Strategic Alignment & Public Sector Opportunity
Government support to grow Glasgow's Space sector
The UK’s National Space Strategy sets out five overarching goals and four delivery pillars that frame the country’s ambitions for the sector. Scotland’s own Strategy for Space and Space Sustainability Roadmap translate these national priorities into concrete actions, focusing on capabilities in launch, Earth observation, and responsible operations.
In this context, the concept of “net-zero satellites” has a dual meaning. It encompasses both the development and deployment of lower-carbon launch technologies, exemplified by companies such as Skyrora, and the use of satellites and Earth observation data to help achieve terrestrial net-zero targets, for example through improved climate monitoring, emissions accounting, and environmental management.
Rural and remote connectivity remains a central theme for both the UK and Scotland. Government-backed pilots, including OneWeb trials in Shetland, have already demonstrated the potential of low-Earth orbit satellite broadband to connect some of the most inaccessible communities, offering a practical model for extending digital infrastructure across Scotland’s islands and sparsely populated areas.
The National Space Council, reinstated in 2023, plays an important coordinating role in ensuring that these strands, from sustainable launch to enhanced connectivity, are aligned across defence, civil, and commercial agendas, providing a joined-up framework that supports Scotland’s distinctive space ambitions while contributing to the UK’s wider strategic objectives.
UK Government investment in Glasgow's Regional Space sector
In July 2025, the University of Strathclyde was confirmed a lead delivery partner in the Glasgow City Region’s £160 million Investment Zone programme, jointly funded by the UK and Scottish Governments.
As part of this, the University will deliver Project PRISM - “A Platform for Scaling Responsive Space Systems Research, Innovation & Manufacturing.” whose partners include AAC Clyde Space, Spire Global, Craft Prospect and SaxaVord Spaceport. This will create new infrastructure within Glasgow City Innovation District to support the full development cycle of space technologies, from research and development to manufacturing and launch; also including the construction of a new Spacecraft Manufacturing & Test Centre in the wider Glasgow City Region.
The £100 million initiative will enable organisations to rapidly advance technologies across Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1–9, significantly increasing the UK’s launch capability and accelerating market growth, with a focus on security and resilience.
We know we can access the cluster to get the support which then makes our bid, proposal or offering much more robust.
Dr Hina Khan - Head of Commercial, Craft Prospect
UK investors lead VC funding in Glasgow
Domestic investors continue to be the primary source of VC funding for Space tech companies in Glasgow.
in funding across 38 grants from domestic and European initiatives
VC funding into Glasgow Space tech companies
We have the recognition in Glasgow that we’re competing with companies around the world.
Craig Clark MBE - Professor of Practice for Space, University of Strathclyde
A Global Hub for Space Innovation
Glasgow has become one of the world’s most dynamic centres for space technology, attracting international companies, talent, and investment. What sets the city apart is not just the scale of satellite manufacturing, but the depth of the innovation ecosystem that supports it.
Anchor companies AAC Clyde Space, formed in 2019 through Sweden's AAC Microtec's Sweden merger with Glasgow's first space company Clyde Space, and Spire Global's (USA) 2015 investment in the city saw a hub of space innovation take shape out of Finnieston's Skypark.
They are joined by a growing number of international startups and scale-ups that are tapping into the region’s engineering expertise, rich supply chain, and collaborative academic environment. These international players bring with them world-class talent - engineers, data scientists, and mission specialists, who are helping to make Glasgow a comprehensive innovation hub.
Top grant and support organizations
Support has been predominantly domestic (67.5%) since 2019, with EU programs contributing a significant portion (32%+).
