Glasgow’s tech ecosystem has been boosted with the launch of a new creative studio programme for ‘makers’.
Wilson’s Foundry will be a design-led programme dedicated to supporting the city’s creative entrepreneurs and startups through a ‘unique, studio-based residency’.
Named after Alexander Wilson FRSE, the 18th century polymath, inventor and creative collaborator, the scheme will take inspiration from his values to help forge a new generation of sustainable businesses.
The initiative, a ‘first’ amongst the UK’s innovation ecosystem, is spearheaded by Glasgow City Innovation District (GCID) Venture Studio, based at the University of Strathclyde.
It brings together three established GCID creative studios— Graven, Spreng Thomson, and Threesixty Architecture— to drive new economic impact and stimulate growth.
Venture Studio has four pillars of activity – Challenge, Make, Innovate, and Impact – and is funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund.
Wilson’s Foundry will deliver activity under the Make pillar and is focused on supporting new and existing businesses to deliver innovative products or services.
Wilson himself, a graduate of St Andrews university, was a surgeon, type-founder, glassblower and meteorologist before being appointed to run the Old College Observatory in Glasgow in 1757.
He was also famed for the first recorded use of kites in meteorology and in 1757 invented hydrostatic bubbles, a form of hydrometer.
Alisdair Gunn, director of Glasgow City Innovation District, said: “We’re excited to launch Wilson’s Foundry which embodies our mission to foster Glasgow’s tech, digital, engineering, and creative ecosystem by providing much-needed support to our city’s creative and design-led entrepreneurs. We are thrilled to partner with Graven, Spreng Thomson and Threesixty Architecture – three businesses with deep roots and proven track records—to make this vision a reality.”
Professor Janice Kirkpatrick, Graven co-founder and Creative Director, said: “We believe it takes a community to build successful businesses. Based in GCID we are fortunate to be part of an innovative and creative community where business leaders are willing and able to share their knowledge, experience and networks.
“Graven has always collaborated with others and nurtured start-ups and entrepreneurial businesses. Now, as part of the Wilson’s Foundry team, we are able to provide a comprehensive range of support to individuals and businesses who will benefit from a residency in a creative and commercial studio environment.”
Stefano Faiella, founder of Threesixty Architecture, said: “As business founders we understand what it takes to transform an idea into a commercially-viable proposition. Collectively, Wilson’s Foundry can help Glasgow makers in a unique way by providing access to the skills SMEs need to succeed in a highly-competitive market.
“Whether you need help with designing your proposition, building models, creating a brand, producing video or podcasts, Wilson’s Foundry can open these doors to help you transform your ideas into sustainable business propositions.”
Lesley Thomson, founder of Spreng Thomson, added: “At Wilson’s Foundry we aim to help the businesses, who secure a place on the programme to progress their ideas over an intensive four-month period.
“A key benefit for participants will be the opportunity to test their ideas while building a network of support from the Wilson’s Foundry team as well as with the other businesses in the initial cohort. The range of skills, depth of experience and studio environment available will help enterprises accelerate their development.”
Kicking off this month, the four-month residency programme offers a full suite of resources including high-level coaching, tailored mentoring, access to investors and an extensive network of Glasgow’s innovative leaders.
