Participating Universities
University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow places innovation and entrepreneurship at the heart of its strategy, translating world-class research into economic and societal impact.
The university has been part of the WE Innovate National consortium since 2025 and is [INFO ON THIS YEAR]
Key focus areas include health and life sciences, quantum technologies, photonics and semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, climate and sustainability, and space technologies. Through initiatives such as the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District, the University works with industry, investors and public partners to accelerate company formation, inward investment and high-value job creation.
Commercialisation is supported by GU Holdings, Proof of Concept funding, venture-building programmes and accelerators such as Infinity G, alongside close collaboration with Scottish Enterprise and NHS partners. The University actively supports spin-outs, scale-ups and student enterprise, strengthening pathways from research to market.
Innovation infrastructure – including advanced prototyping and micro-device fabrication facilities – underpins partnerships with global firms and SMEs alike, helping anchor critical technologies capability in Scotland.
Together, these priorities position the University as a driver of inclusive, innovation-led growth, combining research excellence with entrepreneurial ambition to deliver regional, national and international impact.
Local innovation ecosystem
The University of Glasgow sits at the heart of a dynamic innovation ecosystem anchored by the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District, delivered with Glasgow City Council and Scottish Enterprise. The district connects research strengths in health, quantum, photonics, AI and advanced manufacturing with industry and investors.
Enterprise support includes Proof of Concept funding, spin-out investment via GU Holdings, and accelerator programmes such as Infinity G. Close partnerships with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and regional innovation centres further enable translation, scaling and inward investment aligned with the University’s innovation strategy.
Established partnerships
Glasgow Riverside Innovation District
Strategic partnership with Glasgow City Council and Scottish Enterprise to drive innovation-led growth, inward investment and high-value jobs.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Clinical research, translational medicine, data-enabled health innovation and joint appointments.
Cancer Research UK
Major research collaboration supporting cancer discovery, trials and spin-out activity.
The Hunterian
Cultural and research partnership advancing heritage, digital engagement and public scholarship.
National Museums Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland
Collaborative projects in immersive technologies, conservation and digital access.
Scottish Funding Council
Strategic funding partner supporting research excellence and innovation capacity.
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce
Business engagement, skills development and regional economic collaboration.
Industry partnerships
Across quantum technologies, photonics, advanced manufacturing and AI, supporting commercialisation and knowledge exchange.
Philanthropic partnerships
With regional and international donors enabling research centres, scholarships and innovation programmes aligned with University strategy.
A national network
Explore WE Innovate National's partners, chosen for a combination of proven entrepreneurial infrastructure, research intensity, and geographic reach, ensuring every one of the UK's four nations has a founder-facing hub.
Imperial College London
WE Innovate was launched by Imperial College London in 2014 and has supported over 500 women-led teams since its inception.
Swansea University
A research‑led, world‑class institution committed to developing transformative ideas and supporting entrepreneurial talent.
Durham University
A globally recognised research-intensive institution with a strong commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal impact.
Loughborough University
A dynamic innovation ecosystem that sparks student curiosity, develops world-changing research breakthroughs, and works with graduates, staff and partners to support start-ups.
Queen's University Belfast
One of the UK’s leading research-intensive institutions, with over 99% of its research environment rated world-leading or internationally excellent.
University of Glasgow
Innovation and entrepreneurship are at the heart of its strategy, translating world-class research into economic and societal impact.
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