Digital Futures Cornwall Extended Until March 2026

In a significant boost for Cornwall's burgeoning tech sector, Digital Futures Cornwall has received £1,574,740 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The fresh investment ensures the project can continue its transformative work until March 2026 and help the partnership build on its early successes to further accelerate digital skills development, innovation and economic growth across the region.

Since its launch in January 2024, Digital Futures Cornwall has established itself at the heart of the region's digital transformation. The collaborative project brings together a powerful alliance of organisations including Truro and Penwith College, Real Ideas, Tech Cornwall, TECwomen, Headforwards, Digital Peninsula Network, Cornwall Marine Network, Step into Learning, University of Exeter and Falmouth University.

Together, these partners have created a comprehensive programme that supports Cornish residents of all ages and skill levels to develop the digital capabilities needed for the future.

Jenny Gramnes, Contract Manager for Digital Futures Cornwall, said: “We are thrilled that the project has been extended, which will allow us to continue our vital work in shaping Cornwall’s digital future. This project has already made a tangible difference to our region, and we are excited to see what the next year will bring. Together, we are building a stronger, more digitally empowered Cornwall.”

The funding extension will enable Digital Futures Cornwall to expand its impact significantly between now and March 2026. A key focus will be the development of seven new AI training courses delivered by Digital Peninsula Network (DPN), specifically designed to upskill SMEs and microbusinesses across Cornwall. Building on DPN's existing network of over 13,000 women in Cornwall, these courses are expected to attract strong participation from both women (76% historically) and those aged over 50 (56%).

The project will also introduce new initiatives including:

• Practical one-day workshops on Microsoft Excel and Word, delivered by Step Into Learning
• The digitalUPLIFT Next Gen programme for underrepresented young people, developed by TECwomen
• Expanded digital marketing courses from Truro and Penwith College, including new AI-focused content
• Additional cohorts of Headforwards' successful Software Development Bootcamp

A significant new dimension will be a collaboration with Proud to Care, advancing Cornwall's tech strategy by developing a digitally-skilled care workforce. Proud to Care Cornwall is part of a wider Proud to Care South-West initiative set up to raise the profile of social care. This partnership will empower care professionals to confidently use technology and engage in decision-making better informed by data, while maintaining the highest standards of person-centred care.

Through this joint effort, Digital Futures Cornwall and Proud to Care hope to shape a more efficient, responsive, and sustainable care sector that enhances independence and improves outcomes for Cornwall’s residents.

The project's first 18 months have delivered remarkable results in phase one, engaging 247 businesses across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly through more than 100 different activities. To date, the initiative has supported 1336 employed participants, 124 unemployed learners, and enabled 174 individuals to retrain ready to take on new digital opportunities. These achievements have been made possible through a series of high-impact events and programmes that have captured the imagination of Cornwall's tech community.

The continued success of Tech Cornwall’s Agile on the Beach, which concluded on July 4 this year, cemented its reputation as a must-attend event in the tech calendar. Attracting hundreds of professionals to Falmouth University’s AMATA venue for two days of intensive workshops, talks, and networking sessions on Agile methodologies, the event’s unique blend of expert insights and informal networking, complete with beachside gatherings, has made it a standout fixture, combining cutting-edge learning with Cornwall’s inspiring coastal setting.

Earlier this year, Cornwall’s Festival of Tech got off to a groundbreaking start with Ameca: A Robot’s Journey to Creation, one of the project’s standout moments. The February 2025 event brought together industry leaders, educators, and tech enthusiasts to celebrate Cornwall’s thriving digital sector, marking the first-ever public appearance in Cornwall of Ameca, the world's most advanced humanoid robot developed by Falmouth-based Engineered Arts.

Attendees were treated to an unforgettable experience that blended cutting-edge technology with practical career insights. Among them was Andrew Cole, who praised the inclusive approach, saying, “The talks and presentations were very well pitched for families. We particularly enjoyed the careers panel, the discussion on AI biases, and Engineered Arts’ insight into Ameca’s development.” Alongside this historic showcase, the event featured tech talks, interactive workshops, retro gaming, and a panel discussion.

With over 200 attendees engaged throughout the day, the event not only highlighted Cornwall’s innovation but also inspired the next generation of tech talent.

The momentum continued as Cornwall’s tech community came together in force for the Festival of Tech, a landmark event that spotlighted the region’s innovation, talent, and collaborative spirit.

Delivered by local not-for-profit organisations Tech Cornwall and TECwomen CIC, the festival attracted over 1,000 attendees, cementing its place as Cornwall’s largest digital skills showcase.

Over two weeks, the event brought tech to life through demos, expos, workshops, talks, and networking opportunities, engaging businesses, learners, and enthusiasts alike. From AI and software development to sustainable energy solutions, the festival highlighted Cornwall’s fast-growing tech cluster while honouring its deep-rooted culture of innovation. By connecting people and ideas across the region, the event reinforced Cornwall’s role as an emerging hub for digital growth, one that balances cutting-edge progress with inclusivity and opportunity.

Meanwhile Headforwards' Digital Academy Software Development Bootcamp, in partnership with Code Institute, offered a transformative training course taking participants from ‘zero to tech hero’ in 16 weeks.

Participant Guy Clements is now working as a junior developer at {n}.bora (nowydh bora, Cornish for a new dawn), a Truro based consultancy company delivering IT and software development services across the globe.

Reflecting on the bootcamp Guy said: "Finding this role and seeing how everything I learnt on the bootcamp comes together into real life software products is an amazing feeling. I feel like I've really found my feet with a quality company, I'm already learning new languages, building apps, and becoming a core member of this fantastic team."

With this extended funding, Digital Futures Cornwall is poised to make an even greater impact on the region's digital ecosystem. By continuing to bring together education providers, businesses and community organisations, the project will create more pathways into digital careers, support business growth, and ensure Cornwall remains at the forefront of the UK's digital revolution.

For more information about Digital Futures Cornwall and its programmes, visit: www.digitalfuturescornwall.co.uk