Glasgow lands £20m innovation boost to fuel tech and science growth
Glasgow City Region will receive £20 million from the UK government to boost innovation in science and technology, as part of the £500 million Local Innovation Partnerships Fund. Alongside Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, Glasgow is among the first regions selected to support high-growth sectors such as robotics, drug discovery, clean fuels, advanced manufacturing and digital technologies.
Each region will access at least £50 million overall, giving local leaders the means to back projects that reflect their economic strengths. In Glasgow, the funding is set to build on successes such as Chemify, a digital chemistry firm contributing to the city’s expanding tech ecosystem.
The fund supports a wider push to tap regional expertise through collaboration between businesses, universities and civic institutions. This model underpins the Innovation Accelerator programme, which has already invested £100 million across the three regions. A further £30 million has been added to expand work in digital chemistry, extended reality, critical technologies and financial regulation.
Glasgow’s strategy includes a strong focus on aerospace and advanced manufacturing, bolstered by a local Investment Zone funded with £160 million from the UK and Scottish Governments. The zone is expected to draw £300 million in private investment and create up to 10,000 jobs by building on the region’s skills and infrastructure.
The government says the funding is part of a long-term plan to tackle regional disparities in innovation investment. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the initiative would help build “an economy that works for all” by supporting talent and business growth across the UK. Her remarks come ahead of the Regional Investment Summit, which will highlight opportunities beyond traditional centres of economic activity.
With further funding rounds expected for other emerging clusters, the move will deepen the UK’s regional tech ecosystem and advance sectors crucial to future growth, including clean energy and life sciences. Glasgow’s £20 million award reinforces its position as a key player in the UK’s innovation landscape—supported by long-term investment and a clear strategic vision.
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