There are many benefits from industry residency opportunities at The University of Edinburgh’s innovation hubs.
Companies of many sizes and at different stages of growth are choosing to locate at the University of Edinburgh.
Partnership working with academics, access to the next generation of talent, and simply being close to like-minded entrepreneurs and spin-outs are just a few of the reasons for joining Edinburgh’s thriving innovation ecosystem.
Founded in 1583, the University of Edinburgh has spent over 400 years building its expertise.
Our heritage combines with cutting edge research to make Scotland’s capital city one of the best knowledge centres in the world.
Beyond our University, Edinburgh and the surrounding region has much to offer. A Global Investment Report published by Vestd found Edinburgh-based businesses secured the third most funding rounds in 2024, after London and Manchester, plus the city’s finance sector is second only to London among UK cities.
The University’s strategic mission to deliver data-driven innovation plays a key part in delivering this success, and our introduction of six innovation hubs has the specific aims of increasing space and facilities for industry-academic collaborations and fostering a community of entrepreneurs and investors.
One of the hubs, the Usher Institute, is based at the Edinburgh BioQuarter, a global destination for healthcare, ground-breaking medical research and life sciences innovation and entrepreneurship.
The newest hub is Edinburgh Futures Institute, which houses sector experts for the creative industries, tourism and travel-tech, public services, and fintech in an award-winning restoration of a Grade A-listed former hospital in the heart of the city.
Opened in 2018, the Bayes Centre hosts a community of around 35 co-located members and partners, is established as the University’s Innovation Hub for AI and Data Science, and leads on the coordination of entrepreneurship programmes Venture Builder Incubator and the AI Accelerator, and EIE, Scotland’s flagship technology investment conference.
Neil McGillivray, Chief Operating Officer of the Bayes Centre, said,:
“Edinburgh is a small city with a large and connected university, so it can provide a close-knit network of civic and national contacts and opportunities to foster collaboration. We’re making more space available for you to co-locate your business with us. Joining us in any of our Innovation Hubs will open doors to experts in dozens of sectors.”
“You can work with academic and research staff, students, and other university partners, including public sector organisations and business development professionals. You can also build your business using our world class facilities or by participating in one of our accelerator or incubator programmes.”
Jude Henderson, Chief Operating Officer at Edinburgh Futures Institute, commented:
“Our existing industry residents range from early-stage start-ups and spin outs, to larger and more established national and international organisations. We know from listening to them how they benefit from close proximity to AI specialists and to other companies working in similar areas, as well as the breadth of expertise offered by University of Edinburgh staff.”
“We also know that location at the University helps with connecting companies to a talent pipeline – the students who will become the industry leaders and talent of the future.”
It’s this interface that creates opportunities for companies to take part in discussion panels and seminars, shape and inform our curriculum and contribute to the life of the University as well as building their profiles as thought leaders within their sectors.
Co-location is a win-win for the University and industry. If you want to join us, get in touch to discuss your options – ddi.co-location@ed.ac.uk
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