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Knowledge

Reading is at the forefront of UK Innovation with a raft of leading creatives and knowledge-based businesses based here and a world top 200 ranked university in the form of the University of Reading. Recognised as the second-best location for innovation companies by DataCity, Reading also ranks third as a hotbed for fostering AI enterprises according to Business Financed. The city is a top 10 location for tech jobs and holds the sixth highest position for new high-growth tech industries, as reported by the Centre for Cities 2025. With the second fastest average 5G speeds in the UK, Reading supports a thriving digital environment. It is home to over 11,000 digital and tech firms, boasting the highest concentration of ICT companies in the South East. This dynamic ecosystem makes Reading an ideal place for technology and innovation-driven businesses to flourish.

Innovation at the University of Reading
The University of Reading, ranked among the World Top 200 (QS) and the UK’s No.1 Sustainable University of the Year 2025, plays a vital role in the region’s innovation landscape. Renowned for its research in climate science, the built environment, food and nutrition, agriculture, health and computational sciences, the University also hosts leading Innovation Centres such as Agrimetrics, EIT Food and Environmental Analytics.
Tech and Digital Innovation Hub
Known as the UK’s Silicon Valley, Reading has been a centre of digital innovation since the 1960s, when DEC opened its UK office. Global tech leaders such as Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco, Huawei, and Symantec have followed, establishing Reading as a hub for data, cybersecurity, fintech, and IoT. With a tech business density seven times the national average (Tech Nation), Reading also boasts a thriving start-up culture.
Broader Innovation Across Sectors
Innovation in Reading extends far beyond digital technologies. The town is a centre for cutting-edge work in climate research, drone technology, defence, life sciences, green energy and creative industries, including new film studios and media technologies. This diversity positions Reading as a vibrant and future-focused innovation ecosystem.

Learn more about Innovation in Reading

Innovation in Reading in action

ECMWF
Construction of a new HQ for the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts at the University of Reading is underway. The University's Whiteknights campus will, as a result, become home to the largest cluster of weather and climate scientists in the world.
Shinfield Studios
The film production industry has grown at an amazing pace in Reading and Shinfield Studios now boasts 16 stages, making it one of the largest film studios in the UK.
Drone technology corridors
Drone technology corridors are being developed by Reading based business, Altitude Angel.
Reading Hydro CBS
Reading Hydro CBS is powering Thames Lido with two reverse archimedes screw turbines located by Caversham Weir generating clean, sustainable energy for the benefit of the Reading community.

Major businesses in Reading