The University of Strathclyde is to lead a Scotland-wide project aimed at supporting spinout companies from the nation’s higher education institutions.
Strathclyde will be heading the Spinout Pipeline Project, which will help share commercialisation expertise across Scottish universities.This will culminate in February 2026 in a summit to showcase the strength and depth of the Scottish spin out pipeline where innovators will pitch to potential investors, and inspire others to commercialise their research
Economic growth
The project is one of three announced by the Scottish Government with the goal of helping turn ground-breaking research across the country’s universities and colleges into businesses that create jobs and support economic growth.
The Spinout Pipeline Project is to receive £800,000 of Government funding and the pipeline development element of the project is to be led by Dr Catherine Breslin, Strathclyde’s Head of Industry Engagement and Commercialisation for Strathclyde Inspire.
Investment also includes £2.9 million for a Proof of Concept Fund, which will explore the commercial potential of research projects by developing prototypes and pitching to investors, as well as analysing markets to attract further investment. In addition, £700,000 has been put towards the Entrepreneurial Campus Blueprint, which will help college students develop business skills and link in with investors.
High turnover
Scaling businesses account for the majority of net job creation in the UK and their annual turnover is around £1.2 trillion, highlighting the opportunity afforded to Scotland’s economy by investing in the drive to turn research findings into high-growth start-ups.
The announcement follows the recent launch of Reaching Beyond, Strathclyde’s five-year strategic plan to help entrepreneurial students and staff make an impact far beyond the University’s campus.
Strathclyde Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Jim McDonald said: “We are pleased to welcome the Scottish Government’s continued investment in universities as engines of economic growth through excellent research, innovation and production of high-quality skills. This new Proof of Concept Fund will help to translate academic innovation into real-world economic and social impact.
“As the lead institution for the Spinout Pipeline Project, and a leading entrepreneurial campus, the University of Strathclyde is also pleased to continue to play a central role in strengthening Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
By harnessing the collective expertise of our universities, we aim to accelerate the journey from breakthrough ideas to market-ready ventures – creating high-value jobs, attracting investment, and supporting the next generation of innovators.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “The Scottish Government is fostering and supporting entrepreneurial talent as part of strategic investment to capitalise on Scotland’s reputation as a start-up nation. The economic opportunities presented by this are enormous.
Our universities and colleges are the engines of innovation. They are known the world over as the home of some of the greatest ideas and inventions ever made and can present real solutions to the challenges we face.
“This new investment underlines our commitment to realising the economic potential of the incredible work taking place across Scottish universities and colleges.”
Examples of successful spinouts cited by the Scottish Government include Microplate Dx, a multi-award-winning spinout from Strathclyde which is developing novel solutions to the global threat of antimicrobial resistance. A further example is DXcover Limited, which has developed new and accurate early cancer diagnostic testing using infrared spectroscopy.