First deep tech accelerator launched in Scotland

An accelerator to turn Scotland into a global hub for “deep technology” has signed its first cohort of emerging companies.

Glasgow University has formed Infinity G in partnership with advanced technology accelerator STAC. 

The 13-week accelerator will take place at STAC’s thebeyond co-working and lab space at Skypark in Finnieston.

Deep tech focuses on providing solutions to complex problems through technologies that require extensive research and development. 

The cohort comprises 15 ventures including 10 spinouts, from AI and quantum computing to biotechnology.  It is partly funded by the Glasgow City Council UK Shared Prosperity Fund.  

Uzma Khan, vice principal, economic development and innovation, at Glasgow University, said: “Each of these early stage ventures have been selected for the quality of their propositions, innovative technology, and scale of ambition.  

“STAC brings a wealth of deep tech expertise to our doorstep, and particularly so at a time when the University has stepped up to unlock the significant potential of our deep tech spin-outs and start-ups, both from the University and in the wider city region.” 

Melville Anderson, head of commercialisation at the University, added: “These nascent companies will build on cutting-edge science and engineering innovations to product and services with scalable global market potential in areas ranging from quantum computing and sensing, industrial process energy efficiency, and women’s health.  

“We’re excited to be collaborating with STAC and bringing their tech company building methodology to what could be the next generation of major employers in the city of Glasgow.”

Paul Wilson, CEO and co-founder of STAC, said the initiative would “help develop the innovation brilliance coming out of University of Glasgow, moving towards commercialisation and getting founders prepared to make a global impact.

“We are integral to Scotland developing a deeptech supercluster, with key constituents including our world-class universities, scale-up expertise, and funding.” 

STAC says the Infinity G programme is unique in the UK because of its depth of mentorship, building vital startup ingredients across sales, marketing, IP & technology, investment, finance, legal and talent/HR.

STAC is supported by a range of UK and international corporates, including Pelion, Plexus, and Keysight, and the technology accelerator announced its latest industry partnership in June, to provide an innovation pipeline for Swedish carmaker Volvo Cars, a pioneer in the electric vehicle (EV) market.

Companies signed up for Infinity G are: Alessia, Glanadair, AevaSpec, Flora Wind, ForceBiology, Diabetes Companion, Hoofsmart, Orthovis, Quantcore, Quantrologee, RX Watt, Scotia Biotech, SepSense, and Unravel Health.