Get Funded Without Investors: How Grants Can Kickstart Your Startup
Register for Tech Talent Live
Exhibit at Tech Talent Live
Exhibitors at Tech Talent Live
Browse some of the fantastic companies exhibiting at Tech Talent Live.
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Tech Talent Live Lightning Talks
All lightning talks will be held in Committee Room 1, an easily accessible room overlooking the main careers fair hall. The talks typically last 10 to 15 minutes per subject.
Schedule:
15:00 – Breaking into Tech: No Technical Experience? No Problem!
Discover how people from retail, music, healthcare and more are building new tech careers through low code platforms, self-learning and support from inclusive communities. This session will share powerful real-life stories and practical advice to help you confidently take your first step into tech without a traditional background.
15:30 – Why Can’t Women Thrive in Tech?
With women facing unique challenges in tech, this session will provide actionable strategies to overcome barriers like imposter syndrome and bias. You’ll gain practical advice on building confidence, developing key skills, and expanding your network to thrive in the tech sector.
16:00 – Ever Wondered About Public Sector Tech Jobs? It’s More Exciting Than You Think!
Think public sector tech is all red tape? Think again. This fast-paced session unveils how digital roles in government shape essential services used by millions, from tax collection to digital operations across departments. Discover how you can make a real impact while enjoying benefits like flexibility, job security, and room to grow. No matter your background, this could be your most exciting move yet!
16:30 – The Secret Skills That Get You Hired (and Promoted)
While technical skills open doors, soft skills like communication, adaptability, and collaboration drive career growth. This session will highlight the key soft skills tech employers value most and provide actionable tips on how to develop and showcase them.
17:00 – Want to Innovate? Try Content Design.
Discover how content design plays a crucial role in driving innovation within the tech sector. This session will introduce you to the skills and opportunities in content design and provide clear steps to start your career.
17:30 – What if 15 minutes could shed light on why your CV gets ghosted?
In this quick lightning talk you will learn about common CV pitfalls that prevent your application from standing out and practical tips to avoid them. This session is perfect for job seekers who want to make simple and effective improvements without rewriting their entire resume.
Overview
Grant funding can be a game-changer for startups, but many founders don’t know where to start. This session will break down the process, where to find grants, how to apply, and what makes a winning bid, without the jargon. Expect to find out what grants are currently available, a mix of expert insights, real-world founder experiences, and practical advice. Grant funders, successful applicants, and bid writers will share their knowledge, making this an invaluable session for anyone looking to fund their business without giving away equity.
Speakers
Dominique’s consultancy firm offers a comprehensive suite of innovation support services including business innovation funding strategy, grant application coaching and writing.
Through her support and guidance, Dominique has directly enabled her clients to secure over £28 million in innovation funding. She is also contracted Innovate UK grant application assessor and regularly works as an expert under contract with the European Commission, supporting Horizon Europe evaluations.
Dominique holds a PhD in Semiconductor Fabrication and amassed over 15 years of industrial experience in developing new manufacturing processes within the photonics, electronics, and renewable energy sectors.
During her time as Head of Research for a renewable energy SME, she acquired extensive knowledge of Innovate UK and EC innovation grant processes, excelling in writing successful funding applications and managing large, collaborative innovation projects.
In Gemma's current role at Business Durham, she has a deep understanding of tourism trends and has helped many tourism businesses grow, innovate, and thrive in competitive markets. Gemma can quickly get to grips with your business, and the heart of a problem.
Gemma has worked with clients on various funding programs such as Virgin Unite, Start Up Loans, Durham Business Growth Programme, and many more. Her understanding of the intricacies of public funding and UK Subsidy Control rules means she is well-positioned to help you with shaping your project and applying for funding. Gemma is excited to drive tourism business growth, contributing to economic growth within the region.
I recently raised £90k to fully fund the MVP of Gig Lab, our new tech platform for independent venues, backed by UKSPF funds and an Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award.
For many years she worked in industry before moving into IT, then self employment. With this collective knowledge it opened the door to being a Business Adviser and is now a regular on the networking scene. She’s passionate about introducing new technology and innovation into businesses and has seen many companies transformed.
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How to get involved
Please read the information back below, and then fill out an expression of interest form. This will let us know you’d like to take part, what age the participating children are and whether you’d like any support from us or an ‘industry mentor.’
Plan your challenge, consider your resources and the participating students. Challenges can be completed in small or large groups. but please be aware that only 8-10 students from selected schools will be able to attend the celebration event.
Submit your challenge responses via our online form below. Your school can submit up to 10 entries. The deadline for responses is Friday 9 May, 2025. Please get in touch if you are struggling to meet the deadline.
The Schools Challenge steering committee will identify a small group of students from selected schools to be invited to a celebration event on the morning of Friday 20 June at South Shields Customs House.
If selected, you will be invited to attend by 23 May. There will also be an opportunity to display students‘ work as part of a number of public
exhibitions across local authority areas.
If you have any issues, contact us via email: getinvolved@technext.co.uk
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