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Edinburgh-based utility company Flexitricity is set to be acquired by Drax in a £42 million deal that the energy giant said will support its plans to build a gigawatt‑scale pipeline of battery energy storage system opportunities. We’re delighted to hear about the ongoing success for the team at Flexitricity after their initial collaborative projective with the University of Edinburgh, facilitated by Interface.

Sofant Technologies Ltd, the Edinburgh-based developer of low-power RF MEMS beamforming solutions for satellite communications, has successfully closed a £6.25 million equity fundraising. Proceeds from the Fundraising will support the scaling of Sofant’s operations, final qualification of its first commercial products, and preparation for early customer deployments in satellite communications, defence and advanced wireless markets. Interface worked with Sofant Technologies to forge a collaboration with the University of Edinburgh.

Wellness start-up, Gutsy Health, have secured £300k in investment to accelerate growth of its range of gut healthy supplements. Interface connected Gutsy Health’s Director Gemma Stuart into the team at SRUC to work on an Innovation Voucher funded collaboration.

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

After several years as Director of Interface, Amelia Whitelaw will be stepping down at the end of March following a family decision to relocate overseas.

Over recent years, Interface has reset its strategy, embedded a new operating model, strengthened its culture, and navigated a prolonged period of funding uncertainty. As a result, the organisation is now well positioned, with clear direction, strong performance, and a confident senior leadership team.

Laura Goodfellow, currently Associate Director – Innovation Engagement, will step into the Director role on a fixed-term basis until February 2027 at which point the Strategic Board will review the leadership arrangements, aligned with the SFC funding cycle, to inform longer-term decisions. Laura will be supported by Interface’s senior leadership team and these arrangements, supported by the Interface Strategic Board and the Scottish Funding Council, are designed to maintain momentum, stability, and continuity.

Under Amelia’s leadership, Interface has navigated a period of significant change and emerged in a strong and confident position. The transition ahead reflects both that progress and the depth of talent across the organisation, with an experienced leadership team well placed to continue working confidently with partners and the wider innovation ecosystem to deliver impact.

Amelia Whitelaw, Director, Interface said, “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together at Interface. While this move is a personal decision, I leave knowing the organisation is in a strong position, supported by a confident leadership team and by the Strategic Board and the SFC. Interface has clear direction and strong foundations, and I’m excited to see the team continue to grow and work with partners across the innovation ecosystem to deliver impact.”

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.”

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. 

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.