Lion Herald: stories and ideas about UK tech and digital Innovation

Hello Dear Readers,

I'm Fabrice Iranzi, a tech enthusiast from the heart of East Africa now living in UK. It is an honor Today, after a very long journey, to finally write these words to kick off this Newsletter. From my dedicated desk at Mosaic Digital Hub in the city of Lincoln, my deepest desire is to invite you for an active exploration and discovery of new ideas that are shaping the future of technology and innovation in the UK and beyond, from a humble yet passionate perspective. 

 While I can confess that I may not have a Ph.D. in geekery,

it always brings joy to constantly realize that stories from the tech jungle excites me. I enjoy the process of hunting stories behind innovative ideas and sharing them.

My journey began in the world of digital media platform development and storytelling in East Africa (Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya), United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi) and the United States of America before coming to the UK. I discovered that even the most complex tech tales can be as clear as day if we put them in simple terms. So the ambition is to keep things straightforward, just like grandma's favorite recipe.

My fascination with tech an innovation led me to create Lion Herald, your platform to discover more about the UK tech and innovation landscape. Think of it as a virtual campfire where we gather to share stories and ideas about tech and innovation. It's not your typical newsletter; it's more like your tech-loving friend who keeps you in the loop.

Our newsletter will be your window into the thrilling UK tech scene. I'll sift through the tech noise, curate the gems, and serve them up to you. From groundbreaking startups to AI wizardry, Lion Herald will make sure you're always in the know.

Get ready for our debut newsletter, where we'll dive into the juiciest tech tidbits. So, hit that subscribe button, invite friends and colleagues to join the tech and innovation exploration journey

Thanks for reading

Fabrice Iranzi, Lion Herald

Week in review

This week was marked by the Storm Babet, which has brought heavy rain to the UK, over 300 flood warnings have been issued in England, with Yorkshire, East Midlands, and West Midlands being the most affected regions. 

Notably, three severe flood warnings have been placed on the River Derwent in Derby, signifying a significant risk to life and disruptions in the local communities. The Environment Agency is operating flood defenses, reservoirs, and deploying temporary barriers to safeguard affected areas. My hope is you are all safe and staying . People away from swollen rivers and avoiding driving through flooded areas.

As of the latest update, there are 3 severe flood warnings, 275 flood warnings, and 215 flood alerts in effect, it is crucial to remain vigilant and prepared for ongoing heavy rain and potential flooding risks.

But today, beyond the weather lets dive into this new report by TechUk

The UK digital divide

A recent report by trade association techUK highlights a significant digital divide in the UK, with regions like London and the South East enjoying substantially higher digital gross value added (GVA) per person compared to areas like Wales and Northern Ireland. 

The data showed that London led the way with a digital GVA per person of £9,083, while Wales had the lowest digital sector GVA per capita at £1,348. The report emphasizes that reducing this digital divide by bringing regions with the lowest digital GVA up to the national median level could potentially contribute £4.8 billion to the UK's economy.

Why it matters

The digital divide, a gap in access to and utilization of digital technologies, poses significant economic challenges. It results in uneven opportunities for citizens and regions to benefit from the digital economy. Those with limited access to digital tools face reduced economic prospects and workforce productivity. They may struggle to participate in online education, remote work, or entrepreneurial endeavors, leading to income disparities and hampering economic growth. Furthermore, innovation and competitiveness may suffer in regions where the digital divide persists. 

The solution

 techUK's recommendations to bridge this gap include modernizing the national curriculum, incentivizing businesses to remain in the UK, and improving digital infrastructure.

Paul Scully, the minister for tech and digital economy, expressed the government's commitment to ensuring that the tech sector's benefits reach all corners of the country, emphasizing the importance of regional hubs for innovation and the UK's ambition to become a science and technology superpower by 2030.

 This report underscores the need for concerted efforts to address the disparities in digital advancement among different regions in the UK to maximize economic growth and technological progress.

Download the report here

Funding in the headlines 

French diagnostics firm BioMérieux has invested £70 million in Oxford Nanopore Technologies, acquiring a 3.5% stake in the London-listed DNA sequencing company. Following this equity investment, Oxford Nanopore's shares rose by 14.3%. The company, which specializes in portable DNA and RNA sequencers, reported revenue growth of 49% to £198.6 million in 2022, although it did not achieve profitability. Despite this, it reduced losses from £167.6 million in 2021 to £91 million in 2022 and anticipates revenue growth in the range of 16% to 30% for 2023. BioMérieux's CEO, Pierre Boulud, sees promise in Oxford Nanopore's sequencing technology for addressing future diagnostic needs, particularly in the context of infectious diseases.

Oxford Nanopore Technologies, a University of Oxford spinout, is known for its handheld DNA sequencing devices, which have been instrumental in taking DNA sequencing beyond the laboratory to various fields, including the diagnosis of viruses in African crops and Covid-19 sequencing. This strategic investment from BioMérieux is expected to accelerate the development of nanopore-based in vitro diagnostic (IVD) solutions and facilitate the delivery of more accessible and affordable clinical tools for improving healthcare globally.

Mosaic expands following £ 1.4-million-investment

Mosaic, a Lincolnshire-based co-working hub, has expanded with the addition of four new offices and a conference space for public hire. This conversion also includes a meeting room, creating a modern, high-tech workspace in the city center. This expansion has allowed tech companies like Goodlord, PageTiger, and Codal to move into Mosaic, offering a vibrant environment for collaboration and growth. Existing tenants have also benefited from this expansion, with companies like Lime Green Accountancy, Nokia, and eComOne being able to expand their presence within the shared space. Mosaic has relocated its entrance and reception to Silver Street to maintain a strong sense of community among its tenants and offer an alternative workspace for remote workers.

Mosaic, originally established in 2019 to support Lincolnshire's digital community, continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of remote workers. The recent expansion not only provides essential facilities like high-speed internet and private call booths but also fosters a collaborative and social environment. With new tenants joining the hub, Mosaic's growth showcases its commitment to supporting local businesses and professionals. The expansion has attracted tech companies and provided existing tenants the opportunity to expand within the shared space, ultimately contributing to the hub's success in fostering a thriving and supportive community.

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