Innovation Case Studies
Innovation in action
At Heriot-Watt, innovation is more than a concept, it’s a driver of real-world impact. Across disciplines and industries, our researchers and industry partners are working together to tackle global challenges, support entrepreneurial growth, and deliver practical solutions with commercial and societal value.
Explore the case studies below to see how our collaborative approach is creating opportunities, advancing technology, and helping businesses grow.
From algorithm to outbreak control: how Heriot-Watt helped New Zealand combat a cattle epidemic
Heriot-Watt’s outbreak modelling algorithms powered BORIS, a vital tool in New Zealand’s response to Mycoplasma bovis, with applications now extending to Covid-19 and beyond.
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.
Navigating financial complexity by democratising credit management
CAIRT, an innovative fintech platform created by Heriot-Watt entrepreneur Benley D’Cruz, simplifies credit management and promotes inclusive financial access across the UK.
Driving innovation in logistics: how Trakm8 and Heriot-Watt transformed delivery optimisation
Heriot-Watt University’s long-term collaboration with Trakm8 has delivered award-winning optimisation algorithms, saving over £9.6m and reducing emissions by 3,000 tonnes.
From flax to fabric: how Converge helped spark a sustainable textile venture
A shining example of Converge’s impact is Fantasy Fibre Mill, an innovative enterprise co-founded by Heriot-Watt MSc Fashion and Textile Management graduate, Rosie Bristow.
Levelling the playing field in football training with innovative engineering
LauncherLab, created by Heriot-Watt entrepreneurs, makes elite football training technology affordable and accessible for grassroots clubs worldwide.
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.
Empowering communities in The Gambia through renewable energy innovation
Heriot-Watt engineering student Ramu Camara champions renewable energy solutions to address healthcare, education, and economic growth in The Gambia.
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.
Sustaining the future of fishing: how Heriot-Watt helped Orkney’s brown crab fishery thrive
Heriot-Watt University supported Orkney Fisheries Association to develop the UK’s first Fishery Improvement Plan, boosting sustainability, traceability, and market value.
Illuminating the quantum frontier: Heriot-Watt and NASA are transforming single-photon tech
Heriot-Watt University NASA & Caltech: quantum synergy
Transforming oil recovery through autonomous technology: pioneering AICV® innovation
Heriot-Watt’s reservoir modelling expertise supported the development of AICV® technology, now used in over 200 oil wells to boost production and cut emissions.
Port of Leith Distillery and Heriot-Watt University: redefining whisky innovation
In 2016, Port of Leith Distillery initiated a strategic collaboration with Heriot-Watt’s International Centre for Brewing and Distilling through a KTP funded by Innovate UK
Enhancing independent living with robotics
Heriot-Watt’s robotics expertise helped Blackwood Homes and Care pioneer smart, ethical solutions to enhance independent living and transform supported housing.
Diageo and Heriot-Watt: from tradition to transformation
Heriot-Watt and Diageo are revolutionising whisky maturation through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership
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