Heriot-Watt celebrates successful conclusion of inaugural DeepTech LaunchPad initiative
Heriot-Watt University has marked a significant milestone in fostering innovation with the successful completion of its first DeepTech LaunchPad programme. The six-month accelerator initiative, which concluded in July [2024], supported entrepreneurs working in robotics, AI, and advanced engineering to commercialise their innovative ideas.
The programme, launched in February, aimed to strengthen Scotland's innovation ecosystem by providing deep tech entrepreneurs with essential resources, connections, and expertise to bring transformative technologies to market faster.
Supported by Barclays Eagle Labs through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology Digital Growth Grant, the initiative offered participants access to tailored business support services, world-class facilities, and equipment within Heriot-Watt and the National Robotarium.
A wrap-up event, held at the National Robotarium, celebrated the programme's success, with participants showcasing their innovative projects and connecting with industry pioneers. The event featured an inspiring session by Daniel Hook, CEO of RAD Propulsion, who shared insights into his tech industry journey and discussed future prospects in Maritime robotics and AI.
Jamie Allan, Heriot-Watt University's DeepTech Launchpad programme leader, said:
"The successful conclusion of our DeepTech LaunchPad programme marks an incredibly exciting step in strengthening Scotland's innovation ecosystem. By providing deep tech entrepreneurs with the resources and connections they need, we've helped bring transformative technologies closer to market. This not only benefits the entrepreneurs but also has the potential to significantly impact people's lives across various sectors, from medical devices to sustainability.
"As a global university, Heriot-Watt is uniquely positioned to help entrepreneurs translate their ideas into commercially viable solutions. Through the DeepTech LaunchPad, we've leveraged our world-leading facilities like the National Robotarium and our vast network of industry connections, in addition to the business and commercialisation expertise of the University's Enterprise Team, to accelerate cutting-edge research toward commercial success on the global stage."
Of the many success stories from the programme, David Yeudall, founder of Infinity DPM, made significant progress in developing more comfortable, functional, and affordable upper limb prosthetics.
Yeudall's work addresses a crucial need in the prosthetics industry, which is expected to grow to $9.8 billion by 2032. He said:
“The DeepTech LaunchPad programme has been instrumental in advancing our work. Access to the National Robotarium's facilities at Heriot-Watt, particularly its 3D printing capabilities, allowed us to rapidly prototype and refine our designs. The programme also provided invaluable engineering validation and helped us articulate and pursue our core mission as a business: restoring functionality to amputees in a way that's more accessible and comfortable.”
Other innovative companies in the cohort included Borobo Ltd, which is advancing a new robotics platform for enhanced power management and electronic board design; GI Healthcare Industries, revolutionising food services with semi-autonomous cooking robots; and Wynter Robotics, building mobile robotic solutions for the construction industry.
The success of the pilot programme demonstrates Heriot-Watt's commitment to empowering the translation of deep science into real-world impact and serves as a crucial piece in Scotland's entrepreneurial ecosystem, enabling the creation of high-growth businesses with world-changing potential that can compete on an international scale.
Are you nurturing an early-stage business idea, or do you have an established enterprise ready for expansion and scaling? The GRID team is here to assist. Reach out for tailored support at GRID@hw.ac.uk.