Satellite City
Glasgow City Region is rapidly emerging as one of the UK’s most dynamic and ambitious hubs for spacetech innovation. Once known primarily for its industrial heritage, Glasgow has transformed into a forward-looking ecosystem where cutting-edge research, entrepreneurial energy and strategic investment converge to propel the space economy.
At the heart of this transformation is a thriving spacetech cluster that spans the full supply chain of satellite manufacturing, data analytics, launch support technologies and downstream applications. Glasgow already produces more satellites than any other city in Europe (only second to California in the word) and its ecosystem continues to grow—fuelled by world-class universities, agile startups and collaborative public-private partnerships.
This deepdive report explores the key drivers behind Glasgow’s ascent in the global spacetech arena. From talent pipelines and infrastructure to investment trends and international partnerships, we’ll uncover why Glasgow is not just participating in the new space race—but helping to lead it.
Glasgow's Smart Things Cluster
Glasgow, long known as the industrial heart of Scotland, is re-emerging as a global leader in Smart Things innovation. From AI-powered healthcare to intelligent energy systems, the city is leveraging its engineering heritage, academic excellence, and government-backed infrastructure to forge a thriving ecosystem of connected technologies.
For tech professionals, investors, and policymakers tracking the next wave of innovation, Glasgow offers a compelling blend of opportunity, talent, and real-world testing grounds. It’s not just about the Internet of Things (IoT) anymore - it’s about a whole new class of Smart Things, combining data, devices, and intelligence to solve real problems at scale.