Edinburgh Napier University is among the the key partners who will be part of a new Borderlands Deep Tech Accelerator Hub announced by South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE).

The Hub – to be based in Borders College’s Hawick campus - will empower businesses in the South of Scotland to harness the potential of robotics, space, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deep tech – driving innovation in key sectors and supporting the emergence of new industries.

Inclusive access for SMEs and entrepreneurs 

This will make new technology available in the South of Scotland to Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs, with the provision of this inclusive access a key ambition for SOSE and partners.

The focus of the Hub will be to support innovation, growth, scale-up, and new business in key industries including textiles, agriculture, manufacturing and in Natural Capital. 

The Hub will also offer entrepreneurial support, pre and start up support, and provide a Research & Development space featuring a living lab.

It will also have expert technical support for companies who want to test how robotics and deep tech could benefit their businesses.

Collaboration with leading partners

All the key partners will bring real expertise in critical areas of technology.

As well as Edinburgh Napier, the include The National Robotarium, the UK’s centre for Robotics and AI based at Heriot-Watt University, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Glasgow School of Art and BE-ST - Scotland's national innovation centre for construction and the built environment, which is hosted by ENU.

The Hub will also work with the Rice Space Institute Houston, a research and collaboration hub at Rice University, Texas, dedicated to space science and exploration.

Scotland's National Innovation Week

The new name and partners for the Deep Tech Accelerator Hub – which is expected to open in 2026 - have been announced on the first day of Scotland’s National Innovation Week.

The Week is celebrating Scotland’s legacy of innovation, while showcasing the country’s global leadership in pioneering the transformative technologies and industries of the future.

Professor Gary Hutchison, Assistant Principal – External Engagement at Edinburgh Napier University , said:

“We are proud to be part of the new Deep Tech Accelerator Hub, which demonstrates Edinburgh Napier University’s key priority of bringing innovation to local communities and industries.

“This adds to our strategic commitment to the Scottish Borders and south-east Scotland, building on the work we are already delivering through our enterprise unit Bright Red Triangle and co-leadership of the Mountain Bike Innovation Centre.

“We are looking forward to working with partners to support business and entrepreneurial growth across the region.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:

“This signifies a moment of real progress for the new Borderlands Deep Tech Accelerator Hub.

“Having key partners such as the National Robotarium, Glasgow School of Art and Edinburgh Napier University on board is hugely significant and sends a clear signal the region is supercharged and ready for success.

“Deep tech 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. 

“Our recent launch of the Deep Tech Supercluster programme shows our commitment to harnessing this significant economic opportunity for Scotland.”

Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive of SOSE, said:

“We want the South of Scotland to have access to innovation, and the new Borderlands Deep Tech Accelerator Hub is key step to delivering on that.

 “The Hub is a game changer for a rural region, and we know that there is untapped innovation and growth potential in rural areas.

“Announcing the key partners as part of Scotland’s National Innovation week helps us to get the message out that rural businesses are innovative and going for growth.”

Sam Hart, Associate Director of Housing & Manufacturing at BE-ST, added:

“With our focus on increased use of offsite manufacturing in construction, BE-ST is excited to support the Deep Tech Accelerator Hub.

“There is huge potential for robotics, AI and deep tech to unlock productivity, efficiency, and cost benefits for businesses, improve health and safety, working conditions, and job opportunities for the workforce, and increase the quality, energy efficiency, and affordability of housing for citizens.

Creating a hub is a great first step for SMEs and entrepreneurs in the south of Scotland to take advantage of what this technology could offer.”