Grace Hopper Celebration & UK Tech Company Female Founder Delegation

Grace Hopper Celebration & UK Tech Company Female Founder Delegation

From Tuesday, October 8 – Friday, October 11, 2024, the UK Department for Business & Trade (DBT) sponsored the Grace Hopper Celebration 2024 (GHC), an inclusive technology event that takes place annually in the US. DBT’s GHC exhibition showcased international perspectives and opportunities in tech. The UK Government brought a delegation of UK female tech company founders to Philadelphia for a series of regional meetings in addition to the convention. The BABCPHL was honored to partner with DBT, the Commerce Department for the City of Philadelphia, the Department for Community & Economic Development for the State of Pennsylvania, the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia (WAC), the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) to offer a meaningful introduction to the region.

Upon arrival, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia market overviews were presented by local economic development partners during a morning introductory session at the WAC office. Following this welcome session, delegates and regional representatives walked to the Comcast Technology Center for a presentation by Comcast LIFT LABS, Comcast’s startup engagement and accelerator group. The delegates were then treated to lunch by PHLCVB at the iconic Reading Terminal Market. After lunch, the UK tech founders traveled to Cambridge Innovation Center in University City where they heard from a panel about tech companies and women in tech in Philadelphia. After this session, the group was transported to the Navy Yard to visit the urban reconversion and tech ecosystem building, where the Director of Communications for the Navy Yard at Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation spoke to everyone.

On Wednesday evening, October 9th DBT and the WAC hosted a networking reception for the UK delegates and regional business executives, members, and friends of the BABCPHL and other partners. Attendees included UK government representatives, tech companies, local and regional economic development organizations, service providers, investors/VCs, and UK/US companies who have expanded internationally. Hannah Young, His Majesty’s

Consul General to New York presided over the meeting, along with co-host Lauren Swartz, President & CEO, WAC, and Rue Landau, a civil rights and housing attorney, a public school parent and the first openly LGBTQ+ member of Philadelphia City Council. The reception was a spirted, warm, and welcoming gathering that celebrated inclusive tech in the UK and US. It was an honor to welcome the UK delegation of women tech leaders to Philadelphia. With special thanks to DBT and the WAC, along with the City of Philadelphia and other partners for hosting the delegates and arranging such a meaningful and informative visit to our region.

Click here for photos by Digital Media Officer, Scott Heins, of the British Consulate General

Click here to view our photos.