From Digital Dynamos to Tech Titans: The UK's Latest Triumphs in Innovation

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, the United Kingdom is carving out its niche with remarkable precision. Two recent developments underscore the nation's commitment to innovation, spanning from the halls of academia to the cutting edge of defense technology.

Let me fill you in on these remarkable developments and how they're reshaping the tech landscape in the UK and beyond. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply curious about the direction of innovation, these stories offer a compelling glimpse into the transformative power of digital advancements.

Inside today’s newsletter :

DMU's Digital Dynamo: Tracey Jessup's Award-Winning Transformation Tale

AUKUS Innovation Challenge: UK's Tech Quartet Joins the Electronic Warfare Dance

Fujitsu Lands £600M Deal Despite Post Office Scandal Pledge

DMU's Digital Dynamo: Tracey Jessup's Award-Winning Transformation Tale

🔑 Key points:

• Tracey Jessup, DMU's Chief Transformation and Resources Officer, clinched the Public Sector Award from CIO UK 100 for spearheading the university's digital transformation strategy.

• The strategy goes beyond just implementing new gadgets; it focuses on people and processes to drive innovation. After all, what's the point of having a shiny new robot if no one knows how to turn it on?

• A digital champions program has significantly boosted digital confidence among staff.

• The strategy also emphasizes strengthening cybersecurity awareness.

  In today's world, a firewall is as essential as a good cup of tea in a British university.

• Digital labs are paving the way for a fully connected campus.

• Tracey's fourth consecutive appearance on the CIO 100 list proves she's not just a one-hit wonder in the tech world. She's more like the Rolling Stones of digital transformation - always relevant, never retiring.

AUKUS Innovation Challenge: UK's Tech Quartet Joins the Electronic Warfare Dance

🔑 Key points:

• Four UK organizations have been selected to share £2 million in funding for the inaugural AUKUS Pillar 2 Electronic Warfare Innovation Challenge.

• The challenge aims to develop low-cost, disposable, and highly autonomous electromagnetic technology for detection and protection.

• Amiosec Ltd, Autonomous Devices Ltd, Roke Manor Research Ltd, and the University of Liverpool are the UK's chosen few. They're now part of an exclusive club where the dress code is 'cutting-edge' and the password is 'electromagnetic.'

• The trilateral competition involved 173 qualified suppliers across Australia, the UK, and the US. It's like the Olympics of defence technology, but with less swimming and more signal jamming.

• This challenge is part of AUKUS Pillar 2, which focuses on advanced capabilities such as AI, autonomy, and quantum technologies.

• The initiative aims to strengthen regional and global stability in the Indo-Pacific. After all, what better way to ensure peace than by collaborating on state-of-the-art warfare technology?

Fujitsu Lands £600M Deal Despite Post Office Scandal Pledge

🔑 Key points:

• Fujitsu secures spot on £600M UK tech framework, raising eyebrows faster than a caffeinated squirrel. The company claims bidding occurred before its public sector hiatus promise.

• Northern Ireland's health service awards Fujitsu a place on the framework alongside other tech giants.

• The deal contradicts Fujitsu's January promise to pause public sector bids due to the Post Office Horizon scandal.

• Fujitsu explains the bidding process began in October 2023, predating their commitment.

• Despite promises and scandals, Fujitsu continues to secure government contracts, proving that in the world of tech, memories can be as short as a goldfish's attention span.

🏆 And the Winner Is... 🏆

🎉 Cognizant Worldwide Limited (London, UK) & Workday Limited (Dublin, Ireland)🎉 

The Details :

• Total Contract Value: £144,330,703

  Nature: Service contract for Technology (including ERP) & Systems Integration Services

• Cognizant Worldwide Limited Terms:

  • Initial Duration: 5 years

  • Extension Option: Up to 2 additional years

  • Maximum Contract Value: £80,787,706

• Workday Limited Terms:

  • Initial Duration: 10 years

  • Extension Option: Up to 2 additional years

  • Maximum Contract Value: £63,542,998

This procurement represents a significant investment in modernizing government services, aiming to streamline HR, Finance, and Payroll operations across multiple departments through cloud-based ERP solutions and integrated systems.

Calendar Highlights

Unlock Public Sector Contracts: Essential Workshop for SMEs

• 🏛️ Free 90-minute workshop on November 27th for SMEs seeking public sector contracts

• 📍 Held at 80 Basinghall Street, London EC2V 5AR

• Led by Jorge Analuisa, a 20-year industry veteran from Bid Specialists

• Covers UK procurement overview, bidding strategies, and proposal writing tips

• Aimed at UK-registered companies with £250K+ turnover and 2+ years trading

• Provides practical skills to identify opportunities and increase bidding confidence

Poll of the Public Sector