The Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards celebrates the partnerships between business, third sector, and public sector organisations and academia. Now in its 10th anniversary year, this annual event recognises and rewards exceptional collaborations that deliver economic, environmental and social benefits for Scotland. This year’s awards are the largest yet, with 10 categories designed to showcase the very best of knowledge exchange. Discover the shortlist:

Innovation of the Year – sponsored by HGF Ltd

Highland Heat Harvesters Ltd and Robert Gordon University for collaborating on the design and development of an innovative flu gas heat recovery device. The innovative, compact and sustainable design reduces flu gas emissions into the environment and enables savings in energy bills.

SolarSub Ltd, in collaboration with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) at the University of Strathclyde, has refined the design of a solar panel cooling system, optimising it for manufacturing and scalability. Additionally, in partnership with Heriot-Watt University, the technology has undergone rigorous field trials to evaluate its performance under extreme heat conditions, ensuring its robustness and efficacy.

SymphoMe Ltd and the University of Stirling collaborated to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven multimodal music teaching technology to revolutionise the way music is taught and learned. Using a data-driven optimisation and recommendation system, the platform measures and addresses users’ knowledge gaps. This groundbreaking approach positions SymphoMe as a pioneer in music education, setting a new standard for the future of education technology.

Innovator of the Future – sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Dr. Dayi Zhang, Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate working with the University of Strathclyde and Inspectahire Instrument Co. Ltd for developing a portable, non-invasive ultrasonic device that revolutionises whisky cask monitoring. Designed for Scotland’s iconic whisky industry, the device enhances safety, reduces costs, and minimises carbon emissions, aligning with net zero goals. This innovation preserves cultural heritage while driving environmental progress and local economic growth.

Matthew Gibson, KTP Associate working with the University of Strathclyde and Ailsa Reliability Solutions Ltd, is creating the next generation of data-driven condition monitoring solutions for the oil and gas sector. This project is developing the Vision© reliability platform and has demonstrated reduced machine downtime and energy waste, in pursuit of net zero and sustainable engineering processes.

Dr Sonam Norbu, KTP Associate working with the University of Glasgow and The Crichton Trust to deliver a cyber-physical energy system for multiple heritage buildings. Combining sensors, data visualisations and feedback on innovation and trials it has enabled the partners to deliver real measurable impact and support the development of whole system approaches to support the heritage estate to reach net zero.

Inward Investment Impact – sponsored by International Social Enterprise Observatory

Working with Prof Sotirios Tsaftaris at the University of Edinburgh has brought new AI Innovation and thinking to the heart of Canon Medical Research Group. This relationship has contributed to increased inward investment and headcount in Canon Edinburgh as well as new collaborative research funding opportunities in the research and translation of Causal AI.

Through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with the University of the West of Scotland, Smartify has integrated cutting-edge Extended Reality, (Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality) technologies to revolutionise cultural engagement. This collaboration delivers immersive, scalable and accessible solutions for global heritage partners, driving audience engagement and economic growth. The project positions Smartify as a leader in immersive innovation while showcasing Scotland’s digital expertise on a global stage.

The collaborative project with ZIYX and the University of the West of Scotland developed a tailored gamification framework for their business culture change app, enhancing user engagement and retention. The project has created jobs and attracted venture capital interest for expansion into UK, USA, and European markets, fostering economic growth and innovation in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Knowledge Exchange Champion – sponsored by Knowledge Exchange UK

Dr Andrea Rodriguez, the University of Dundee, for sustaining engagement and impact on non-academic audiences by co-designing an international knowledge exchange programme on youth homelessness. Helping Young People Feel at Home took a multi-agency approach, involving critical thinking and dialogue with young people in Scotland and Brazil to improve service provision and professional practices.

Dr Bryan McCann, Glasgow Caledonian University, has championed knowledge exchange throughout his academic career, establishing several strategic partnerships within the physical activity and mental health sectors. These partnerships have facilitated innovative and high-quality student placements, generated income for impactful knowledge exchange programmes, and contributed to health and wellbeing across Scotland.

Professor John Bachtler has transformed Scotland’s regional policy knowledge exchange through 40 years of leadership at the European Policies Research Centre at the University of Strathclyde. He advanced policy innovation via networks such as EoRPA and IQ-Net, linking Scotland with European policy frameworks. His strategic insights, mentoring, and impactful KE collaborations strengthened regional development policy, inspired future leaders, and enhanced Scotland’s European policy influence.

Knowledge Exchange Heroes – team & individual – sponsored by Azets UK

Individual

Kevin McIver, Business Development Manager, Heriot-Watt University, has been instrumental in advancing knowledge exchange and fostering partnerships between academia and industry. Through his leadership, dedication, and positive approach, he successfully delivered the Single Photon Workshop 2024 and helped secure one of the UK’s leading Quantum Hubs for Integrated Quantum Networking (IQN), driving innovation and ensuring lasting impacts on the UK’s quantum research and commercialisation efforts.

Dr Kirsty Ross, Industrial Liaison at the University of St Andrews, champions knowledge exchange, supporting new partnerships and facilitating impactful student projects. Dr Ross’s dedication to fostering collaboration and inclusivity has improved teaching practices, supported cutting-edge research applications, and significantly enhanced stakeholder engagement at the School of Computer Science.

Susan Armstrong, KE Lead at Glasgow Caledonian University, has been instrumental in transforming the knowledge exchange landscape at the university through her strategic and collaborative approach. Her efforts, dedication, and unwavering support have significantly advanced the university’s KE initiatives, benefiting both the academic community and industry partners.

Team

The Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation (SCFDI) at Queen Margaret University has for 10 years championed KE in the food and drink sector in Scotland. They have developed progressive models for industry/academia KE career pathways, supported an impressive SME client portfolio and attracted increasing attention from global food companies and retailers.

The Formulation Unit at the University of Strathclyde works at the interface of academia and industry to provide real solutions to challenges faced by industry such as the microfluidic manufacture of nanomedicines and enable trials of novel vaccines and therapies to benefit patients and UK resilience and economy. The team has supported multiple clinical trials, and their efforts have resulted in clinical translation of a novel drug product with accrued KE income.

The Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science (LRCFS) at the University of Dundee has forged new relationships between academia, industry and public bodies to deliver a project at the cutting edge of forensic science. This includes different police forces and forensic science services to develop the application of Virtual Reality applications for crime scene visualisation.

Making a Social Difference

Breaking Barriers is a collaborative partnership between Enable; EY and Edinburgh Napier University Business School to enable young people with learning disabilities to attend university, gain accredited qualifications, and secure work experience with a leading employer.  The purpose of the programme is to build knowledge and confidence sustainably, to encourage further education and / or a career in business for an under-represented group.

Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) and Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) are collaborating to review, redesign and deliver SAMH’s Psychological Wellbeing services. Through partnership SAMH and GCU have developed the Time for You service, supporting mental health of thousands of members of the public via immediate access to free mental health support, delivered by GCU Trainee Psychologists.

The partnership between Sport Aberdeen and Glasgow Caledonian University is committing to making a social difference, taking an innovative approach to bring sport and exercise psychology to a local leisure trust. With an emphasis on exploring the role of a community and exercise psychologist, working with the school community saw a range of projects positively impact on mental wellbeing of children and young people.

Making an Environmental Difference

A collaboration between Heerema Marine Contractors Nederland SE and the University of Dundee has led to the development of two silent foundation systems tailored for fixed and floating offshore wind installations. These innovative systems address the critical issue of underwater noise pollution, a significant environmental concern in offshore wind energy projects and a potential barrier to offshore wind development.

The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) and the University of the Highlands and Islands have developed a low-impact, cost-effective deer deterrent prototype to reduce deer browsing on naturally regenerating trees and woodlands. The project addresses key environmental, financial, and operational challenges, supporting NTS’s broader mission to promote sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation.

Renewable Parts Ltd and the University of Strathclyde’s collaboration applies circular economy principles within the wind turbine decommissioning process, promoting the refurbishment and remanufacturing of high-integrity, high-value parts within the wind energy sector, instead of being recycled and returned to raw materials or, worse still, landfill. This circularity approach will have a significant impact on the UK economy and net-zero targets.

Multiparty Collaboration

INTErPRET-NAFLD –Bering Limited, HistoIndex, BioDev, Precision Medicine Scotland and the University of Edinburgh pioneers two tools combining tissue metrics and clinical data to personalise care for MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease), the leading cause of chronic liver disease that affects 38% of the world’s adult population. By identifying high-risk patients and enabling targeted therapies, this partnership aims to transform disease management and accelerate therapeutic breakthroughs, improving outcomes for billions worldwide.

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 is a pioneering collaboration to support SMEs to develop and commercialise innovative medical devices. By providing access to cutting-edge facilities, expert guidance, and sustainable manufacturing solutions, the MDMC accelerates innovation, fosters economic growth, and positions Scotland as a global leader in healthcare technology.

The UNITE (Underwater Intervention for Offshore Renewable Energies) project, a partnership between The National Robotarium, Heriot-Watt University, Imperial College London, Frontier Robotics and Fugro, is developing advanced AI and autonomous systems for undertaking remote inspections of offshore wind farms to offer a safe, efficient and sustainable solution for global energy providers.

Place-based Impact – sponsored by Business Gateway

The Digital Dairy Chain, a collaboration between 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, is transforming the dairy sector across the South and West of Scotland and Cumbria. This partnership is driving innovation, enhancing productivity, and stimulating job creation, contributing to sustained economic growth in the region.

Moredun Research Institute, in partnership with the Lewis and Harris Sheep Producers Association, Old Mill Veterinary Practice, the Scottish Government, Mobile Dipping Ltd, Zoetis Animal Health, and Bimeda, has developed a community-led approach to prevent and control sheep scab. This project demonstrates how a coordinated, collaborative effort can effectively prevent disease, improve sheep welfare and productivity, and rekindle a strong sense of community.

Powerful Partnership – sponsored by Skillfluence

BAE Systems and the University of Strathclyde’s pioneering partnership has revolutionised pilot monitoring through innovative neurophysiological analysis techniques. Their collaboration has developed groundbreaking methods for assessing pilot mental workload during flight and achieving unprecedented accuracy in real-world conditions. This work has established new standards for human performance monitoring in aviation, leading to improved flight safety and training methodologies.

Glasgow Caledonian University and Safehinge Primera have collaborated to develop a revolutionary discreet sensor system for generating insights into patterns of mental health patient behaviour. Unlike traditional camera-based systems this new sensor system will enhance patient safety and reduce risk of harm whilst prioritising patient privacy.

Vertebrate Antibodies-EpitogenX Ltd and the University of Aberdeen have developed transformative AI-powered diagnostics leveraging the innovative Epitogen® recombinant technology for diagnosing autoimmune and infectious diseases. This long-term collaboration has yielded world-first solutions, fostering global recognition, creating skilled talent, and driving economic and health advancements.

The winners of The Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards will be announced on the 19th March 2025, at the awards ceremony held at Edinburgh Futures Institute.

Interface who organise the awards are funded by the Scottish Funding Council and are hosted by Edinburgh Innovations Ltd.