Tech entrepreneur and Metail founder Tom Adeyoola has been selected as the preferred head of Innovate UK.
Innovate UK is part of the largest national public research funder. The agency funds ambitious companies, drives transformative technologies, and oversees the UK’s Catapult Network.
In 2023/2024, more than 450,000 innovators were supported by the agency. This includes support for successful scale-ups such as Pragmatic, a world leader in semiconductor innovation that has grown from a dozen to 330 employees in a decade.
Innovate UK was also an early backer of Oxford Nanopore Technologies, whose handheld DNA sequencing technology is now used worldwide.
Through Innovate UK’s flagship Future Flight Challenge, people could see faster medical deliveries, air taxis cutting journey times, and greener transport options.
Adeyoola previously worked on the board at Channel 4, focused on digital transformation.
He said: "Innovate UK plays a vital role in catalysing the businesses that will shape the UK’s future economy – whether through cutting-edge technologies, the creative industries, or AI.
"I look forward to working with partners across the ecosystem, industry and government to ensure our investments have a multiplier impact, driving innovation that fuels economic growth and strengthens the UK’s position as a global leader in science and technology."
Science Minister Lord Vallance said: "Innovation is central to this government’s Plan for Change, helping to unlock new opportunities, boost productivity, and create high-value jobs across the UK.
"With his experience in technology, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation Tom Adeyoola is the right person to ensure Innovate UK delivers real impact – backing pioneering businesses, scaling up breakthrough innovations and ensuring the UK leads in the industries of the future.
"I thank Stella Peace for her excellent contribution as interim Executive Chair, and Indro Mukerjee as Executive Chair before her, and I look forward to working with Tom as we continue to make the UK the best place in the world to start and grow an innovative business."
