News
New test uses oyster poo to track devastating parasite
A Heriot-Watt scientist has worked with colleagues at the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute to develop a groundbreaking method to detect a deadly oyster parasite without harming the shellfish.
The European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) has seen its numbers plummet over the past two centuries due to overfishing, habitat loss and disease. They are now rare and protected in the wild.
University of Edinburgh launches UK-first innovation initiative
The University of Edinburgh has launched a new career development route for academics wishing to focus on commercialisation and engagement with industry.
Source: Business Insider
Let’s build a new deeptech support system for Scotland
Former Intelligent Growth Solutions chief executive and now TechTour Growth DeepTech president, David Farquhar, is bringing some big investors to the capital this month.
Source: Business Insider
The Scottish tech ecosystem is showing significant momentum
Over the past decade or so, Scotland has developed a burgeoning technology ecosystem, with a growing number of companies adding significant value to the economy and supporting innovation in key areas such as net zero and life sciences.
Source: Business Insider
Edinburgh aerospace firm backed for expansion
An aerospace technology firm has secured a £500,000 investment to accelerate its development of space launch guidance systems.
Backed by Kelvin Capital, Gabriel and Scottish Enterprise, Edinburgh-based Aurora Avionics is now looking to hire new engineers, grow its operations at the Royal Observatory and further advance its technology.
Source: Business Insider
Edinburgh Science Festival's 2025 programme announced
This year’s Festival will explore the challenges of living on a planet with finite resources, through the lenses of science fiction and space exploration, with the theme Spaceship Earth.
Source: The Herald
Heriot-Watt launches spin-out detecting bugs in water supplies
Technology to improve the safety of public water supplies by improving the detection of waterborne pathogens has been developed by scientists at Heriot-Watt University.
Now they are setting up a spin-out company, Aquazoa, to take their system to market, and expect to commercialise the product in early 2026.
Source: Business Insider
More lab space is needed to support Scotland's life sciences boom
Scotland, particularly the central belt, is a powerhouse of life sciences talent. This region boasts a rich synergy between companies, universities, colleges and networks, fostering a collaborative environment that drives innovation. However, a significant challenge threatens to stifle this burgeoning sector, the acute shortage of suitable lab space.
Source: The Scotsman
Edinburgh Space Testing Facility relaunches after major investment
Following nine months of renovations and over £400,000 investment via the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), the Higgs Centre for Innovation’s space testing facility at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh is reopening for business.
Introducing the time machine for plants
Biodiversity loss, food security, and changing climates are among pressing challenges both at home here in Scotland, and globally. If we hope to solve them, we need tools and resources built to meet these challenges.
Source: The Herald