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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.

Interface, the business-academic innovation support organisation, has welcomed two new members to its Strategic Board.

John Whaling, Lead Officer for Innovation & Commercialisation at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, and Sam Myers, Head of Investment Strategy at UK Research and Innovation bring extensive expertise in driving regional growth, economic development, and innovation strategy.  

Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of Scotland’s Rural College and Chair of Interface Strategic Board, said: “We are delighted to welcome John and Sam to the Strategic Board, where their knowledge and new perspectives will be an excellent asset. This is an exciting time for the Board to build on Interface’s strong foundations and support its ambition to drive inclusive innovation to enhance Scotland’s competitiveness by fostering strong, collaborative partnerships between academia and industry.”

Amelia Whitelaw, Director of Interface, said: “I am pleased to strengthen our board with these appointments. Sam brings a national and international lens through his work at UKRI and across government, combining investment strategy, policy insight, and global experience. John’s leadership in shaping one of the UK’s most ambitious place-based innovation ecosystems, and his strength in forging impactful public-private-academic partnerships, will be invaluable as we navigate complex innovation landscapes and scale Interface’s impact across Scotland.”

Full details of the Interface Strategic Board can be found here: Our Board | Interface Online

Biographies

John Whaling, Lead Officer for Innovation & Commercialisation, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority

John Whaling is a collaborative place leader with over 25 years’ experience of pioneering economic development and “making things happen” at the interface between public, private, and higher education sectors.  

For the last 10 years, John has been convening and championing all aspects of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s (LCR) innovation agenda and ecosystem, latterly as the Combined Authority’s Lead Officer for Innovation & Commercialisation. His primary role is to catalyse partnerships, policies, and programmes that maximise the LCR’s distinctive, world-leading assets and capabilities, in order to drive transformational regional/national economic growth and solve intractable local challenges. The LCR is now at the forefront of UK place-based innovation, with innovation a primary Mayoral priority.  

He previously worked at the LCR Local Enterprise Partnership, Liverpool Vision, and St. Helens Council, where he led a series of successful programmes that included a national City Growth Strategy pilot, plus delivery of the landmark, multi-award-winning 20m Dream sculpture by Jaume Plensa overlooking the M62, commissioned by ex-miners as part of Channel 4’s “Big Art Project”.  

Prior to local government, John spent 2 years working for the European Commission in Brussels, has also lived/worked in Germany, the USA, and Canada, grew up in Edinburgh, and speaks German and French.  

In a voluntary capacity he is Chair of Future Yard CIC, whose mission is to positively transform both Birkenhead and the nature of what a UK grassroots music venue does, based on the founding principle that music can change the world.

Sam Myers, Head of Investment Strategy, UK Research and Innovation

Sam works for UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), the UK’s largest public research and innovation agency, leading on investment strategy. UKRI invests nearly £9bn per year in a diverse portfolio of people and careers, places and infrastructure, ideas and innovation; Sam’s team works to maximise the value of these investments. 

Previously Sam worked at the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in Singapore, where he was responsible for the trade and investment relationship between ASEAN and the UK. Before joining DBT, Sam worked for the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, where he established the UK Science Policy and Relations function. 

Sam’s Civil Service career began in 2001 as a graduate FastStreamer in the Department for Trade and Industry, where he ran a Minister’s Private Office before becoming the Head of External Relations for the Department. He spent 6 years in Asia with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, boosting science and technology partnerships with Southeast Asia and China. 

Sam’s structural biology research at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, was published in the journal Science and he has a Masters in Biochemistry from the University of Bath.

Image above shows John Whaling, left, and Sam Myers.

A new £9m virtual production studio will drive research, innovation and economic growth in Scotland’s screen, games, immersive and performance industries.

Abertay University launched the CoSTAR Realtime Lab at Water’s Edge, Dundee on Tuesday 18 February marking the start of operations for a major infrastructure project that will provide a significant boost to Scotland’s screen industries. This cutting-edge programme will bring new opportunities and expert support to UK creative and technology companies working across the breadth of the creative industries.

The CoSTAR Network represents the largest investment in Creative Industries R&D to date with a £75.6M grant awarded by the UKRI Infrastructure Fund and delivered by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

The CoSTAR Realtime Lab is led by Abertay University and the total project investment is £9m operated in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, CodeBase, Interface and Chroma Developments.

Creative companies from across the UK and beyond will have the opportunity to work with the CoSTAR Realtime Lab, benefitting from state-of-the-art research and development (R&D) facilities and access to industry experts and academic researchers.

The studio at Chroma Developments’ Water’s Edge in Dundee marks the beginning of the CoSTAR Realtime Lab’s work, with a further studio led by the University of Edinburgh to open at First Stage Studios in Edinburgh in March 2025. The facilities will be connected through the Realtime Cloud Lab supporting remote access and collaboration from anywhere in the world.

Virtual production—a cinematography technique that employs computer-generated imagery (CGI), augmented reality, and motion capture to create immersive virtual film, game and performance sets – will be at the heart of the CoSTAR Realtime Lab’s work and represents a significant opportunity for creative companies working with real time technologies.

Researchers will support industry-led projects to generate new products and processes to improve production pipelines including, 3D environments and video processing, performance and motion capture, facial animation, automated speech and dynamic generation of hyper-realistic digital film sets and many others. The CoSTAR Realtime Lab’s work will also look at ways to enhance spectator experiences at concerts, live events and museums and how immersive technologies like Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality can be better used and integrated.

Blending Abertay University’s internationally renowned expertise in video games and technology with the University of Edinburgh’s world-leading AI, animation and film capabilities, the partnership will build transformative new processes, pipelines, tools and workflows to help companies grow, while de-risking opportunities to diversify and take on new projects and clients.

The CoSTAR Realtime Lab will create opportunities for Scotland’s screen innovators to access next generation production technologies and support them to apply their creativity, skills and expertise to create new technologies, design new experiences and establish new markets. Access will be offered through a series of open programmes, giving companies and creatives the opportunity to test, develop and refine their ideas.

One of the main programmes is the Realtime TEST Lab, which offers creative companies, creatives and innovators access to resources to experiment with virtual production and creative technologies in content production or software development before committing further investment in their final productions. The Realtime TEST Lab is supported with funding from Screen Scotland.

The CoSTAR Realtime Lab will also offer support through Collaborative R&D – a way of working in partnership that can be activated by companies, individuals and project staff in conversation with the CoSTAR Realtime Lab. Scale-up and start-up training and support will also be provided by CodeBase through its Techscaler programme.

Further CoSTAR Network programmes include the Pilots and Prototypes Programme (PPP), a £3.6 million fund for UK companies to develop new ideas by accessing technical and research capabilities, and the Enterprise and Commercial programme (E&C) supporting the growth of highly capable, inclusive, and sustainable creative technology businesses.

In addition to its main partners, CoSTAR Realtime Lab is supported by Screen Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, Amazon Web Services, Nvidia and VSS-Scotland.

For more information visit https://www.costarnetwork.co.uk/ or follow @costarnetwork.

Full information and funding calls can be found online: Access Programmes | CoSTAR

Professor Gregor White, Director of the CoSTAR Realtime Lab said: “With the technologies that power our screen-based experiences in film, games and performance rapidly converging there’s an opportunity for companies working in these sectors to diversify their offer, explore new markets and push the boundaries of what was previously thought possible in their sectors. Bringing together international-quality academic researchers with industry experience and enterprise support, CoSTAR Realtime Lab is a truly collaborative project which will break down barriers for the Scottish creative industries, encourage entrepreneurship and experimentation, and provide a space where innovation can flourish.”

Professor Melissa Terras MBE, Edinburgh College of Art, Co-director of the CoSTAR Realtime Lab said: “Scotland has vibrant creative industries, with world-leading activity in festivals, film/TV, music, heritage, and games in particular. Building a bridge between creatives and technologists will allow us to support the development of new products and services, while also ensuring that we are encouraging diverse access to cutting edge facilities, which will then produce diverse outputs. The partnership behind CoSTAR Realtime Lab is expertly placed to deliver this exciting innovation vehicle to support our creative communities”.

AHRC Executive Chair Professor Christopher Smith said: “The CoSTAR Realtime Lab will build on the strong foundations of Scotland’s gaming cluster, bringing together next generation production technologies, the latest in video game development, and AI and machine learning, to support innovators in the creation of new technologies, experiences, and markets. As part of the CoSTAR network it will play a key role in ensuring that the UK’s creative industries act as a key driver of growth as identified in the government’s industrial strategy. It is by strategically investing in the industries of the future that AHRC shows how arts and humanities research drives innovation and growth in a 21st century economy.”

Chris van der Kuyl CBE, FRSE, Chairman, 4J Studios said: “I’ve always believed in Dundee’s potential as a global leader in technology and digital innovation. That’s why we’ve invested in spaces like Water’s Edge to provide a collaborative infrastructure for the next generation of creators and companies to thrive. The launch of the CoSTAR Realtime Lab is a major step in that journey, bringing cutting-edge virtual production technology to Dundee and securing its position at the forefront of real-time content creation. This is a huge opportunity for Scotland’s screen industries, and I’m incredibly proud to support it.”

UK Government Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “This project is beyond exciting – the possibilities it creates for the entertainment industry are endless. The UK Government’s investment in cutting-edge initiatives like this is central to our Plan for Change to create the jobs and opportunities that will raise living standards right across the UK.

“It’s a tremendous feather in the cap of Brand Scotland too, demonstrating to the world that Dundee and Scotland is a centre of excellence for the screen and gaming industries as we push into new markets and further strengthen the sector. I wish the team at Abertay University every success with the opening of the new facility.”

Stephen Coleman OBE, CEO & Co-Founder of CodeBase said: “Supporting the CoSTAR Realtime Lab is another great opportunity for CodeBase to play our part as a Scottish ecosystem builder and a champion of tech-driven enterprise and entrepreneurship. We are always looking for new ways to collaborate with specialists in different technology domains and to leverage our delivery of Techscaler, Scotland’s national tech backbone for the benefit of the ecosystem as a whole, building on Scotland’s unique strengths in talent, research, and innovation.“

Howell Davies, Head of Strategic Funding and Programmes at Interface, said: “CoSTAR’s Realtime Lab is a game-changer for industry seeking to harness the power of real-time technologies. With access to cutting-edge tools, a deep and diverse pool of expertise and talent with a support system for organisations to empower them to innovate and create groundbreaking experiences, it will create significant impact and legacy for the UK’s creative industry and wider.”

Councillor Mark Flynn, Leader of Dundee City Council said: “Dundee has a long history of being at the forefront of technology and innovation for the creative industries and it is wonderful to see the CoSTAR Realtime Lab and its virtual production studio being added to the city’s digital cluster. The video games, screen and performance industries already make a significant contribution to Dundee’s economic and cultural success and collaborative projects like this, supported by both academia and business, are important for the continued growth and future of the sector.”

Revolutionary developments in renewable energy, mental health, education, sport, medicine and food and drink have made it to the finals of the 10th Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards highlighting the diversity of sectors and disciplines thriving in Scotland.

With 32 individuals, teams and projects shortlisted across 10 categories, the 10th anniversary celebration will be the largest to date.

Amelia Whitelaw, Director of Interface, which organises the Awards, said: “At Interface, we are proud to deliver the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards on behalf of Scotland’s vibrant innovation ecosystem. These awards are more than just a celebration of achievements—they showcase the transformative power of collaboration between academia and industry. Each finalist represents the spirit of partnership, driving solutions that create lasting economic, environmental, and social impact. As we mark the 10th anniversary of these awards, we are inspired by the breadth and depth of innovation thriving across Scotland, reaffirming our commitment to fostering connections that unlock new opportunities and strengthen Scotland’s future.”

The awards ceremony will take place at Edinburgh Futures Institute on 19th March.

The finalists are:

Innovation of the Year – sponsored by HGF Ltd

Highland Heat Harvesters Ltd and Robert Gordon University

SolarSub Ltd, Heriot-Watt University and the University of Strathclyde

SymphoMe Ltd and the University of Stirling

Innovator of the Future – sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Dr Dayi Zhang – Inspectahire Instruments Company Ltd and the University of Strathclyde

Matthew Gibson – Ailsa Reliability Solutions Ltd and the University of Strathclyde

Dr Sonam Norbu – The Crichton Trust and the University of Glasgow

Inward Investment Impact – sponsored by International Social Enterprise Observatory

Canon Medical Research Europe and the University of Edinburgh

Smartify and the University of the West of Scotland

ZIYX and the University of the West of Scotland

Knowledge Exchange Champion – sponsored by Knowledge Exchange UK

Dr Andrea Rodriguez, the University of Dundee

Dr Bryan McCann, Glasgow Caledonian University

Professor John Bachtler, the University of Strathclyde

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

Individual

Kevin McIver, Heriot-Watt University

Dr Kirsty Ross, the University of St Andrews

Susan Armstrong, Glasgow Caledonian University

Team

Scottish Centre for Food Development Innovation, Queen Margaret University

Formulation Unit, Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, the University of Strathclyde

Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, the University of Dundee

Making a Social Difference

Enable and Edinburgh Napier University

Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) and Glasgow Caledonian University

Sport Aberdeen and Glasgow Caledonian University

Making an Environmental Difference

Heerema Marine Contractors Nederland SE and the University of Dundee

National Trust for Scotland and the University of the Highlands & Islands

Renewable Parts Ltd and the University of Strathclyde

Multiparty Collaboration

INTErPRET-NAFLD – Bering Limited, HistoIndex, BioDev, Precision Medicine Scotland and the University of Edinburgh

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

Underwater Intervention for Offshore Renewable Energies (UNITE) – Heriot-Watt University, Imperial College London, Frontier Robotics, Fugro

Place-based Impact sponsored by Business Gateway

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

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

Powerful Partnership sponsored by Skillfluence

BAE Systems and the University of Strathclyde

Safehinge Primera and Glasgow Caledonian University  

Vertebrate Antibodies-EpitogenX Ltd and the University of Aberdeen

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

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

Photo above shows the shortlisted Knowledge Exchange Champions, from left Dr Andrea Rodriguez, the University of Dundee, Dr Bryan McCann, Glasgow Caledonian University and Professor John Bachtler, the University of Strathclyde.