In June 2025, the UK government revealed a bold new strategy to draw the world’s brightest innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs. Let’s break down what this means, who qualifies, and how professionals like you could benefit.
1. What Is the Global Talent Taskforce & Fund?
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The Global Talent Taskforce is a high-level government initiative—reporting to the Prime Minister and Chancellor—designed to proactively court exceptional talent in fields like AI, life sciences, engineering, and creative industries .
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Backed by a £54 million Global Talent Fund, managed via UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), this initiative will support 60–80 top researchers and their teams over five years .
2. Who Can Benefit from It?
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Researchers and academics
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Entrepreneurs, investors, senior managers, and engineers
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High-calibre creatives
These individuals may be invited to the UK and supported through relocation and visa support.
Universities are central to this process—12 prestigious institutions (e.g., Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial) will deliver the fund and identify candidates .
3. What Support Is Provided?
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Coverage of relocation and research costs
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Visa and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for successful applicants and their dependents—fully covered by the fund
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Access to Global Talent visas, which provide flexibility for those recognized as leaders or potential leaders in their field
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Fast-track fellowship routes, such as the Turing AI Global Fellowships and Encode: AI for Science, tied to priority access via the Global Talent visa
4. Why It Matters
This initiative signals a shift from passive migration policy to a proactive recruitment model, aligning visa policy directly with the UK’s industrial growth strategy .
According to the Financial Times, international talent—especially those affected by global shifts—could make Britain a key destination if the UK moves swiftly and strategically .
Is This an “Attract Scheme”?
Yes, at its heart, this is exactly what it is: a comprehensive Attract Scheme. It combines:
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High-level strategy commitment (Taskforce)
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Financial incentives (Global Talent Fund & fellowships)
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Easier visa pathways
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Targeted industry outreach
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Taskforce Role | Identify and invite global talent to align with UK industrial strategy |
| Funding | £54m Global Talent Fund (via UKRI) for 5 years |
| Beneficiaries | Researchers, entrepreneurs, creatives, engineers, investors |
| Support Covered | Relocation, research expenses, visa & IHS for applicants and dependents |
| Visa Route | Global Talent visa, plus fast-track via fellowships |
| Launch Timing | Announced June 2025; rollout through universities began mid-2025 |
If you’re an exceptional professional weighing UK opportunities—or if you represent one of the UK institutions involved and need legal advice on leveraging this scheme—get in touch today for tailored guidance.
