27 May 2026
Ufi offers £743k to 13 organisations developing technology to improve vocational learning across the UK
A new cohort of innovators is exploring how technology can address some of the UK’s most persistent skills challenges.
Ufi is pleased to announce the latest VocTech Activate cohort, bringing together innovators developing practical, evidence-led approaches to improving vocational learning. We have offered 13 organisations a share of £743,000 to scope, test and develop their ideas, helping them move from concept towards scalable solutions.
“Vocational learning is shaped by real-world contexts, where training is closely linked to workplaces, practical skills, and the needs of both employers and learners. That creates specific challenges for how learning is designed, delivered and assessed, and means new approaches need to be tested in real settings.
“Through VocTech Activate, we support early-stage ideas that respond to these realities, combining funding, sector insight and a focus on practical testing so organisations can explore what works and build the evidence needed to scale.”
- Jane Holmes, Associate Director of Grants at Ufi.
Tackling real-world skills challenges
All the projects in the 2026 cohort are developing digital solutions to address real-world challenges in vocational learning, across sectors including agriculture, construction, health and social care, and manufacturing.
Several focus on improving feedback, assessment and the learning experience, using AI to support tutors and help learners track progress more effectively. Others are tackling barriers to access by creating more inclusive ways to engage adults underserved by existing provision.
The cohort also includes projects testing new approaches to hands-on skills development, from immersive environments to workplace-based learning tools, as well as projects improving pathways into work; connecting learners with opportunities, and employers with a broader, work-ready talent pool.
Examples include:
- Embedding British Sign Language into digital tools to improve access and assessment of vocational skills for Deaf learners.
- Creating virtual lab environments for learners to develop experience in complex and high-risk scenarios in the manufacturing and chemical sectors.
- Using TikTok-style, mobile-first microlearning to help farmers build practical green skills.
Explore the full cohort in the Ufi VocTech Directory.
What comes next
The VocTech Activate 2026 cohort highlights the breadth of innovation emerging across the sector. Each project is rooted in a clear understanding of a real-world challenge, with the opportunity to test ideas, build evidence and demonstrate what is possible.
Projects will now begin developing and testing their approaches, working with learners, employers and partners to refine their solutions in real-world contexts.
The cohort has already come together for an online welcome session and will meet in person next month to support collaboration, shared learning and the start of project delivery.
We will share more about the cohort as projects progress, capturing learning and insights that can support wider adoption of vocational technology.
Explore the Technology and Innovation Zone at the AELP National Conference 2026Find out how VocTech can work for your organisation.
Ufi’s response to the interim report: Young people and workThe potential for vocational technology to support young people across the UK.
Ufi offers £743k to 13 organisations developing technology to improve vocational learning across the UKDeveloping digital solutions to address real-world challenges in vocational learning.