A new programme designed to boost high-tech manufacturing in emerging industries was launched today by Scotland’s deputy first minister.
Kate Forbes unveiled the new ‘deep tech supercluster’ at Edinburgh University following a recommendation from former chief entrepreneurial adviser Mark Logan.
The aim of the supercluster is to bring together advanced manufacturing capabilities, research institutes, and technology-focused organisations under one umbrella to support conceptual design and prototyping of new products and services.
It will act as a hub for small but high-growth potential startups, as well as established businesses, to gain access to cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities, to support Scottish capabilities domestically and ease the cost of scaling innovation.
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.
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.”
She added: “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.”
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.
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 at a ‘showcase event’ today at the University of Edinburgh’s Bayes Centre was Novosound, which is developing thin-film ultrasound sensors for healthcare, subsea inspection, and industrial markets.
Daniel Irving, director of research and development at Novosound, 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 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.
