Funding continues to boost inward investment opportunities for Scotland
Six universities have received funding to collaborate with businesses based outwith Scotland in the latest round of the Scottish Inward Investment Catalyst Fund (IICF).
The fund, managed by Interface and the Scottish Government, awards up to £10,000 for research and development projects.
The projects awarded are:
Alta Vision (UK and Sri Lanka) and Robert Gordon University’s School of Computing, Engineering and Technology to upgrade their smart, AI-powered mini-grid system designed to provide electricity in remote communities. This enhancement will make energy systems more resilient and scalable, supporting Scotland’s goals for a fair, low-carbon economy.
Trem Ltd (England) and the University of the West of Scotland’s School of Health and Life Sciences to test the technical feasibility of a wearable device designed to support people with neurological tremors. The study will assess how accurately the device can track tremor frequency and explore its potential to provide continuous data that could improve symptom management and future clinical care.
The Colin Vincent Centre for Battery Technology at The University of St Andrews’ School of Chemistry and Titanvolt (England/South Korea) to validate the performance of their lithium titanium oxide pouch cell batteries, testing them at higher currents and lower temperatures. This project is supporting battery production in Scotland and is strengthening the lab's capability for advanced battery testing.
Tattva Bio (England) and the University of Edinburgh’s School of Chemistry to study a new eco-friendly material, grown using a photosynthetic bacteria that absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere. The research will provide new insights into how the material is formed and how its properties can be tailored for specific applications in a range of sectors such as construction, automotive, aeronautics, farming, space and fire protection.
Nature Based (England) and the University of Strathclyde’s Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering Department to assess the potential of floating kelp forests to reduce waves to protect offshore floating infrastructure such as wind turbines.
Satore Technology (England, Portugal and the US) and the CoSTAR Realtime Lab at Abertay University and the University of Edinburgh, will work together to develop new film production technologies, processes and production practices for the innovative use of virtual and physical model sets and props systems designed specifically for use in virtual production environments.
Minister for Business, Richard Lochhead, said: “Inward investment plays an important role in ensuring Scotland’s economy grows and prospers and the Scottish Government is committed to helping ensure the country remains the UK’s top location for inward investment outside of London and a destination of choice for global investment.
“The talent, innovation and expertise offered by our world class universities and academia play a key part in attracting investors to Scotland and the Inward Investment Catalyst Fund continues to establish and foster close collaborations with potential inward investors that can lead to future investment.
“The latest round of the Inward Investment Catalyst Fund has once again attracted a diverse range of projects and I strongly encourage innovative businesses that are considering Scotland as an investment location to consider applying to a new round of funding now open.”
Howell Davies, Head of Strategic Programmes, Interface, said: “It is encouraging to see the range of universities, both from their Scotland-wide locations and the diverse expertise they are offering, and the ambitious companies focused on key priority areas for Scotland around societal, sustainable and technology challenges.”
The next round of the Inward Investment Catalyst Fund is now open, inviting companies considering Scotland as place to develop a presence to collaborate with Scottish universities, colleges, research institutes and innovation centres.
Details of the fund can be found here. The deadline for application is 7 November 2025.