Driving Investment in Glasgow’s Lab Ecosystem

Now in its third year, Glasgow Tech Week is a programme of talks, seminars and workshops organised by the Glasgow City Innovation District. The event brings together founders, investors, creatives, academics, and industry leaders to showcase and accelerate the city’s rapidly expanding technology, digital, and creative ecosystems. Its aim is to help unlock the city’s potential to be a leading science and innovation hub on the global stage.

For 2026 MLA drew on their experience in the life science and technology sector to organise an insightful discussion ‘Driving Interest and Investment in Glasgow’s Lab Ecosystem’. The purpose of the discussion – to understand Glasgow’s potential and find out what is needed to realise it.

The event took place at Material Source and the panel was hosted by David Smalley.

Gillian Giles, Partner, Ryden
A real estate specialist with over 20 years’ experience in the office and life science sectors, representing landlords and occupiers in Glasgow City Centre and out of town.

Professor Niall MacKenzie, Head of Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, Strategy and Innovation, University of Strathclyde
A leading researcher in entrepreneurship, innovation and early-stage investment, Professor MacKenzie brings extensive insight into the policies, partnerships and investment networks that support the growth of regional innovation clusters

Gavin Smyth, Tech Eco System Manager, Invest Glasgow
Gavin works with public, private and academic partners to attract business and investment to the city, support startups and scale-ups to grow and position Glasgow as a leading destination for technology, innovation and talent.

Elena Usabiaga, Associate Architect, MLA
A highly experienced architect working in the life sciences sector. Elena brings a unique perspective to complex life sciences projects, ensuring that each design meets the highest standards of technical performance, safety, and aesthetics.

These were the key points from the discussion and audience Q&A session.

There was broad agreement across the panel that Glasgow already possesses many of the fundamentals needed to become a leading innovation and life sciences hub: –

• World-class universities generating talent and research.
• Strong graduate retention rates – Glasgow has a graduate retention rate of approximately 52%, meaning many students choose to stay after graduation.
• Growing investment into technology and life sciences.
• Emerging strengths in deep tech sectors including AI, photonics, semiconductors and quantum technologies.
• A collaborative culture between academia, government and industry.

The challenge is not attracting talent or generating ideas. The challenge is creating the infrastructure, funding pathways and spaces that allow companies to grow and remain in Glasgow.

Glasgow is highly effective at generating start-ups and spin-outs from university research but faces challenges helping companies scale beyond their early stages.

Panelists highlighted: –

• Strong support exists for early-stage companies.
• Seed funding is generally available.
• The real challenge emerges at Series B and larger growth stages.
• Companies often look to London, the US or international investors for larger rounds of investment.

Glasgow’s innovation ecosystem needs stronger support mechanisms between start-up and scale-up phases.

A significant portion of the discussion focused on property, lab space and innovation infrastructure.

Discussion points included: –

• Creating adaptable and modular lab environments.
• Supporting businesses as they grow.
• Providing different spaces for start-ups, scale-ups and mature businesses.
• Balancing private lab requirements with opportunities for collaboration.
• Repurposing existing buildings for life science use where feasible

The future lies in flexible, scalable innovation environments rather than one-size-fits-all laboratory developments.

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the need for greater collaboration.

Panel members repeatedly returned to questions around:-

• Who leads the ecosystem?
• Who brings stakeholders together?
• How can universities, developers, investors and government align more effectively?

Universities have important convening power, but the panel stressed that success would require genuine partnership across sectors.

Several speakers felt Glasgow remains too modest about its achievements.

Discussion centred around:-

• Better promotion of the city’s innovation activity. Glasgow’s technology ecosystem is currently valued at approximately £5.6 billion.
• Raising awareness among residents.
• Communicating success stories internationally.
• Connecting innovation with Glasgow’s tourism and city branding efforts.

Glasgow is often stronger than it thinks it is and could do more to showcase its innovation strengths.

The conversation repeatedly moved beyond labs and investment towards broader city-centre vibrancy.

Speakers discussed:-

• Public realm improvements.
• More people living in the city centre.
• Creative industries.
• Restaurants, cafes and cultural activity.
• Reusing vacant buildings.
• Creating attractive places for talent to live and work.

The consensus was that innovation ecosystems thrive where people genuinely want to be. Innovation is not simply about buildings and funding; it’s also about placemaking. Creating vibrant places where people can work, collaborate and enjoy living.

The panel were optimistic. There was strong agreement that Glasgow has the research base, talent, growing investment community and ambition to become a leading innovation and life sciences hub. However, success will depend on improving collaboration, scaling support, flexible innovation space and city-centre vibrancy.  In addition, we need to do a better job of telling Glasgow’s story to investors, businesses and residents alike.

For MLA, the event reinforced the importance of bringing together investors, developers, universities, occupiers and policymakers to address the challenges facing Glasgow’s innovation ecosystem. There is clear momentum behind the city, but unlocking its full potential will require continued collaboration and investment. This discussion is part of an ongoing programme of conversations and engagement.  We look forward to continuing to explore how Glasgow can strengthen its position as a destination for innovation, research and growth.

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