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.
Accelerators
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Funding innovation partnerships
Find the right funding to support your next innovation. Discover how to collaborate with Heriot-Watt through Interface, Innovate UK and other schemes.
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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.
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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.
Read moreWe're first in Scotland for employability and for producing the most graduates in CEO and Managing Director roles.Novuna Business Cash Flow, 2025
Our stories
Discover the benefits of collaborating with Heriot-Watt.
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.
Diageo and Heriot-Watt: from tradition to transformation
Discover how Heriot-Watt and Diageo are revolutionising whisky maturation through an exciting Knowledge Transfer Partnership.
Proofing the Future
Shaping a more sustainable future for brewing and distilling
Celebrating International Year of Quantum Science and Technology
Advancing quantum and photonics research for a transformative future
Postgraduate study opportunities
Shaping the future through education
Postgraduate research opportunities
Driving discovery and advancing knowledge
Listen to the 'On the GRID' podcast
From the bottom of the seabed to the far-reaches of space, each episode brings you closer to the ideas shaping tomorrow.
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.
