Academic Excellence: A Catalyst for Innovation

Smart things startups are benefiting from Glasgow's thriving academic sector

Academic Excellence:

A Catalyst for Innovation

Smart things startups are benefiting from Glasgow's thriving academic sector

Glasgow’s universities are a cornerstone of the city’s thriving tech ecosystem. With several renowned institutions including the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, the University of the West of Scotland and Glasgow School of Art - Smart Things companies are benefitting from a rich environment of academic excellence, industry collaboration and research-driven innovation.

The Higher Education Institutes and research centres support spin-out activity in the region and continue to fuel high-growth tech ventures, deepening Glasgow’s international reputation as a centre for technological innovation.

Beyond research, the universities serve as a vital talent pipeline. Each year, thousands of graduates enter the workforce equipped with in-demand skills in software development, data analytics and emerging technologies. Many choose to stay in the region, drawn by Glasgow’s growing startup scene, competitive cost of living and strong sense of community.

The academic sector's close ties with Glasgow innovation infrastructure, driven by the three regional innovation districts – GCID (Glasgow City Innovation District), GRID (Glasgow Riverside Innovation District) and AMIDS (Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District for Scotland) incorporating the NMIS (National Manufacturing Institute Scotland), are collectively helping to bridge the gap between research, commercialisation and enterprise.

Our core four are all PhD students from the University of Glasgow and University of Strathclyde. There’s lots of support for startups.

Scott Black - Co-founder, Seluna

University spinouts

Glasgow's Smart Things cluster has almost 3x as many university spinouts compared to the city region's tech ecosystem as a whole.

Alumni founders

Almost 40% of Smart Things founders have a degree from one of Glasgow City Region's six Higher Education Institutions.

Spinout Spotlight: Health tech

Spinouts account for 58% of the enterprise value of Glasgow's smart things cluster

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of VC funding in Glasgow City Region went to health tech companies in 2024

Ones to watch:

Nami Surgical: University of Glasgow Spin-out raised £3.3m in 2024 to develop ultrasonic robotic-assisted-surgical equipment.

Neuranics: Spin-out of University of Glasgow & University of Edinburgh raised £6m in 2025 in the development of advanced magnetic sensors.

Seluna: Collaborating with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, to co-develop and validate innovative healthcare technologies to diagnose childhood sleep apnoea. Secured £320,000 in pre-seed investment to support company growth.

I want us to really make a difference. For a clinician or patient to now have access to the care they need.

Yola Jones, Co-founder - Seluna

Healthcare innovation

A number of academic and industry partnership are accelerating innovations in healthcare. The Digital Health Validation Lab and new Health Innovation Hub, part of University of Glasgow's The Living Laboratory for Precision Medicine programme, offer a secure environment for innovators to develop, validate and accelerate digital health technologies.

Providing access to clinical experts, patient involvement, trial services, and regulatory guidance, these partnerships facilitate the integration of new solutions into healthcare settings.

Academic Excellence: A Catalyst for Innovation

Smart things startups are benefiting from Glasgow's thriving academic sector

Academic Excellence:

A Catalyst for Innovation

Smart things startups are benefiting from Glasgow's thriving academic sector

Our core four are all PhD students from the University of Glasgow and University of Strathclyde. There’s lots of support for startups.

Scott Black - Co-founder, Seluna

University spinouts

Alumni founders

Spinout Spotlight: Health tech

Spinouts account for 58% of the enterprise value of Glasgow's smart things cluster

of VC funding in Glasgow City Region went to health tech companies in 2024

Ones to watch:

Nami Surgical: University of Glasgow Spin-out raised £3.3m in 2024 to develop ultrasonic robotic-assisted-surgical equipment.

Neuranics: Spin-out of University of Glasgow & University of Edinburgh raised £6m in 2025 in the development of advanced magnetic sensors.

Seluna: Collaborating with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, to co-develop and validate innovative healthcare technologies to diagnose childhood sleep apnoea. Secured £320,000 in pre-seed investment to support company growth.

I want us to really make a difference. For a clinician or patient to now have access to the care they need.

Yola Jones, Co-founder - Seluna

Healthcare innovation

Providing access to clinical experts, patient involvement, trial services, and regulatory guidance, these partnerships facilitate the integration of new solutions into healthcare settings.

STAC

Global Innovations