Glasgow is set to lead Europe’s technology revolution with the launch of a £2.5m Internet of Things (IoT) innovation hub. A partnership between the UK Government, Glasgow City Council, and the Smart Things Accelerator Centre (STAC) aims to establish Glasgow as Europe’s largest IoT innovation hub. The investment will be made in a 250-desk office space called thebeyond at SkyPark in Finnieston, with a portion of the funding coming from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The initiative aims to position Glasgow at the forefront of key technologies such as drones, robots, IoT, artificial intelligence, nanotech, medtech, and cleantech. The goal is to have up to 100 companies operating within the facility by the end of 2024. Industry executives from renowned organizations such as Dyson, Plexus, Meta, Blackberry, Motorola, and Volvo Cars are supporting the initiative.
Paul Wilson, co-founder and CEO of STAC, expressed his belief that Glasgow has the potential to become a powerhouse in emerging technologies that will shape the next decade. By building a leading tech cluster around thebeyond, Glasgow can attract international investment and gain a reputation as Europe’s largest smart things and IoT space. Leveraging the talent and innovation from local universities, Glasgow aims to establish itself as a global leader in the development and application of future technologies.
Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars and an advisory board member of STAC, highlighted the importance of technology innovation driven through STAC’s accelerator program. Such innovation can provide companies with groundbreaking technologies that will revolutionize how people live, communicate, and engage in the future.
Councillor Ricky Bell, deputy leader of Glasgow City Council, emphasized that the collaboration will help Glasgow become a leading technology-driven city. By empowering local start-ups and enabling them to compete internationally, Glasgow will enhance its position on the global tech stage and attract numerous new jobs and careers in the sector. The aim is to power the city’s services and buildings with homegrown innovation, benefiting everyone who resides, works, and studies in Glasgow.
This ambitious partnership between the UK Government, Glasgow City Council, and STAC is poised to transform Glasgow into a beacon of technological advancement in Europe. With substantial investment, valuable industry support, and a focus on key future technologies, Glasgow is well on its way to becoming a pioneering IoT innovation hub.
