Innovation

From fresh ideas to impact

Innovation is the lifeblood of Heriot-Watt University. Through our strategic partnerships with industry, provision of business incubation, support for start-ups and commercial spinouts – we excel in translating academic excellence into real-world solutions.

Through our enterprising research culture, we champion the importance of entrepreneurial mindset and skills development across our global campuses. From our student community to our academics and alumni, we provide a flexible range of opportunities for everyone at Heriot-Watt to develop innovative and entrepreneurial solutions and drive meaningful progress that benefits society.

Accelerator and launchpad programmes

Driving business growth

Our accelerator and launchpad programmes provide early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and industry connections needed to drive growth. These programmes are designed to fast-track innovation and help ventures to scale-up.

Global Innovation Challenge

Nurturing entrepreneurial talent to shape the future

Our flagship programme empowering students and researchers to build entrepreneurial skills, collaborate globally, and transform innovative ideas into real-world solutions.

Incubation and co-location

Innovate and grow within a supportive environment

We offer dynamic spaces for business incubation and co-location through our Heriot-Watt Research Park and a variety of incubators. We offer startups or growing companies tailored support and the ideal environment for innovation and development.

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP)

Accelerate your innovation

Partner with Heriot-Watt experts and talented graduates to embed cutting-edge knowledge, drive innovation, and deliver measurable growth.

Collaborative research and development

Partner with us to create impactful innovation

Combine your industry insights with our world-leading research to develop tailored solutions that address real-world challenges.

Venture creation: spinouts, spin-ins, and startups

Turning novel ideas into successful ventures

We are dedicated to supporting venture creation through spinouts, spin-ins, and startups. Our ecosystem provides the necessary resources and expertise to transform innovative ideas into successful businesses. Through mentorship, funding, and state-of-the-art research, we help entrepreneurs drive their ventures to market success.

Consultancy services for business and industry

Tailored expertise to solve real-world challenges

Tap into Heriot-Watt University's world-class knowledge to address your business challenges with practical, expert advice and innovative solutions.

Facilities and equipment

Resources for industrial and academic research, testing and analysis.

Get the best results for your analysis needs in the fields of materials, manufacturing, life sciences, and more. Our specialist laboratories house sophisticated, expertly-maintained equipment, combined with talented and highly experienced staff.

Our stories

Discover the benefits of collaborating with Heriot-Watt.

Dr Lisa Saalbach electronically probing the next generation of single-photon detectors

Integrated Quantum Networking (IQN) Hub: pioneering a ‘near-unhackable’ internet

Heriot-Watt leads the Integrated Quantum Networking (IQN) Hub, part of a national initiative supported by £19.5m from UKRI and over £20m from 40+ industry partners.

Glenmorangie and Heriot-Watt: Sustaining Scotland’s natural heritage through oyster restoration

As part of Glenmorangie’s sustainability strategy, the Dornoch Environmental Enhancement Project emerged through a collaboration with Heriot-Watt.

Celestia: a spin-in success story driving inward investment in the UK space sector

Heriot-Watt University’s unparalleled expertise in antenna technology, signal processing, and space applications attracted Celestia to establish a spin-in partnership on campus.

Revolutionising global construction through AI-driven safety innovation

Proscan, an AI-powered construction safety tool developed by Heriot-Watt entrepreneur Amr Ghyada, is transforming quality management across global construction sites.

Working with Heriot-Watt University has given us access to expertise and facilities that we couldn’t have found anywhere else in the UK, enabling faster and more cost-effective development. Malachy Devlin, chief executive at Celestia UK

Collaborate with us

Our partnerships bridge the gap between academia and industry, providing a dynamic environment where research excellence meets practical application. This synergy not only enhances business capabilities but also paves the way for sustainable and impactful growth.
Professor Gillian Murray, Deputy Principal for Business and Enterprise

An enterprising partner

We combine cutting-edge research with practical solutions to help businesses innovate and grow. Our global presence, world-class expertise, and strong industry connections make us an ideal partner. We offer flexible, tailored partnerships—whether through talent development, collaborative R&D, or business incubation—that drive real-world impact and sustainable growth for organisations of all sizes. Together, we shape the future.