Incubator launches Scotland's next tech generation: 'We need to pull bigger players into the Scottish market'
The Venture Builder Incubator programme aims to help Scotland's university deeptech startups commercialise research and scale globally, with support from Techscaler.
Scotland is aiming to transform its cutting-edge research into commercial successes through the new Venture Builder Incubator (VBI) programme. The initiative, supported by the Techscaler startup programme and the CodeBase platform, focuses on deeptech companies emerging from Scottish universities.
The VBI programme seeks to bridge the gap between academic research and commercialisation. It provides a five-month intensive period where researchers receive support to develop commercial skills and entrepreneurial experience. Andrew Parfery, SVP Commercial & University Lead at CodeBase, highlights the need to move beyond the academic bubble towards understanding market needs and customer demands.
Participating companies, such as robotics technology firm Ridescan AI and AI biotech startup Amytis, have benefited from the programme's mentorship and international networking opportunities. Since 2021, the VBI has supported 164 founders and businesses, which have collectively raised £58 million in grants and investments.
Parfery emphasises that the VBI programme helps founders hone their storytelling and pitching skills, crucial for attracting investors. The initiative also aims to educate founders on the investment journey. By nurturing new deeptech ventures, Scotland seeks to attract larger players in the technology sector and strengthen its national startup ecosystem.