News
‘Step-change’ for UK’s digital horsepower
A major new compute investment could accelerate the progress of astronomers exploring the mysteries of the universe, chemists searching for cancer-killing drugs, and historians analysing archives.
The £76m investment from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is set to enhance the UK’s computing and AI capability.
Scottish equity investment tops £1bn as investors focus on fewer but larger deals
Equity investment into Scottish companies rose by almost a third to over £1 billion last year, even though the number of deals increased by less than 1%, a new report has shown.
The figures suggest investors are becoming more selective and refining their focus with fewer but larger deals and more capital deployed overall, according to Mercia Ventures.
Source: Scottish Financial News
Midlothian junction upgrade reaches final design stage
As one of the flagship infrastructure investments of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, the Bush Loan junction upgrade has now moved into its final design phase.
This development will improve vehicle safety, reduce traffic speeds, ease access to employment and research sites and enable future development across Midlothian Science Zone, whilst addressing Transport Scotland’s safety concerns.
Source: Scottish Construction Now
Scottish Enterprise launches £35m Life Sciences drive
Scottish Enterprise is backing ambitious life sciences companies to succeed in Scotland, helping to improve the availability of affordable premises for high-growth businesses in the sector as they commercialise and expand. The new £35 million Life Sciences Accommodation Programme has been announced by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, and will launch later this year.
Source: DIGIT NEWS
Bush Loan Junction Upgrade Reaches Final Design Stage as Major City Deal Project Hits Halfway Mark
As one of the flagship infrastructure investments of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, the Bush Loan junction upgrade has now moved into its final design phase. Midlothian Council has confirmed that engineers are preparing detailed designs following planning approval, with contractor appointment expected in mid‑2026 and construction scheduled to begin later this year.
Beta Bugs Ltd appoints Dr Alan Tinch as CEO to lead genetics-focused strategy
Beta Bugs Ltd has announced the appointment of Dr Alan Tinch as Chief Executive Officer, effective February 2026. Dr Tinch's appointment follows Beta Bugs' strategic decision in 2025 to focus exclusively on BSF genetics, moving away from pilot-scale manufacturing operations. This pivot reflects the company's assessment of competitive dynamics in the UK BSF market and positions Beta Bugs to capitalise on its core strength: developing superior genetic strains for the rapidly growing global insect protein industry.
Archangels leverages £41m of investment in Scottish scale-ups in 2025
Edinburgh-based angel investment syndicate, Archangels, has leveraged £41.1 million of investment in Scottish scale-ups during 2025, in some of Scotland’s best early-stage tech and life science companies.
Source: Scottish Financial News
Biotech firm raises £4.5M for North American expansion
Rhizocore Technologies, a biotechnology company which uses fungi to improve tree growth and survival rates, has secured £4.5 million in investment to scale its innovative approach to forestry and woodland restoration. This investment comes after surging demand for Rhizocore’s fungal tree health pellets.
Scottish venture capital investment soars in Q3 2025
Venture capital investors have ramped up their support for start-up and scale-up companies in Scotland, signalling their appetite to back companies engaged in a range of sectors, from technology and life sciences to energy and manufacturing.
According to the latest KPMG Private Enterprise Venture Pulse report, venture capital investment increased in the third quarter of 2025 with Scottish businesses raised £116.1 million – up more than 200% from £36.2 million in Q2.
Source: DIGIT
Senior UK government figures get behind Scotland’s Global Investment Summit
Four senior UK government minister will be attending Scotland’s Global Investment Summit in Edinburgh this week, hosted by Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE) and the Lord Mayor of London.
Source: Scottish Financial News