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