Skip to content or footer
The Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards

Shortlist announced

The finalists of Scotland’s flagship awards celebrating collaboration between business, academia, the public sector and the third sector have been selected by an independent panel of expert judges. 

Now in its 11th year, the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards, organised by Interface, shine a spotlight on innovative partnerships between business, the third sector, the public sector and academia.  

The awards recognise and reward exceptional collaborations that deliver economic, environmental and social benefits for Scotland. 

Amelia Whitelaw, Director of Interface, said: “What stood out this year was the strength of collaboration across sectors. We’re seeing businesses, public bodies and third sector organisations working with colleges, research institutions and universities in ways that are delivering real impact for Scotland, from tackling net zero challenges to improving health and well-being.  That’s exactly what these awards are here to recognise.” 

The awards ceremony will take place at the Macrobert Arts Centre, University of Stirling, on 19th March. 

Discover more about the projects shortlisted

Innovation of the Year

Sponsored by Marks & Clerk. Awarded for an innovative product, process, or service developed through collaboration between a business, public, or third sector organisation and a university, college, or research institute.

  • Inspectahire Instrument Co. Ltd, an innovative Scottish SME, in collaboration with University of Strathclyde, has developed a portable ultrasonic measurement device that accurately determines whisky levels inside sealed casks without moving or opening them. Using advanced ultrasound, the innovation boosts safety, efficiency, and sustainability across distilleries, showcasing the power of knowledge exchange in advancing Scotland’s distilling industry.

  • Project HeritAIge is a research-led co-creation of a free historical video game of St Giles’ Cathedral, developed in partnership between the cathedral, University of Glasgow’s Gaming Lab, and Education Evolved Ltd. The game innovatively visualises 900 years of architectural evolution, deepens interactive visitor engagement, boosts charitable donation revenues, and provides a transferable model for ethically ‘gaming’ a global heritage site.
     
  • Seluna Ltd and the University of Glasgow collaborated to develop a novel light-based wearable sensor for children, capable of capturing multiple physiological signals needed to diagnose sleep-disordered breathing at home. Combining advanced biophotonics with AI analysis, the project established a strong proof of concept and laid the foundation for future clinical validation and sustained academic collaboration.
     
  • Sentinel has developed an integrated digital platform for trauma support, preparedness and organisational learning in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde. It is the world’s first trauma-informed digital ecosystem co-created with frontline workers to prevent, manage and better prepare for workplace trauma. Combining real-time grounding tools, leadership training and an AI Trauma Conversation Simulator, Sentinel transforms how organisations support staff during critical events.  

Innovator of the Future

Sponsored by Business Gateway. Recognises the achievements and impact of an individual who has made significant contributions to knowledge exchange projects.

  • Dr Firdous Ul Nazir has led a pioneering collaboration between Glasgow Caledonian University and TNEI Services Ltd, to develop a probabilistic low-voltage network modelling tool that transforms how engineers plan electricity networks under renewable and Electric Vehicle uncertainty. Already in internal use and positioned for commercial integration into IPSA, this innovation strengthens TNEI’s market capabilities and supports the UK’s transition to smarter, more resilient energy systems.
     
  • Professor Michael Crichton is an early-career biomedical engineer at Heriot-Watt University whose work in soft-tissue sensing is reshaping diagnostics and accelerating MedTech translation. Through close collaboration with industry, NHS partners and patient groups, he has built pathways from lab research to real-world impact, including his spinout TissueMetrics. His approach blends engineering insight, clinical relevance and inclusive design, delivering meaningful benefits for business and society.
     
  • Dr Ross Sanders, KTP Associate with Diageo and Heriot-Watt University, is working on an inventive project to support grain-to-glass sustainability in the art of Scotch Whisky production by obtaining a deeper scientific understanding of processes that produce flavour, aroma, and colour compounds when whisky barrels are charred. Ross aims to further strengthen the tradition of innovation in Scotch Whisky! 

Inward Investment Impact

Showcases knowledge exchange projects where businesses outside Scotland have collaborated with Scottish academia, resulting in positive impacts for Scotland.

  • Alta Vision Solar (AVS), and Robert Gordon University have formed a long-term international partnership focused on AI-enabled renewable mini-grids for underserved communities. Through multiple Innovate UK and Scottish-funded projects, the collaboration has advanced energy innovation, supported AVS’s global growth and created a clear pathway toward establishing R&D operations in Scotland. The partnership offers economic, environmental and international impact

  • Offshore wind is critical to the renewable energy transition but one factor constraining its scalability is the uncertainty in subsea data. Funded by an Inward Investment grant, Aquallite Data Ltd and University of Edinburgh’s collaboration has led to the development of a revolutionary product that will unlock scalability for offshore wind by delivering better data faster.
     
  • Troo Ltd, a Sunderland based Energy Brokerage SME, chose KTP with University of Glasgow to help business across UK meet their Net Zero and Energy requirements efficiently using Data & AI Insights. This digital transformation project has automated 1000+ redundant manual hrs in the first 6 months and reduced internal technical costs by 90%+ (additional technical funding £6000+ generated) and have generated industrial dissertation projects for UoG student partners in the process supplementary to the original goal of solving energy needs across the UK.   

Knowledge Exchange Champion

Celebrates an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to advancing knowledge exchange activities and raising awareness of their impact.

  • Dr Alison Kirk, Reader in Physical Activity for Health at University of Strathclyde, has profoundly advanced knowledge exchange in Scotland through cross-sector leadership, driving impactful digital health innovations and major university/industry partnerships. Her projects, from Carefit and Nutrition Scotland to the global Welbot and Sentinel platforms demonstrate scalable, co-created solutions with economic and societal benefit. She also builds national capacity through teaching, keynote dissemination, major events, and policy-relevant research leadership.
  • James Jamieson, Depute Head of Curriculum at South Lanarkshire College, has been a leading voice for partnership working. By championing the expansion of industry-focused, college-led skills training programmes, he has overseen the expansion of new pathways to success, the advancement future-proofing industry skills needs, and the breaking down financial and societal barriers for students. All leading to a significantly positive economic and social impact for communities. 
  • Dr Nicola Cogan, Senior lecturer (honorary)/Chief Scientific Officer, Sentinel, leads innovative trauma-informed work that is improving psychological safety across health, social care, emergency services and industry. Through co-creation, research and digital innovation, she has developed scalable solutions that support frontline workers during and after traumatic events. Her partnerships with NHS, Scottish Ambulance Service, ASLEF and international collaborators are creating resilient, prepared workforces that society depends on.
     
  • Professor Sinéad Rhodes, Professor of Developmental Neuropsychology at University of Edinburgh, has transformed knowledge exchange in Scotland by creating EPIC, a digital early-intervention model that supports neurodivergent children during the 3–4 year diagnostic wait. By translating research into practical tools for families, teachers and clinicians, EPIC has reached over 20,000 children, strengthening their well-being and inclusion. EPIC is a sustainable, scalable social-enterprise model for research translation and impact. 

Knowledge Exchange Heroes

Recognises the individuals and teams, working behind the scenes, who have played pivotal roles in supporting knowledge exchange activities.

  • Former CEO turned university business leader, Emma Perfect has transformed how Heriot-Watt University delivers Knowledge Exchange. She has supported over half of all KTP and Interface projects since 2022—worth £2.75 million in total value—while creating clear processes, mentoring colleagues, and inspiring others to see collaboration as a shared, human endeavour that delivers real-world impact.
     
  • Dr Iona Beange, co-director of EPIC Think Learn and Patient Engagement Lead at the University of Edinburgh, excels in transforming research into resources for neurodivergent children. With 20+ years in knowledge exchange, she mentors students, leads projects, and advocates for impact through social enterprise, earning multiple awards for her innovative contributions.

  • Sarah Buchanan, Programme Manager Systems Engineering Management/KE Champion,  has played a central role in strengthening knowledge exchange at the University of Strathclyde through leadership, staff development and advocacy. Through mentoring, inclusive support and sustained operational impact, she has built commercial capability, empowered academics and helped embed knowledge exchange as a valued part of university life.
     
  • The Scottish Research Alliance for Energy, Homes and Livelihoods fosters cross-sector collaboration to drive research that delivers tangible societal impact. Through events, seed-funded projects and policy engagement, it unites Scotland’s universities with industry, business, government, charities, and local communities to co-create solutions for Scotland’s net zero future, transforming knowledge exchange into action and measurable outcomes. 

Making a Social Difference

Celebrates knowledge exchange projects that have made a significant positive social impact.

  • EPIC Think Learn C.I.C., in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, delivers evidence-based early-intervention resources for neurodivergent children—particularly those facing 3–4-year diagnostic waits. Through online parent training, teacher resources, and clinician CPD, EPIC provides immediate, practical support that improves wellbeing, learning, and inclusion. Since its incorporation two years ago, EPIC has positively impacted more than 20,000 children.

  • Deaf women are up to three times more likely to experience domestic abuse (DA) than hearing women, yet they face major barriers in accessing support when reporting abuse.  To address this inequality, Heriot-Watt University partnered with Police Scotland collaboratively delivering two linked projects – Justisigns2 (J2) and SILENT HARM – co-designing both through consistent engagement with Deaf community members and representative organisations.
     
  • Routes to Work partnered with the University of the West of Scotland to transform employability services through innovation and evidence-based practice. The collaboration delivered new tools, digital transformation, and a social value framework, achieving a £7.34 return per £1 invested and expanding support to thousands, improving wellbeing and reducing poverty across Scotland.

Making an Environmental Difference

Recognises knowledge exchange projects that have made a meaningful impact on the environment.

  • Montrose Port Authority partnered with the University of Strathclyde to position the port as a green energy hub across multiple transport modes. The collaboration developed innovative tools, models and strategic frameworks for energy demand, berth allocation and operational planning, creating a robust foundation for decarbonisation and establishing Montrose Port as a national pioneer in sustainable, low-carbon maritime operations.
     
  • Rock Solid Processing Ltd and the University of Dundee’s collaboration applies circular economy principles within the energy from waste sector to create a high value granular product used to displace virgin aggregates and decarbonise concrete. This not only diverts waste from landfill but enhances the whole life CO2 sequestration potential of concrete products in the Scottish and UK construction sector.
     
  • Ureaka Ltd and the University of Strathclyde are developing a circular, cement-free biocementation process that permanently mineralises captured CO2 into construction materials. Through joint research in biocementation, process modelling, and reagent recovery, the partnership has demonstrated early carbon-storing prototypes and paved the way for a fully circular CO2-utilisation loop with significant potential to decarbonise precast concrete manufacturing. 

Multiparty Collaboration

Recognises consortia and groups collaborating on innovative knowledge exchange projects.

  • 5G Future Farming Robotics unites robotics, agriculture, and telecommunications leaders to pioneer autonomous farming in rural environments. By integrating private 5G networks with advanced robotics, the collaboration tackles connectivity challenges, boosts sustainability, and enhances productivity, creating a scalable model for precision agriculture and opening pathways to innovation across energy, construction, and emergency response sectors.
     
  • The Conquering the Air(waves) collaboration brought together University of Strathclyde, broadcasters, production companies, connectivity providers, research institutes and specialist technology vendors to redefine wireless connectivity for live event production. A world-first private 5G network on an ultralight aircraft was developed and used for a cycle race in France. The technology paves the way for huge capital and operational cost reductions over existing solutions, while significantly reducing environmental impact.
     
  • Pilot cognitive overload causes over 50% of aviation accidents worldwide. This unprecedented three-way partnership, University of Strathclyde’s NeuraSearch Laboratory, BAE Systems, and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), developed the first system to objectively monitor pilot mental workload during actual flight operations, achieving 95% accuracy even under extreme conditions. This breakthrough enables proactive safety intervention that could save hundreds of lives annually, revolutionizing aviation safety.
     
  • The Living Laboratory Radiogenomics project brings together the NHS, University of Glasgow, and Canon Medical Research Europe to create a research database comprising clinical, imaging, and multi-omic data on 1,400 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. This data is deployed in a trusted research environment, made securely accessible to researchers and companies, especially those developing innovative AI solutions for improving cancer outcomes. 

Place-based Impact

Sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Celebrates collaborative initiatives that bring together partners from across Scotland to deliver targeted, positive outcomes for specific regions or local communities.

  • College Local Innovation Centres (CLIC) is a collaboration of six Glasgow City Region colleges delivering targeted, place-based innovation support. Through digital capability building, sector-specific interventions and community engagement, CLIC has supported over 450 businesses, strengthened local services and enhanced productivity across the Glasgow city region. The partnership is transforming local access to innovation and creating a more resilient, inclusive and digitally confident regional economy.
     
  • Lewis Robertson, KTP associate with University of the Highlands and Islands North, West and Hebrides, Highland Distillers, Highland Park and Innovate UK, is re-shaping the use of peat in the whisky sector by adapting peat management practices that optimise the potential for current and future restoration without compromising product quality and flavour. Lewis has developed bespoke techniques to re-habilitate shallow peat areas, while upskilling local contractors on Orkney.
     
  • Listening to Scotland’s Future brings Heriot-Watt University and West Lothian Council together to place young people at the heart of Scotland’s conversation on AI and robotics. Through community workshops, national debate, and a new Youth Advisory Panel, the project empowers families across West Lothian to shape the technologies influencing their future and strengthens the region’s voice in national decision-making.
     
  • SeaWarm brings together University of Edinburgh, Growforth Ltd, Port Edgar Marina, Museum of Lead Mining, and LAR Housing Trust to deliver innovative modular water-source heating at local scale, capturing renewable heat from natural water bodies. It offers an affordable, low-carbon alternative for homes, businesses and community sites (particularly in Scotland’s rural and coastal regions) while building the evidence, partnerships and capacity needed for large-scale deployment and future international expansion.
     
  • The Living Laboratory for Precision Medicine, a University of Glasgow-led programme, accelerates the development, evaluation, and adoption of cutting-edge healthcare solutions in real-world clinical settings. Anchored in collaboration, it brings together researchers, clinicians, and industry partners in a ‘triple helix’ partnership, harnessing their collective expertise to translate innovations into frontline NHS care and improve patient outcomes. 

Research & Innovation in Digital Health and Social Care

In Partnership with The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI). Celebrates digitally enabled knowledge exchange projects that have made a significant positive impact on health and social care.

  • This collaboration with EPIC Think Learn C.I.C. brings University of Edinburgh research directly into homes, classrooms, and clinical settings through EPIC’s innovative digital platform. By equipping families and professionals with practical, research-based strategies, the partnership improves children’s wellbeing, enhances early intervention, and strengthens Scotland’s capacity to support neurodivergent learners at scale.
     
  • Sentinel and the University of Strathclyde have co-created an ecosystem of trauma-informed digital tools providing “PPE for the Mind” to frontline and essential workers. Through cutting-edge research and scalable technology, the collaboration is delivering innovative support and training solutions piloted across NHS Boards and essential services in Scotland and internationally, strengthening preparedness, psychological safety, workforce resilience, and long-term workforce sustainability.
     
  • West of Scotland Innovations Hub, The Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, The Beatson Cancer Charity and The Glasgow School of Art – the Cleft Lip Augmented Reality patient leaflet overcomes the health-literacy gap by providing a fully visual explanation of complex surgery, akin to the Harry Potter “moving newspapers”. Co-developed with families – studies demonstrate improved understanding, reduced anxiety and clearer informed consent compared with traditional leaflets. Now implemented nationally, this approach is being translated to breast cancer, with potential global impact. 

Trailblazing AI Collaboration

In Partnership with The Data Lab. This award celebrates the partnerships driving innovation at the forefront of Scotland’s data and AI ecosystem. Awarded for an innovative product, process, or service which has been adopted/will be quickly adopted and represents significant value to Scotland.

  • ADC Energy Ltd and Robert Gordon University – a Blowout Preventer (BOP) is a high-value safety critical system used in the drilling industry and deployed subsea. Its key sealing component, the annular, cannot currently be inspected underwater without lifting the BOP to the surface. Our project transforms this by using advanced AI-based methods for condition monitoring and inspection in real time, extending maintenance intervals safely whilst reducing cost.

  • John G Russell (Transport) Ltd in collaboration with Glasgow Caledonian University, through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), developed a data and AI solution delivering real-time data intelligence through an integrated supply chain management system across its operations. This solution enables the optimization of logistics and reduction in empty running leading to efficiency gains such as 30% reduction in Carbon emissions.
     
  • Red Star AI Ltd and the University of Dundee have developed an AI-powered heart failure platform that scans health records and echo reports to find patients stuck on outdated treatment. By auditing therapy against guidelines and supporting optimisation, the collaboration has already improved biomarkers and quality of life, and shows how digital innovation can transform heart failure care at scale.