Deep Tech Supercluster Programme takes technologies from prototype to market
A new programme to help companies manufacture deep tech products as they take them from prototype to market has been launched by Scottish Enterprise and partners.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes today (11 September) officially launched the Deep Tech Supercluster Programme at a showcase event at the Bayes Centre, University of Edinburgh.
The pilot programme is part of the wider Deep Tech Supercluster and was hailed as a major milestone in Scotland’s innovation journey.
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), Highlands and Islands Enterprise, 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 £5 billion 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: “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.
“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.”
Managing Director of Innovation and Investment at Scottish Enterprise Jane Martin 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.
Director of Research and Development at Novosound Daniel Irving 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.”
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
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Picture caption: Pictured left to right is Managing Director of Innovation and Investment at Scottish Enterprise Jane Martin with Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes.
Chief Strategy and Commercial Officer at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland Siobhan Campbell said: “The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland is the innovation partner of choice for forward thinking manufacturers. We are uniquely placed to work with partners to help accelerate the journey from prototype to market and help ensure that pioneering innovative deep tech companies not only grow here in Scotland but thrive on a global stage.
“This programme truly showcases the strength and unparalleled connectivity of Scotland’s connected innovation ecosystem.”
CEO of The National Robotarium Stewart Miller said: “The National Robotarium is proud to be a key delivery partner of the Deep Tech Supercluster Programme.
“This is a very exciting time for tech companies in Scotland; we have the talent, the skills and the entrepreneurial spirit to rapidly make truly innovative technologies that can improve people’s lives. Scotland has a long legacy of technological firsts and programmes like the Deep Tech Supercluster initiative will help to harness the wide range of expert support available to help these fledgling companies scale-up and, crucially, help Scotland retain their valued skills and innovative creations.”
Head of Barclays Eagle Labs Steve Brown said: “As part of the Deep Tech Supercluster Scaling Programme, Barclays Eagle Labs is committed to supporting the empowerment of Scotland’s next generation of innovators. By connecting pioneering deep tech companies with expert mentors and the wider innovation ecosystem, we’re helping to accelerate breakthroughs from the lab, all the way through to the marketplace, building the skills for growth, connecting investors and supporting world-class talent in Scotland’s vibrant technology ecosystem.”
About the orgs:
Scottish Enterprise
Scottish Enterprise is Scotland’s national and international economic development agency and a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government. It supports businesses to innovate and scale to transform the Scottish economy by focusing on new market opportunities through targeted investment, innovation and internationalisation.
National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS)
The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) is a group of industry-led manufacturing R&D, innovation and skills facilities supported by a network of partners across Scotland. Together, they transform the future of manufacturing by accelerating innovation and boosting skills. NMIS is operated by the University of Strathclyde and is part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult. Its flagship 11,500m² Digital Factory and Manufacturing Skills Academy sit at the heart of the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland in Renfrewshire.
Novosound
Novosound is a Scottish deep-tech scale-up pioneering thin-film ultrasound technology. Its breakthrough sensors are set to transform medical and industrial markets, from wearable health monitoring to intelligent infrastructure.
National Robotarium
The National Robotarium is the UK’s centre for robotics and artificial intelligence, based at Heriot-Watt University in partnership with the University of Edinburgh. It provides a world-leading research and innovation environment, developing solutions in robotics and autonomous systems across markets including healthcare, subsea, manufacturing, logistics and space. Supported by the UK and Scottish Governments, the National Robotarium combines research excellence with industry collaboration to create new products, services and businesses that transform lives and drive economic growth.
Bayes Centre
The Bayes Centre is the University of Edinburgh’s innovation hub for data science and artificial intelligence. Home to over 400 organisations, it brings together academic researchers, students, start-ups, industry and public sector bodies to collaborate on applying advanced digital technologies across sectors such as health, robotics, space and financial services. As part of the University’s Data-Driven Innovation initiative, the Bayes Centre supports entrepreneurship, skills development and the translation of cutting-edge research into scalable products and services with global impact.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)
Highlands and Islands Enterprise is the economic and community development agency for the north and west of Scotland. As a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government, HIE supports businesses, social enterprises and communities to build resilience, embrace innovation and drive inclusive growth. With a focus on strengthening regional economies, HIE helps organisations across sectors to scale, internationalise and contribute to a fairer, greener Scotland.
Smart Things Accelerator Centre (STAC)
STAC is Scotland’s industry-led accelerator for smart, connected and deep tech start-ups, with a focus on scaling Internet of Things (IoT) and hardware-based innovation. Based in Glasgow, STAC offers an 18-month programme combining mentorship, investment readiness, and access to a fully equipped innovation space within Europe’s largest “things” cluster. It supports start-ups, scale-ups, SMEs and corporates through strategic partnerships, talent development, and deep tech showcases. STAC plays a pivotal role in bridging academia and industry, helping pioneering companies build globally competitive technologies that address complex challenges and unlock new market opportunities.
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