Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has launched the Deep Tech Supercluster Programme at an event at the Bayes Centre, University of Edinburgh.
The pilot programme, which begins on November, is part of the wider Deep Tech Supercluster and is being hailed as a major milestone in Scotland’s innovation journey.
Among the companies showcased was Novosound, which is developing thin-film ultrasound sensors for healthcare, subsea inspection, and industrial markets.
Companies signing up will benefit from support from Scottish Enterprise, the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), the National Robotarium, Smart Things Accelerator Centre (STAC), Highlands and Islands Enterprise, universities and the private sector.
The UK deep tech sector is now attracting more than £5 billion in annual venture capital, according the Royal Academy of Engineering’s State of UK Deep Tech.
Deep tech industries cover the fields such as quantum technologies, photonics, advanced sensors, biotechnology, robotics, satellites and advanced materials.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Deeptech is a fundamental building block of many of the technologies we use in our everyday life – as well as many others that underpin the success of future industries. It represents a high-growth economic opportunity and, as such, it is vital that we harness the huge talent and innovation lying across Scotland’s technology sector.”
Dan Irving, Director of Research and Development at Novosound, said: “Having gone through the journey of prototyping and productising deep tech concepts, with the invaluable support of Scottish Enterprise, it’s fantastic to see a dedicated programme now in place to back the next generation of Scottish deep tech start-ups.
“This kind of targeted support is exactly what’s needed to help innovation thrive,” he added.
Kate Forbes said she hopes to see more companies forming, growing and manufacturing in Scotland.
“This supercluster presents a step-change in how we foster deeptech companies and help them to succeed. I look forward to the pilot proving a real game-changer for a number of our most exciting companies, providing them with the right support and expertise at the right time to ensure that they succeed, grow and flourish.”
Jane Martin, Managing Director of Innovation and Investment at Scottish Enterprise, said: “This exciting collaboration will help companies to manufacture scalable products ultimately anchoring more high-growth firms in Scotland, creating jobs, boosting exports, and attracting investment.
“We want to work with some of Scotland’s most exciting growth prospects intensively to determine the most effective approaches to ensure they can scale here in Scotland, working with public and private partners along the way to create a really joined up system for growth.”
The Deep Tech Supercluster Programme is supported by partners including enterprise agencies, Scottish Government, the National Robotarium, Smart Things Accelerator Centre and the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland.
