Strathclyde to Lead National Spinout Pipeline Project

The University of Strathclyde has been chosen to lead a new Scotland-wide initiative to boost the creation of university spinout companies, backed by £800,000 in Scottish Government funding.

The Spinout Pipeline Project will share commercialisation expertise across Scotland’s higher education sector and culminate in a national innovation summit in February 2026. The event will feature pitches from emerging entrepreneurs and aims to inspire wider research commercialisation.

Credit: University of Strathclyde

The project is part of a broader government strategy to turn academic innovation into economic impact. Additional funding includes £2.9 million for a Proof of Concept Fund to develop and test research-based prototypes, and £700,000 for the Entrepreneurial Campus Blueprint, which will help college students build business skills and connect with investors.

Dr Catherine Breslin, Head of Industry Engagement and Commercialisation at Strathclyde Inspire, will lead the pipeline development.

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Strathclyde, said:

“As a leading entrepreneurial university, Strathclyde is proud to lead this national effort to turn breakthrough ideas into high-growth ventures and jobs.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes added:

“Scotland’s universities and colleges are world-renowned for innovation. This investment will help unlock their economic potential.”

Successful spinouts such as Microplate Dx (tackling antimicrobial resistance) and DXcover (early cancer diagnostics) showcase the potential impact of this initiative.

Read more about Strathclyde’s spinout pipeline here!