New programme accelerates deep tech from lab to market
17th September 2025
A new programme has launched to accelerate the journey from prototype to market for deep tech products - led by Scottish Enterprise in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and other national innovation leaders.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes officially launched the Deep Tech Supercluster Programme on 11 September at a showcase event held at the Bayes Centre, University of Edinburgh.
The pilot marks a major milestone in Scotland’s innovation journey, bringing together cutting-edge research, manufacturing expertise, and strategic support to accelerate the growth of deep tech companies across the country.
Companies signing up will benefit from wrap-around support from Scottish Enterprise, the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), the National Robotarium, Smart Things Accelerator Centre (STAC), HIE, universities and the private sector.
According to the Royal Academy of Engineering’s State of UK Deep Tech report, the UK deep tech sector now attracts more than £5b in annual venture capital. Deep tech industries are defined as those with substantial scientific or engineering foundations, covering fields such as quantum technologies, photonics, advanced sensors, biotechnology, robotics, satellites and advanced materials.
In Scotland, these capabilities underpin high-growth global markets such as subsea systems, medical technologies, and space.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Deep tech 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.
“We want to see more companies forming, growing and manufacturing here in Scotland. By providing access to public and private support, 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.”
Gillian Galloway, head of innovation at HIE, said: The Deep Tech Supercluster programme is a fantastic chance to support pioneering, innovation-led businesses using cutting-edge technology across our region. It’s all about helping them to scale-up their unique manufacturing approaches and bring breakthrough technologies to market.
“By working collaboratively to draw in partners from across Scotland, we’re helping to unlock the region’s innovation potential and ensure that those business in even the most rural areas can thrive in emerging global deep tech markets.”
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.”
Among the companies showcasing today was Novosound, which is developing thin-film ultrasound sensors for healthcare, subsea inspection, and industrial markets.
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.
The pilot begins in November 2025 as a manufacturing pathway and will provide tailored support, investment readiness, access to manufacturing facilities, and partner expertise.
For more information and to get involved contact: enquiries@scotent.co.uk or visit www.scottish-enterprise.com
Related Businesses
Related Articles
10/12/2025
How Development and Innovation Have Been Supported in the Highlands & Islands Over the Past 60 Years
For 60 years, the Highlands and Islands have been the focus of one of the UK's most distinctive long-term regional development efforts. Since the creation of the Highlands and Islands Development Board (HIDB) in 1965—and its evolution into Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in 1991.
9/12/2025
Planning consent granted for Inverness Campus
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has been granted planning permission in principle to progress the second and final phase of development at Inverness Campus. The consent is subject to a Section 75 agreement being finalised between HIE and The Highland Council.9/12/2025
Island Business Resilience Fund expansion
Businesses affected by ferry disruption in Coll, Tiree, the Small Isles, Mull, Iona, Ulva, Barra, Vatersay, Islay and Jura can now access financial support. The £4.4 million Islands Business Resilience Fund (IBRF) is expanding to support more businesses experiencing economic impacts linked to travel issues.8/12/2025
What the NC500 Research Projects Are Designed to Do - and Why They Matter for the Highlands
As the North Coast 500 approaches its tenth anniversary, it has become one of Scotland's most well-known tourism success stories. The 516-mile loop around the far north of the Highlands has been celebrated internationally, marketed as a world-class road trip, and credited with transforming visitor numbers in some of Scotland’s most remote areas.28/11/2025
Workforce North event spotlights Highland economy
EMPLOYERS and educators from across the Highlands have gathered to hear how a new initiative is aiming to transform the region's economy. Workforce North - A Call to Action brought together business leaders and teachers from primary and secondary schools from across the Highland Council area with a wide range of partners geared towards education, learning and skills development at Strathpeffer Pavillion.
25/11/2025
Tartan challenge for UHI students offers £1,500 prize
Students from across the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) partnership have been challenged to design a tartan and be in with a chance of winning a £1,500 cash prize. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has launched THE COMPETITION to mark 60 years since the regional development agency (then named Highlands and Islands Development Board) was established in November 1965.
25/11/2025
The Rural AI Roadshow - How AI can help your rural business thrive
Scotland's enterprise agencies (Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise) The Scottish AI Alliance and The Data Lab have joined forces to plan and deliver an inspiring and educational Rural AI Roadshow. There will be three, one day, Rural AI Roadshow conferences taking place across Scotland in January 2026.
25/11/2025
Digital and AI innovation round-up for November
Scotland's digital future is accelerating, with AI and tech innovation transforming businesses. In this blog, HIE's Theresa Swayne shares November insights on funding, leadership, and how organisations can harness technology to stay ahead.
25/11/2025
Reflections from SEWF Rural: global lessons for the Highlands and Islands social impact economy
As we mark 60 years since the region's economic and community development agency was established, it's timely to reflect on the global aspects of our work on shaping rural futures. The recent Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) Rural Gathering in Sabah, Malaysia, welcomed changemakers from Australia, Ireland, India, Canada.
19/11/2025
Scottish Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Guide - FREE To Download
Scottish Enterprise's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Guide provides an overview of more than 150 organisations that support new and growing companies in Scotland. The guide includes incubators, accelerators, specialist industry programmes, co-working spaces and networking organisations.
Our Social Media
