Interface at 20
Explore 20 years of innovation through business-academic partnerships
“Twenty years ago, we set out to connect ideas with expertise. Today, those foundations are stronger than ever, and our role has evolved. As a recognised part of Scotland’s innovation system, we bring together businesses, academics, and partners across sectors to unlock new opportunities. With renewed investment and strong partnerships, our ambition is clear: to accelerate innovation that strengthens Scotland’s economy and benefits society for the next 20 years and beyond…”
Amelia Whitelaw, Director, Interface
Two decades of impact backed by renewed SFC funding
Hear from Francesca Osowska, Chief Executive, Scottish Funding Council and Amelia Whitelaw, Director, Interface in the video below, from a recent visit to Matched by Interface company Crover.
As we celebrate 20 years of driving business–academic innovation, we have secured a double funding commitment from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).
Case Studies: Revisted
As part of our 20th year celebrations, we will be revisiting some of our case studies to learn more about where these collaborations have taken the teams involved.
Our journey in numbers
See the impact we have made over the past 20 years.
We have
As a result of our work
Testimonials
With over 3,800 business-academic collaborations delivered, we’re delighted to have made an impact in many journeys. Read some of their kind words below.
“As previous grateful recipients of Interface support, I can testify to how valuable the academic support and funding that Interface provides. Several years on, the innovations supported by this early-stage academic engagement forms a cornerstone of our business.”
Alistair Cameron, CEO, Scotmas
“We at SFC are proud to have been able to support Interface’s impact on business innovation across many sectors of the economy throughout Scotland. Combining expertise and talent from universities and colleges with ideas and knowledge from progressive companies is crucial to Scotland’s economy and future prosperity.”
Francesca Osowska, Chief Executive, Scottish Funding Council
“As a start-up, it was hugely beneficial working with Interface as they helped us connect with several university facilities around Scotland broadening significantly our network and working with the university partners helped us run other projects and complete milestones that we wouldn’t have achieved otherwise. We are very grateful for their continued support and wish them all the very best in their 20th Anniversary year!”
Ioannis Stasinopoulos, CEO, Prozymi Biolabs Ltd
“Amazing news! We have worked with the team at Interface for a few years now. They are great, they have great knowledge and understating of your business which helps with all the collaborations we have had! Here’s to another 20 years!”
Ian Pirrie, Chair Cancer Card
“As an early-stage startup with limited resources, demonstrating feasibility especially with third party input is both crucial and very challenging. Being able to connect with Dr. Maheri through Interface, with the funding in place and aligned, to jump straight into a project was a huge opportunity for Kionnali. Interface is a brilliant service which delivers a huge amount of value and we look forward to further collaboration!”
Corrin Fox, Co-founder, Kionnali Living Systems
“Interface has been a true catalyst in our journey. Their support helped us secure a pivotal academic partnership that not only validated our product but also opened doors to further studies and global growth. The credibility gained through these collaborations has directly led to investment, award recognition, and market expansion. For any company looking to scale through innovation and evidence, Interface is a game-changer.”
Alyssa Reid, Co-founder, The Prebiotic Company Ltd