure, and a wealth of data-driven skills, Wales is positioning itself as a critical hub for AI and data innovation.
Your Invitation to Wales
Wales Tech Week 2025 isn’t just an event – it’s your opportunity to be part of a technological ecosystem that’s shaping global innovation. Whether you’re a startup, investor, or technology leader, Wales offers a unique combination of strategic advantage, collaborative spirit, and cutting-edge capabilities.
Join us. Discover Wales. Transform the future. Get involved at WalesTechWeek.com
Wales Tech Week 2025
24-26 November 2025
International Convention Centre Wales, Newport
Created and powered by Technology Connected, Wales Tech Week is Wales’ largest international tech summit. It showcases Welsh technology, its ecosystem and champions the industry on the global stage.
Wales Tech Week is the international tech summit that showcases Wales to the world. Attracting world-class speakers, leading tech innovators, top government officials, key investors and a global audience, join us as we shine an international spotlight on Wales and all of its technology expertise.
Foresight Group
Founded in 1984, Foresight is a leading investment manager in real assets and capital for growth, operating across Europe, Australia, and the United States. With decades of experience, Foresight offers investors access to compelling opportunities at the forefront of change. Foresight actively builds and grows investment solutions to support the energy transition, decarbonise industry, enhance nature recovery and realise the economic potential of ambitious companies.
The post Wales: A Gateway to Cutting-Edge Technology and Global Opportunities appeared first on Technology Connected.