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 11^th 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 19^th March.

The finalists, in alphabetical order, are:

Innovation of the Year – sponsored by Marks & Clerk

• Inspectahire Instrument Co. Ltd and University of Strathclyde
• St Giles’ Cathedral and University of Glasgow
• Seluna Ltd and University of Glasgow
• Sentinel and University of Strathclyde

Innovator of the Future – sponsored by Business Gateway

• Dr Firdous Ul Nazir, Glasgow Caledonian University and TNEI Services Ltd
• Professor Michael Crichton, Heriot-Watt University and TissueMetrics Ltd
• Dr Ross Sanders, Heriot-Watt University and Diageo 

Inward Investment Impact

• Alta Vision Solar Ltd and Robert Gordon University
• Aquallite Data Ltd and University of Edinburgh
• Troo Ltd and University of Glasgow 

Knowledge Exchange Champion

• Dr Alison Kirk, University of Strathclyde
• James Jamieson, South Lanarkshire College
• Dr Nicola Cogan, University of Strathclyde and Sentinel
• Professor Sinead Rhodes, University of Edinburgh

Knowledge Exchange Heroes

• Emma Perfect, Heriot-Watt University
• Iona Beange, University of Edinburgh and EPIC Think Learn C.I.C.
• Sarah Buchanan, University of Strathclyde
• ⁠The Scottish Research Alliance for Energy, Homes and Livelihoods team

Making a Social Difference

• EPIC Think Learn C.I.C. and University of Edinburgh
• Police Scotland and Heriot-Watt University
• Routes to Work Ltd and University of the West of Scotland

Making an Environmental Difference

• Montrose Port Authority and University of Strathclyde
• Rock Solid Processing Ltd and University of Dundee
• Ureaka Ltd and University of Strathclyde

Multiparty Collaboration

• 5G Future Farming Robotics – The National Robotarium, The James Hutton Institute, The Scotland 5G Centre, Tay 5G, Freshwave Group and Boston Dynamics
• Conquering the Air(waves) – University of Strathclyde with international broadcasters, production companies, connectivity providers, research institutes and specialist technology vendors
• PROMPT – University of Strathclyde, BAE Systems, and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
• The Living Laboratory Radiogenomics Team – University of Glasgow, Canon Medical Research and NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde

Place-based Impact sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise

• College Local Innovation Centres (CLIC) – City of Glasgow College, Glasgow Clyde College, Glasgow Kelvin College, New College Lanarkshire, West College Scotland and South Lanarkshire College
• Knowledge Transfer Partnership – University of the Highlands and Islands North, West and Hebrides, Innovate UK, Highland Distillers & Highland Park
• Listening to Scotland’s Future – Heriot-Watt University and West Lothian Council
• SeaWarm – University of Edinburgh, Growforth Ltd, Port Edgar Marina, Museum of Lead Mining, Lar Housing Trust
• The Living Laboratory for Precision Medicine – University of Glasgow, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, industry and community organisations

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

• EPIC Think Learn C.I.C. and University of Edinburgh
• Sentinel and University of Strathclyde
• The Cleft Lip Education through Augmented Reality (CLEAR) programme 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

Trailblazing AI Collaboration – in partnership with The Data Lab

• ADC Energy Ltd and Robert Gordon University
• John G Russell (Transport) Ltd and Glasgow Caledonian University
• Red Star AI Ltd and University of Dundee

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