A new partnership between the Tech Council of Australia (TCA) and techUK is set to accelerate digital innovation across both nations, with potential flow-on benefits for Australia’s manufacturing sector through improved access to emerging technologies and global markets.
Signed during London Tech Week at the UK Department for Business and Trade, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalises deeper cooperation between the Australian and UK technology sectors.
The agreement is positioned as a key industry-level outcome of the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which came into force in 2023 and includes a dedicated innovation chapter and a strong digital trade framework, TCA stated in a news release.
The TCA said the partnership will help technology companies – especially SMEs – expand internationally by aligning regulatory approaches, sharing insights, and driving commercial opportunities.
These developments are expected to enhance access to technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital identity systems, and cybersecurity tools that are increasingly vital to modern, tech-enabled manufacturing operations.
“This partnership is about building stronger and deeper tech ecosystems by connecting startups, scaleups, investors, and policy experts,” said Chris O’Connell, Chief Business Officer of the Tech Council of Australia.
“It is fitting that we launch this partnership at London Tech Week, where we are joined by over 70 Australian technology companies.”
The collaboration comes as Australian manufacturers seek to adopt advanced digital capabilities to improve productivity, streamline supply chains, and boost global competitiveness.
TCA said closer ties with the UK tech sector could help accelerate the adoption of Industry 4.0 solutions by facilitating knowledge exchange and joint innovation efforts.
Annika Barton, Australia’s Trade and Investment Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland, described the agreement as a sign that the FTA is yielding tangible results.
“The new partnership will raise awareness of the opportunity for commercial collaboration between our respective tech sectors and complement existing market expansion pathways such as Austrade’s new London Landing Pad program.”
The UK Government’s Deputy Trade Commissioner for Australia and New Zealand, Louise Cantillon, said the initiative will help both nations realise the economic potential of their tech sectors.
“By working together through partnerships like these, we can unlock new opportunities, drive innovation and strengthen the position of our tech nations.”
techUK’s Deputy CEO Antony Walker echoed the sentiment, calling the MoU a natural extension of shared values and economic ties.
“The UK and Australia are not just connected by history and language, but by a deep commitment to open markets, democratic governance, and a rules-based digital world.”
