Taxonomy & Methodology

Definition of Critical Technologies

For the purposes of this report, the scope follows the framework established by Scotland's Critical Technologies Supercluster, which identifies four technology domains: quantum, photonics, semiconductors, and sensing and connectivity. These four areas are treated as interconnected rather than discrete - advances in one regularly accelerate progress in others, and many of Glasgow's most significant companies and research assets operate across more than one domain.

The designation "critical" reflects both strategic importance and supply chain vulnerability: these are technologies that advanced economies cannot afford to import entirely from others, and where domestic capability carries consequences beyond commercial value.

Where relevant, companies are categorised according to their primary product or technology focus, recognising that many operate across multiple sub-sectors.

Underlying Data

This report features three primary sources for its data:

Dealroomʼs proprietary database and software aggregate data from multiple sources: harvesting public information, user-submitted data verified by Dealroom, data engineering. All data is verified and curated with an extensive manual process. The data on which this report builds is available via glasgow.dealroom.co. For more info please visit dealroom.co or contact support@dealroom.co. Data for this report was taken in Q1 2026.

ECIPE - Quantum Clusters: Ranking the World’s Deep-Tech Epicentres

Technology Scotland - Photonics in Scotland Report 2025

Dealroom.co - European Deep Tech Report 2026

Scotland's Critical Technology Supercluster - Capability Map

What is a startup?

Companies designed to grow fast. Generally, such companies are VC-investable businesses. Sometimes they can become very big (e.g. $1B+ valuation). When startups are successful, they develop into scaleups (>50 people), grownups (>500 people) and result in big companies. Only companies founded since 1990 are included in this report.

Funding stages

Startup stage: Companies with under $15M total funding.
Breakout stage: Companies with $15M-$100M total funding.
Scaleup stage: Companies with $100M+ total funding.

Scope of the report

While many startups founded in Glasgow relocate beyond its the borders, most maintain business-critical ties to their homeland. In order to take this reality into account, this report includes both Glasgow-based startups, which maintain their main centre of business (HQ) in their country of origin, and Glasgow-founded startups, with their HQ relocated outside of Glasgow.

Local government authority delivering ambitions outlined in Glasgow Economic Strategy

Glasgow City Councilʼs Digital Economy team ensures the city attracts and grows the required digital foundations including: skills, innovation environment, tech-enabled businesses, connectivity and infrastructure. Aligned to the national Government-commissioned Scottish Technology Ecosystem Review, a key objective is the attraction and funnelling of investment to strengthen and grow the 'market-square' for Glasgow's technology ecosystem.

Glasgowʼs dedicated Investment Promotion Agency (IPA)

Invest Glasgow is the official inward investment team for Glasgow, dedicated to promoting the city as a prime location for business and investment. As Scotland’s largest city and a major economic hub, Glasgow offers a dynamic ecosystem rich in talent, innovation, and opportunity. Invest Glasgow provides tailored support to investors, businesses, and developers, helping them navigate opportunities across sectors such as technology, creative industries, and advanced manufacturing.

Global startup & venture capital intelligence platform.

Dealroom.co is the foremost data provider on startup, early-stage and growth company ecosystems in Europe and around the globe.

Founded in Amsterdam in 2013, we now work with many of the world's most prominent investors, entrepreneurs and government organizations to provide transparency, analysis and insights on venture capital activity.