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Innovations in whisky, construction, energy, transport, justice, communications, health and mental health have been recognised as leaders in knowledge exchange, where businesses and academics collaborate.

The 11th annual Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards, organised by innovation support organisation Interface, took place at the Macrobert Arts Centre, University of Stirling, on 19th March.

Guests gathered for an evening that celebrated the power of partnership, from inspiring stories of cross‑sector collaboration to the unveiling of this year’s standout projects. The event brought together a rich ecosystem of researchers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, support organisations and policymakers for a night of recognition, networking and shared ambition.

The evening also highlighted the wider impacts of knowledge exchange. The keynote address from Dr Nicky Reid, Chief Executive of the SPFL Trust and Honorary Doctorate of the University of Stirling, brought a powerful perspective on social impact and inclusion. Her contribution underscored the values at the heart of this year’s Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards and the difference that collaboration can make across communities.

Helen Cross, Director of Investment and Research at the Scottish Funding Council, said: “These awards shine a light on the impressive collaborations that power Scotland’s innovation ecosystem and today’s winners show just how transformative those partnerships can be. Bringing together the strength of Scotland’s academic base and combining that knowledge with the expertise of Scottish industry is hugely important in innovating for the future.”

Amelia Whitelaw, Director of Interface, added: “These awards highlight the impact that collaboration between business, the third sector, the public sector and academia can have in driving innovation and delivering real benefits for society. This year’s winners show the breadth of that impact, from modernising traditional industries such as whisky making to using Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality to improve patient experience and health outcomes.”

The winners are:

Innovation of the Year – sponsored by Marks & Clerk

Inspectahire Instrument Co. Ltd, in collaboration with University of Strathclyde, for developing 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 industry.

Innovator of the Future – sponsored by Business Gateway

Winner – Dr Firdous Ul Nazir has led a pioneering Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) 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.

Highly Commended – Dr Ross Sanders, KTP Associate with Diageo and Heriot-Watt University, for 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.

Inward Investment Impact

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.

Knowledge Exchange Champion

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 of future-proofing industry skills needs, and the breaking down of financial and societal barriers for students. All leading to a significantly positive economic and social impact for communities.

Knowledge Exchange Heroes

Individual – Emma Perfect, former CEO turned university business leader, 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.

Team – The Scottish Research Alliance for Energy, Homes and Livelihoods team, 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

Winner – 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.

Highly Commended – Police Scotland and Heriot-Watt University partnered to collaboratively deliver two linked projects – Justisigns2 (J2) and SILENT HARM – co-designing both through consistent engagement with Deaf community members and representative organisations to address inequality of deaf women accessing support when reporting domestic abuse.

Making an Environmental Difference

Ureaka Ltd and the University of Strathclyde for 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

Winner – PROMPT – University of Strathclyde’s NeuraSearch Laboratory, BAE Systems and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), for developing 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.

Highly Commended – 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.

Place-based Impact – sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Joint winners: Seawarm and The Living Laboratory for Precision Medicine

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 and Innovation in Digital Health and Social Care in partnership with Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI)

Winner – 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.

Highly Commended – The Cleft Lip Education through Augmented Reality (CLEAR) and Breast Cancer Augmented Reality Education (CARE) programmes. West of Scotland Innovations Hub, The Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, The Beatson Cancer Charity and The Glasgow School of Art have created the Cleft Lip Augmented Reality patient leaflet to overcome 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

Red Star AI Ltd and the University of Dundee for developing 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.

Photo caption: All the winners take to the stage at the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards 2026.

Photo credit: Stewart Attwood

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.

The finalists, in alphabetical order, are:

Innovation of the Year – sponsored by Marks & Clerk

Innovator of the Future – sponsored by Business Gateway

Inward Investment Impact

Knowledge Exchange Champion

Knowledge Exchange Heroes

Making a Social Difference

Making an Environmental Difference

Multiparty Collaboration

Place-based Impact sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Research and Innovation in Digital Health and Social Care in partnership with Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI)

Trailblazing AI Collaboration – in partnership with The Data Lab

Read more about the projects and people here: The Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards | Interface Online

Join the conversation on Bluesky @interfaceonline.bsky.social and LinkedIn at @Interface.

Photo montage shows Knowledge Exchange Champions shortlisted, from left, Dr Alison Kirk, James Jamieson, Dr Nicola Cogan and Professor Sinead Rhodes

Four companies based outside Scotland, working in partnership with Scottish academics, have secured up to £10,000 each in the latest round of the Scottish Inward Investment Catalyst Fund (IICF).

Delivered by Interface and the Scottish Government, the fund attracts inward investment by supporting collaborative R&D with Scottish universities focused on a fair, sustainable and inclusive low-carbon future.

The projects awarded are:

Energy Carbon Ltd (England) and Robert Gordon University to investigate the use of waste streams from their processes to develop a more sustainable supply source of materials for battery production.

Joii UK Ltd (England) and Heriot-Watt University to develop machine learning-based clot detection for a menstrual health app, helping prompt earlier investigation of health conditions.

LiYF Bioethanol (Switzerland) and University of Glasgow to assess Scottish agricultural and forestry residues as sustainable feedstock for an advanced second-generation bioethanol (biofuel) process, contributing to Scotland’s net-zero and low-carbon fuel ambitions.

Replate Foods Ltd (England) and SRUC to develop a range of food products using sustainable protein sources grown in Scotland.

To date, the fund has awarded 44 projects in opportunity areas for Scotland such as energy transition, health tech and decarbonisation of transport. Through these collaborations, companies have established a physical presence in Scotland and have strengthened their relationships with the Scottish ecosystem as they expand their operations and invest further. Positive outcomes are also being realised for the academic base with further research and funding opportunities being realised as a result of many of the collaborations.

Minister for Business and Employment, Richard Lochhead, said: “The Inward Investment Catalyst Fund continues to support collaboration between innovative companies and Scotland’s universities, helping to attract new investment and strengthen our research and innovation economy.

“These early-stage partnerships lay the foundations for future investment and business growth in key sectors, supporting Scotland’s competitiveness as a location for international investment.”

Howell Davies, Interface’s Head of Strategic Programmes and Funding, added: “This has been another exciting year for the Inward Investment Catalyst Fund. In addition to the strong applications in the creative industries and food & drink sectors we have seen a concentration of innovative companies across healthtech and energy transition, reflecting the opportunities and world-class expertise and facilities we have here on our doorstep.”

Colleges across Scotland are set to enhance their entrepreneurial focus through a new Entrepreneur in Residence programme designed to strengthen enterprise and innovation.

The programme forms part of the Scottish Government’s Entrepreneurial Campus Blueprint, supporting the drive to make entrepreneurship a core life skill across education and helping colleges prepare students for Scotland’s future economy.

Five entrepreneurial champions appointed through the programme will work with colleges by offering expert advice to students and staff, helping them to develop business skills, nurture ideas and connect with Scotland’s wider innovation support organisations.

Each champion will work with a group of colleges, building on existing strengths and creating new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

The five college initiatives are:

Funded through the Scottish Government, the programme has been developed and delivered by Interface, Scotland’s innovation support organisation, in partnership with  Connect-Ed Network, the entrepreneur in residence network.  It has also been shaped with input from Colleges Scotland and the College Development Network (CDN), which will share learning outcomes across the sector.

Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Scotland’s colleges are vital engines of innovation and opportunity. I am encouraged to see more students will now have access to expert advice to develop their entrepreneurial skills and turn ideas into successful start-up businesses.

“This programme will empower the next generation to shape Scotland’s future economy. The Scottish Government is prioritising making Scotland one of the most entrepreneur-friendly nations in Europe, attracting jobs and investment.”

Shelley Breckenridge, Senior Innovation Engagement Lead at Interface, said: “College staff are working hard to embed entrepreneurial learning at scale. These champions will help develop practical tools and insights that will be shared across the sector digitally so all Scottish colleges can benefit from the programme.”

Ross Tuffee, creator of Connect-Ed Network, said: “I’m delighted to see the investment in Entrepreneurial Campuses extending into our amazing college network. This portfolio of projects will go a long way to support the work that our college staff do in encouraging our students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, which will be a benefit to them whatever their destination.”

Gavin Donoghue, CEO of Colleges Scotland said: “Entrepreneurship, enterprise and innovation take place as a core part of the offer for college students and for businesses working with colleges, and the Entrepreneur in Residence programme is a welcome addition that should embed this further. 

“Colleges are Scotland’s skills engines and are community anchors across the country where great ideas are brought to life. The support of established entrepreneurs on campus is a great boost for students and staff.”

Leona Seaton, Director of Skills and Marketing, Dumfries and Galloway College, added: “Colleges play a vital role in helping learners and future leaders develop creativity, innovation, and business skills. This role is a welcome addition that will strengthen colleges’ work in this area.”

The programme runs until May 2026, with insights, resources and partnerships shared across the college network to inform future entrepreneurial initiatives and practice, ensuring the learning continues to shape and influence sector thinking beyond the programme itself.

Photo shows representatives from West Lothian, Edinburgh and Forth Valley Colleges at the launch of their Entrepreneur in Residence programme, META-preneur.

The 11th Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards (SKEA),Scotland’s flagship celebration of business–academic collaboration, launches today (8th October) inviting applications from businesses and academics throughout Scotland.

The annual awards, organised by Interface, celebrate the partnerships between business, third and public sector organisations, and colleges and universities.

This year introduces two new categories: Trailblazing AI Collaborations and Research and Innovation in Digital Health and Social Care, developed in partnership with The Data Lab and The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) respectively.

Winning a Scottish Knowledge Exchange Award is more than recognition, it shines a spotlight on collaboration, demonstrates real impact, and raises the profile of those driving innovation across business, academia, and their partners.

Amelia Whitelaw, Director of Interface, said “The awards are central to Interface’s story, celebrating the people, projects and partnerships that drive innovation.  Each year they evolve, and we’re excited to spotlight Scotland’s leadership in AI and Digital Health and Social Care with our new partners.”

Adam Turner, Head of Innovation, at The Data Lab, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Interface to launch the Trailblazing AI Collaboration Award. This award celebrates the partnerships driving innovation at the forefront of Scotland’s data and AI ecosystem. At The Data Lab, we’re proud to support and spotlight the collaborative spirit that powers progress in a critically important sector.”

Moira Mackenzie, Deputy CEO and Director of Innovation at DHI said: “We were so impressed by last year’s awards and the high calibre of finalists, that DHI was inspired to collaborate and co-design an award category relevant to our sector this year!”

The 11 award categories now open for application are:

The awards are free to enter and the deadline for applications is 5pm, Thursday, 11 December 2025. The Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards ceremony will take place at the MacRobert Arts Centre, University of Stirling, on Thursday 19th March 2026.

Click here to access the entry toolkit and application forms.

Photo above shows trophies from the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards 2025.
Photo credit: Martin Shields.

Six universities have received funding to collaborate with businesses based outwith Scotland in the latest round of the Scottish Inward Investment Catalyst Fund (IICF).

The fund, managed by Interface and the Scottish Government, awards up to £10,000 for research and development projects.

The projects awarded are:

Alta Vision (UK and Sri Lanka) and Robert Gordon University’s School of Computing, Engineering and Technology to upgrade their smart, AI-powered mini-grid system designed to provide electricity in remote communities. This enhancement will make energy systems more resilient and scalable, supporting Scotland’s goals for a fair, low-carbon economy.

Trem Ltd (England) and the University of the West of Scotland’s School of Health and Life Sciences to test the technical feasibility of a wearable device designed to support people with neurological tremors. The study will assess how accurately the device can track tremor frequency and explore its potential to provide continuous data that could improve symptom management and future clinical care.

The Colin Vincent Centre for Battery Technology at The University of St Andrews’ School of Chemistry and Titanvolt (England/South Korea) to validate the performance of their lithium titanium oxide pouch cell batteries, testing them at higher currents and lower temperatures. This project is supporting battery production in Scotland and is strengthening the lab’s capability for advanced battery testing.

Tattva Bio (England) and the University of Edinburgh’s School of Chemistry to study a new eco-friendly material, grown using a photosynthetic bacteria that absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere. The research will provide new insights into how the material is formed and how its properties can be tailored for specific applications in a range of sectors such as construction, automotive, aeronautics, farming, space and fire protection.

Nature Based (England) and the University of Strathclyde’s Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering Department to assess the potential of floating kelp forests to reduce waves to protect offshore floating infrastructure such as wind turbines.

Satore Technology (England, Portugal and the US) and the CoSTAR Realtime Lab at Abertay University and the University of Edinburgh, will work together to develop new film production technologies, processes and production practices for the innovative use of virtual and physical model sets and props systems designed specifically for use in virtual production environments.

Minister for Business Richard Lochhead said: “Inward investment plays an important role in ensuring Scotland’s economy grows and prospers and the Scottish Government is committed to helping ensure the country remains the UK’s top location for inward investment outside of London and a destination of choice for global investment.

“The talent, innovation and expertise offered by our world class universities and academia play a key part in attracting investors to Scotland and the Inward Investment Catalyst Fund continues to establish and foster close collaborations with potential inward investors that can lead to future investment.

“The latest round of the Inward Investment Catalyst Fund has once again attracted a diverse range of projects and I strongly encourage innovative businesses that are considering Scotland as an investment location to consider applying to a new round of funding now open.”

Howell Davies, Head of Strategic Programmes, Interface, said: “It is encouraging to see the range of universities, both from their Scotland-wide locations and the diverse expertise they are offering, and the ambitious companies focused on key priority areas for Scotland around societal, sustainable and technology challenges.”

The next round of the Inward Investment Catalyst Fund is now open, inviting companies considering Scotland as place to develop a presence to collaborate with Scottish universities, colleges, research institutes and innovation centres. Details of the fund can be found here. The deadline for application is 7 November 2025.

Image: CoSTAR Realtime Lab at Abertay University

*Over 3,800 business-academic research projects delivered*

As it celebrates 20 years of driving business–academic innovation, Interface has secured a double commitment from the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).

A new three-year funding agreement, running from August 2025 to July 2028, enables Interface to continue connecting businesses with the expertise of universities and colleges across the country.

The SFC has also confirmed ongoing support for the Standard and Student Placement Innovation Voucher Programmes, which enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), universities and colleges to collaborate on projects leading to new products, processes and services.

Since it was set up in 2005, Interface has played a key role in connecting over 2,200 SMEs with college and university expertise, 92% of which said their project would not have happened without Interface’s support. Once established, over half the partnerships continue to work together on further research and development.

Impacts from Interface’s work include:

Interface has also staged the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards for the past 10 years, celebrating the people and projects behind the successful collaborations and helping to raise the profile of knowledge exchange across Scotland.

Commenting on the new funding, Francesca Osowska, Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, said: “We are proud to have been able to support Interface’s impact on business innovation across many sectors of the economy throughout Scotland for the past 20 years. Combining expertise and talent from universities and colleges with ideas and knowledge from progressive companies is crucial to Scotland’s economy and future prosperity.

“This new wave of funding will support Interface to continue to connect business innovation with academia and foster new products, processes and services.”

Amelia Whitelaw, Director of Interface, added: “This funding means we can help even more businesses turn bold ideas into reality and strengthen Scotland’s position as one of the most innovative small nations in the world.”

Francesca Osowska and Amelia Whitelaw (photographed above) recently met Lorenzo Conti, founder of Crover, one of over 2,200 businesses supported by Interface. Based at the National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University, Crover is pioneering robotic technology that “swims” through grain to improve storage management, cut waste, protect resources, and set new efficiency standards for the industry.

Watch the video of the tour of Crover below:

More information about Interface at 20, including testimonials and case studies can be found here.

Students from two Scottish colleges have been the first to benefit from an innovation accelerator programme, tailored specifically for the Further Education college sector.

Boutique Innovation designed and delivered the programme, supporting students to turn their ideas into businesses delivering products and services.

Interface added support by co-ordinating mentors with input from Converge Challenge, and connected the students to additional support, funding opportunities, and partners across the innovation ecosystem.

The students from Edinburgh College and Ayrshire College completed a seven-week pilot which combined hands-on workshops with 1-to-1 mentoring. Participants gained confidence, developed stronger business ideas, and began thinking more strategically about their customers and markets. Feedback highlighted the value of having a peer cohort, mentoring, and the depth of insight gained through the process.

Elaine Baxter, Director of Boutique Innovation, said: “I am incredibly proud of the work we’ve done with Scottish FE colleges in partnership with Amelia Whitelaw and Louise Arnold at Interface on the first ScotCol accelerator programme. We have been amazed at the dedication and passion which has shone through from these early-stage entrepreneurs, and I have no doubt that we’ll be seeing and hearing a lot more from them as their business ideas flourish and grow.”

Amelia Whitelaw, Director of Interface, added: “ScotCol demonstrates the value of investing in college-based innovation through high-quality, structured support. By combining hands-on workshops with one-to-one mentoring, the programme equipped students with practical tools, confidence, and connections to turn their ideas into viable ventures. At Interface, we believe that unlocking this kind of potential within the college sector is vital to achieving Scotland’s inclusive innovation goals—and models like ScotCol show exactly what’s possible with the right backing.”

The participants developed some key business and personal skills through taking part in the programme, increasing their confidence as well as understanding customer needs better.

Former social worker Leeann Lavery, a student at Ayrshire college, has ambitions to launch a business supporting carers – both paid and unpaid.

“The programme helped me understand the world of business better, how to refine my idea and make it bigger. During the course, my thinking has gone from ‘maybe this could work’ to ‘let’s make this work’. It’s given me invaluable skills, advice and guidance and the confidence to go for it and take the next steps.”

Cerys Venters-Scott, who studied at Edinburgh College, secured £5,000 funding for her business idea – developing women’s underwear which can incorporate insulin pumps and stoma bags – shortly after taking part in the programme. She said: “I felt far more prepared and confident for my pitch to the Royal Company of Merchants, which is a significant boost to my business.

“Gathering customer research through interviews gave me valuable insights, and it turned out that most of the questions they asked were directly related to this research. Without this programme, I wouldn’t have thought to approach my market research in that way”.

Edinburgh College student Claire Williams valued the focus on research during ScotCol. She said: “The research helped to prove the concept I had for my business, so was invaluable. Along with the mentors, including Louise Arnold, the other students had good advice and insights from their own experiences, so that peer mentoring was an added bonus.”

#ChooseCollege is a national campaign celebrating the vital role of Scotland’s colleges and encouraging prospective students to explore the wide range of opportunities they offer. After the success of last year’s campaign, Scotland’s colleges are once again coming together with a shared voice to highlight the powerful impact of colleges on education, skills, communities, and the economy.

Boutique Innovation and Interface are planning the next ScotCol Accelerator programme after funding was secured through the Scottish Government’s Ecosystem Fund, announced last month by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes.

Thanks to Louise Arnold for her contribution to this article.

Another round of funding of £100,000 has been announced by the Scottish Government and innovation support organisation Interface to encourage businesses outwith Scotland to collaborate/partner with academics, bringing in knowledge, skills and potential jobs.

The Scottish Inward Investment Fund awards up to £10,000 for projects focussed on one of nine key investment areas including net zero, health, and energy transition.

It is open to businesses of any size currently engaged or looking to engage with a Scottish university, college, research institute, innovation centre or research pool but without an existing base of operations in Scotland.

The fund, which provides a unique opportunity to combine innovation seed funding with academic expertise and commercial traction, has supported 34 projects since its launch in 2021.

Minister for Business, Richard Lochhead, said: “Inward investment is critical to driving economic growth, supporting jobs and creating news ones – and Scotland boasts a remarkable track record in attracting investment from across the globe. A key factor in this success is the skills, expertise and innovation offered by our world-renowned universities and research capabilities.

“The Inward Investment Catalyst Fund is about bringing together Scottish academia and companies based outwith Scotland to collaborate on projects which have the potential to translate into future inward investment into Scotland. The Fund has already led to several businesses establishing roots and operations in the country and I look forward to this new round of funding acting as the catalyst to more successful partnerships.”

Howell Davies, Interface’s Head of Strategic Programmes and Funding, added: “We are really starting to see the acceleration of impacts from this fund. Of the nine projects funded last year, three of the companies have set up or spun-out operations in Scotland: ZIYX, registered in Nottingham have established an office in Glasgow employing three staff with plans to expand; Italian-based Gruppo Sismica have spun out a Scottish business in Glasgow, strengthening its ties with local academic partners for future innovation and Vaste, from London, have now based their headquarters in Edinburgh.”

Tech company Vaste worked with Edinburgh College to develop their online procurement platform to help bioenergy, biofuel, and biotechnology companies source reliable sustainable materials for their operations. Evans Chelal, Founder and Chief Executive of Vaste, said: “The Inward Investment Catalyst Fund has given Vaste far more than capital. We’ve benefitted from strategic open doors to key stakeholders, including customers, talent, and investors. Through this support, Vaste can scale faster, reach further, and deliver more value than we could by ourselves.”

Scottish Development International are working with a number of the other recipients to support their journey in a “Team Scotland” approach.

The deadline for applications to the fund is Friday, 11 July, 2025. More information can be found here.

About the fund

The Scottish Inward Investment Catalyst Fund was launched by Interface and Scottish Government to support businesses not yet located in Scotland to work with Scottish academic institutions.

All the funded projects support a net zero, health and wellbeing economy with the principles of fair work and sustainable, inclusive growth, and are part of the Scottish Government’s Inward Investment Plan, which articulates the important role that inward investment can play in Scotland’s economic growth and in delivering net zero ambitions.

Photo above shows Richard Lochhead, Minister for Business, at the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards 2025.