Four college students have completed the latest ScotCol Accelerator, a six-week innovation programme designed to help students develop early-stage business ideas and build confidence in innovation skills. 

The programme was designed and delivered by Dr Elaine Baxter of Boutique Innovation with support from Interface, which provided Interface mentors, Louise Arnold and Jackie Sanderson, and coordinated additional mentors from the innovation community. 

Students from Edinburgh, Fife, Falkirk and South Lanarkshire Colleges, explored their business ideas, spoke to potential customers, tested assumptions, and gained confidence in presenting their business concepts. Feedback from students and mentors highlighted how valuable the structured support and practical tools were in helping students make progress.  

Paul McKay, Senior Policy Officer of Start-up Infrastructure and Community Policy at the Scottish Government, said: “The Scottish Government is committed to strengthening innovation across all sectors, including Further Education. The ScotCol programme demonstrates the impressive entrepreneurial potential within Scotland’s colleges and we’re encouraged by the creative solutions teams are developing to address real-world challenges. This type of initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to build a more innovative and entrepreneurial Scotland.” 

Elaine Baxter added: “I am impressed at the quality of innovation coming from the Scottish FE sector and we will continue to support that in any way we can.” 

Amelia Whitelaw, Director of Interface, said: “There are many talented students in colleges with strong ideas for products and services. The ScotCol Accelerator helps them build confidence and practical skills needed to take those ideas forward, benefiting both the students and their wider communities.” 

Fife College student Radu Florin Amariei, mentored by Jackie Sanderson, Innovation Engagement Lead at Interface, is developing a 3D Virtual Chat Robot Assistant, to support students and staff with admissions, timetables, and campus services. He explained the importance of the Accelerator to his business: “At first, I thought I could build this alone, but the guidance, collaboration and support I gained through ScotCol was necessary to make real progress and avoid mistakes.” 

Lewis Steen, Business Development Assistant at Edinburgh College, added: “I’d recommend ScotCol as a great way to give students focused entrepreneurial guidance. It helps them build real skills, gain confidence, and see their ideas progress with the help of a dedicated mentor. That kind of student development has a huge potential to create a positive ripple effect across the college.” 

Anna Robin, Curriculum Quality Lead Lecturer at South Lanarkshire College, said: “This is a great initiative for any student – to know there is support available is amazing. Often students don’t know where to go to access information, so this programme is great.” 

Former participant, Claire Williams, joined the cohort during the programme to share how her business has progressed since completing the first Accelerator program in the summer.  Since then, she has engaged with Kirsty McNeill MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland, and senior education representatives, with encouraging developments for her Mum Mastery parent-child coaching business. 

Early feedback from colleges involved in the pilot suggests that interest in the ScotCol Accelerator is strong and that linking the programme to curriculum activity could help even more students take part in future cycles. 

The ScotCol Accelerator programme was funded by the Scottish Government’s Ecosystem Fund. 

Businesses looking to establish longer-term partnerships with academics can apply for a share of £200,000 funding, as a new round of Advanced Innovation Voucher funding is launched today (Wednesday, 30th July).

The funding is provided by Scottish Enterprise and managed by Interface to support and encourage collaborative projects to create new products, processes and services.

The Advanced Innovation Vouchers are aimed at building relationships between business and academia, and are open to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Scotland. The funds are awarded on a sliding scale with the business match-funding the award up to £20k.

Since 2011, the Advanced Innovation Voucher programme has awarded £1.94m for 159 business-academic projects. 

Paul Cross, Innovation Team Leader at Scottish Enterprise, said: “The Advanced Innovation Voucher funding helps unlock deeper collaboration between ambitious businesses and academia, converting cutting-edge research into globally competitive products and services. These businesses have the potential to scale, attract investment, create high quality jobs across Scotland, and lead their industries in the future. Our funding and support is part of our long-term strategy and missions approach to scale innovation in growth sectors where Scotland excels.”

Laura Goodfellow, Associate Director, Innovation Engagement, at Interface, said: “This funding provides a fantastic opportunity for businesses aiming to scale innovative projects – whether building on a successful partnership or launching a new venture. Interface is here to help businesses connect with the academic expertise that can drive their ideas forward and support them with funding to achieve their research and development ambitions.”

East Kilbride-based business Airglove Medical Ltd, accessed the Advanced Innovation Voucher funding after Interface brokered a partnership with Edinburgh Napier University to further develop their medical products. The potential for Airglove Medical’s innovative patient wellbeing products is also recognised by Scottish Enterprise through its equity investment into the company.

Sheena Jack, Marketing and Design Director at Airglove Medical Ltd, said: “We were delighted to work with Edinburgh Napier University and access funding for the project through the Advanced Innovation Voucher. Their knowledge and expertise, along with their enthusiasm for Airglove, has enabled us to develop prototypes and given us a strong industry/academic relationship. We are looking forward to working with Professor Chan See and his team on the next phase of Airglove.”

Professor Chan Hwang See, from the School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment at Edinburgh Napier University, added: “The Standard and Advanced Innovation Voucher scheme enabled us to bring together a multidisciplinary research team with expertise in product design, electronics, electrical engineering, and biomedical devices. The project has engaged several students, enhancing their experience and skills of working with industry. In addition, the knowledge gained through this project will support future funding applications, inform several final-year and MSc student projects, and contribute to teaching materials—helping to equip the next generation of engineers with industry-relevant expertise.”

The deadlines for applications for Advanced Innovation Vouchers are: 30^th September; 31^st October; and 28^th November, 2025.

Further information on application criteria can be found here.

Congratulations to our Strategic Board member Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne on receiving an honorary degree, Doctor of Business Administration from Queen Margaret University, for her outstanding contribution to food development and innovation. We thank you for the experience, enthusiasm and knowledge that you bring to Interface.

We also extend congratulations to Patrick Grant,  designer, entrepreneur and TV judge, who was officially installed as the Chancellor of Queen Margaret University and to Scottish actress and narrator, Ashley Jensen and the former Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Fringe Society, Shona McCarthy who were also honoured at the ceremony in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall.

Photo caption L to R: Ashley Jensen, Shona McCarthy, Patrick Grant, Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne and Sir Paul Grice

We are delighted to share that Dr Alicia Greated, a member of Interface’s Strategic Board, has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE). This prestigious honour recognises Alicia’s significant contributions to research, innovation and international collaboration. We’re proud to work alongside her and extend our warmest congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.

We extend congratulations to all the 2025 fellows. Read the full announcement here: Hubble scientist and legendary cartoonist among RSE Fellows 2025 : Royal Society of Edinburgh

The winners of the 10th Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards have been revealed.

An event held at the Edinburgh Futures Institute on the 19th March brought together Scotland’s rich ecosystem of talent to celebrate transformational collaborations between businesses, communities, universities, colleges, and research institutes which are solving industry challenges, improving productivity, advancing research and supporting Scotland’s ambition to be one of the most innovative small nations in the world.

Developments in renewable energy, mental health, medicine and food and drink scooped awards across 10 categories.

Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “It was good to see the full breadth of academic and business-led innovation on show at Interface’s annual awards.

“It demonstrated why our expertise in so many sectors is revered around the world, from renewable energy and health technology, to food and drink.

“Scotland has been at the forefront of many of the world’s most impactful innovations, from the MRI Scanner and penicillin to televisions and telephones. Yet, by combining research and business, so many new and exciting Scottish breakthroughs are just on the horizon and that is something we should all champion.””

Amelia Whitelaw, Director of Interface, which organises the Awards, said: “The Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards celebrate successful partnerships where knowledge is shared to create new solutions. The nominees and winners we are celebrating exemplify how collaboration drives valuable advancements. These partnerships have led to the development of new technologies, products, and services that contribute to economic progress and societal benefit. Their innovations are not only transforming Scotland but also have the potential to make a global impact.”

The winners are:

Innovation of the Year – sponsored by HGF Ltd

SolarSub Ltd, in collaboration with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) at the University of Strathclyde, for refining the design of a solar panel cooling system, optimising it for manufacturing and scalability. Additionally, in partnership with Heriot-Watt University, the technology underwent rigorous field trials to evaluate its performance under extreme heat conditions, ensuring its robustness and efficacy.

Innovator of the Future – sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Joint winners: Dr Dayi Zhang and Matthew Gibson

Dr Dayi Zhang, Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate working with the University of Strathclyde and Inspectahire Instrument Co. Ltd for developing a portable, non-invasive ultrasonic device that revolutionises whisky cask monitoring. Designed for Scotland’s iconic whisky industry, the device enhances safety, reduces costs, and minimises carbon emissions, aligning with net zero goals. This innovation preserves cultural heritage while driving environmental progress and local economic growth.

Matthew Gibson, KTP Associate working with the University of Strathclyde and Ailsa Reliability Solutions Ltd, is creating the next generation of data-driven condition monitoring solutions for the oil and gas sector. This project is developing the Vision© reliability platform and has demonstrated reduced machine downtime and energy waste, in pursuit of net zero and sustainable engineering processes.

Inward Investment Impact – sponsored by International Social Enterprise Observatory

Canon Medical Research Europe and the University of Edinburgh for bringing new AI Innovation and thinking to the heart of the business. The relationship contributed to increased inward investment and headcount in Canon Edinburgh as well as new collaborative research funding opportunities in the research and translation of Causal AI.

Knowledge Exchange Champion – sponsored by Knowledge Exchange UK

Winner: Professor John Bachtler

Professor John Bachtler has transformed Scotland’s regional policy knowledge exchange through 40 years of leadership at the European Policies Research Centre at the University of Strathclyde. He advanced policy innovation via networks such as EoRPA and IQ-Net, linking Scotland with European policy frameworks. His strategic insights, mentoring, and impactful KE collaborations strengthened regional development policy, inspired future leaders, and enhanced Scotland’s European policy influence.

Highly Commended: Dr Andrea Rodriguez and Dr Bryan McCann

Dr Andrea Rodriguez, the University of Dundee, for sustaining engagement and impact on non-academic audiences by co-designing an international knowledge exchange programme on youth homelessness. Helping Young People Feel at Home took a multi-agency approach, involving critical thinking and dialogue with young people in Scotland and Brazil to improve service provision and professional practices.

Dr Bryan McCann, Glasgow Caledonian University, has championed knowledge exchange throughout his academic career, establishing several strategic partnerships within the physical activity and mental health sectors. These partnerships have facilitated innovative and high-quality student placements, generated income for impactful knowledge exchange programmes, and contributed to health and wellbeing across Scotland.

Knowledge Exchange Heroes – team and individual – sponsored by Azets Ltd

Individual

Susan Armstrong, KE Lead at Glasgow Caledonian University, has been instrumental in transforming the knowledge exchange landscape at the university through her strategic and collaborative approach. Her efforts, dedication, and unwavering support have significantly advanced the university’s KE initiatives, benefiting both the academic community and industry partners.

Team

The Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation (SCFDI) at Queen Margaret University has for 10 years championed KE in the food and drink sector in Scotland. They have developed progressive models for industry/academia KE career pathways, supported an impressive SME client portfolio and attracted increasing attention from global food companies and retailers.

Making a Social Difference

Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) and Glasgow Caledonian University are collaborating to review, redesign and deliver SAMH’s Psychological Wellbeing services. Through partnership SAMH and GCU have developed the Time for You service, supporting mental health of thousands of members of the public via immediate access to free mental health support, delivered by GCU Trainee Psychologists.

Making an Environmental Difference

Renewable Parts Ltd and the University of Strathclyde’s collaboration applies circular economy principles within the wind turbine decommissioning process, promoting the refurbishment and remanufacturing of high-integrity, high-value parts within the wind energy sector, instead of being recycled and returned to raw materials or, worse still, landfill. This circularity approach will have a significant impact on the UK economy and net-zero targets.

Multiparty Collaboration

Winner:

Medical Device Manufacturing Centre (MDMC) – Heriot-Watt University, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow, the University of Dundee, Robert Gordon University and over 170 medical device companies, to develop and commercialise innovative medical devices.

Highly Commended:

The Underwater Intervention for Offshore Renewable Energies (UNITE) project, a partnership between The National Robotarium, Heriot-Watt University, Imperial College London, Frontier Robotics and Fugro, is developing advanced AI and autonomous systems for undertaking remote inspections of offshore wind farms to offer a safe, efficient and sustainable solution for global energy providers.

Place-based Impact sponsored by Business Gateway

Winner:

Digital Dairy Chain – Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), the University of Strathclyde, the University of the West of Scotland, First Milk, Lactalis, NMR, SmartSTEMs, Kendal Nutricare, CENSIS and Cows & Co, is transforming the dairy sector across the South and West of Scotland and Cumbria. This partnership is driving innovation, enhancing productivity, and stimulating job creation, contributing to sustained economic growth in the region.

Highly Commended:

Control of Sheep Scab – Moredun Research Institute, Lewis and Harris Sheep Producers Association, The Old Mill Veterinary Practice, Scottish Government, The Crofters of Lewis & Harris, Lewis Crofters, Neil Fell Mobile Dipping Ltd, Zoetis Animal Health Ltd and Bimeda Ltd has developed a community-led approach to prevent and control sheep scab. This project demonstrates how a coordinated, collaborative effort can effectively prevent disease, improve sheep welfare and productivity, and rekindle a strong sense of community.

Powerful Partnership sponsored by Skillfluence

Vertebrate Antibodies-EpitogenX Ltd and the University of Aberdeen have developed transformative AI-powered diagnostics leveraging the innovative Epitogen® recombinant technology for diagnosing autoimmune and infectious diseases. This long-term collaboration has yielded world-first solutions, fostering global recognition, creating skilled talent, and driving economic and health advancements.

Join the conversation on X at #SKEAwards and LinkedIn at @Interface.

A new range of ready meals has been launched that contains all 5 recommended portions of your 5-a-day.

DONE meals was developed with the support of a fund launched by Food and Drink Federation Scotland, in partnership with Interface, and with specialist help from the Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.

The Healthier Product Innovation Fund covered the cost of initial prototyping and scale up assistance. This initial assistance proved product concept and allowed the company to progress to the next stage. 

DONE meals are delivered frozen to preserve freshness and reduce wastage. Dishes include Vietnamese Ragu Ga, Smoked Chipotle Chilli – both a beef and a vegan version, Moroccan Tagine – which is vegan, Tortiglioni Bolgnese, Brisket Beef Bourguignon, and a Chicken and Chorizo Estofado.

Paul Mason, Co-founder and Creative Director of DONE, said:
“I was delighted when I realised it was possible to get all 5 portions of veg or fruit into a single, delicious meal.

“We understand that doing what you can, when you can – little bits here and there, can make a massive difference to our dietary health. That’s where DONE comes in. If we can help people save time, eat well, and ultimately feel better, that’ll be job done for us.”

Joanne Burns, FDF Scotland’s Reformulation for Health Manager, said:
“I am delighted to see the launch of DONE meals, providing healthy, nutritious and convenient meals for all.

“Increasing your intake of fruit and vegetables is such a crucial part of a healthy diet and it is essential that food manufacturers strive to increase their content.

“Most people fall 11 portions short of the recommended weekly intake of fruits and vegetables. These 5-a-day ready meals can help provide the boost that many need.

“The success of this project and the wider Healthier Product Innovation Fund proves the importance for continued funding for innovative academic partnership projects to improve the health of Scotland’s products and people.”

Howell Davies, Interface’s Head of Strategic Programmes, said:
“DONE had the vision and ambition to develop a range of healthier ready meals to take to market with access to the support we have in Scotland such as the Healthier Product Innovation Fund to collaborate with the excellent academic expertise and facilities we have available here. 

“In this case with the team at Queen Margaret University who were up for a challenge and relished supporting the development to make it viable from a commercial and scale up perspective to take to market.”

As we look ahead to new opportunities, it’s equally important to reflect on the significant achievements of the past year. Interface continues to be a Scotland-wide service, with a dedicated local team supporting academic institutions and businesses alike. Our network has now grown to over 3,500 innovation-active businesses, reflecting our ongoing commitment to ensuring businesses have access to the resources and knowledge they need to innovate.

Our Annual Review highlights just some of our achievements, and spotlights a few of the business-academic partnerships we supported with connections and funding.

2022-2023 has proven to be a strong year for the Interface team. We were delighted to welcome Amelia Whitelaw as Interface Director, and in the past year we have been working hard to ensure businesses have the right support at the right time to innovate and grow their operations. We are delighted to highlight key elements of our progress this year in our latest Annual Review.

In this short video, Amelia shares a few observations of her first year with Interface. 

A new research and development facility in Dundee is set to help drive the next generation of visual effects technologies that will revolutionise the UK’s film, TV and performing arts industries.

The state-of-the-art lab is part of the Creative Industries Sector Vision, published today, which sets out the government’s ambition to maximise the potential of the UK’s creative industries so they generate an extra £50 billion for the economy and support a million more jobs by 2030.

Interface is part of a consortium, led by Abertay University, which has been selected by the UK Government as a preferred bidder to host one of four new labs specialising in the future of virtual production – a new cinematography technique using computer-generated imagery (CGI), augmented reality and motion capture to create virtual sets. Abertay has also been selected as a partner for a national lab, recognising the University’s academic expertise in the sector.

Located at Waters’ Edge Studios, the Dundee facility will bring together expertise from Abertay University, University of Edinburgh, 4J Studios, TechScaler by CodeBase and Interface.

Read the full announcement here – Network of ‘movie magic’ labs to keep UK on cutting edge of future visual effects technologies (abertay.ac.uk)