Science Minister urges pension funds to boost investment in science and tech firms

Pension firms have been urged to back UK science and technology companies, with Science Minister Lord Ian Vallance calling for more private investment at the British Venture Capital Association’s (BVCA’s) private capital showcase. 

Vallance said there were too many UK companies working in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology and quantum that UK investors were not supporting enough.

Vallance said: “There are far too many UK companies operating at the cutting-edge of emerging technologies, like AI, biotechnology and quantum to which UK investors are underexposed.

“Through our industrial strategy, we are building an environment where public funding, streamlined regulation and partnerships with industry are channelling investment into science and technology.

“Encouraging greater flows of capital into the sector is another piece of the puzzle, supporting companies to grow and jobs to be created.”

Last year, £13bn ($16bn) went into UK start-ups and scale-ups, with over £6.5bn ($8bn) raised in the first half of 2025. 

The Government wants to push growth further, focusing on long-term returns for investors and keeping jobs and value in the UK.

To help investors find opportunities, Vallance also announced a new Innovation Clusters Map.