Spin-outs

The building blocks of GRID

University spin-outs and start-ups are pivotal to UK innovation districts, driving knowledge transfer, economic growth, and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship. 

Within GRID, the University of Glasgow is working with academic founders in a growing number of different spin-outs across several sectors and disciplines. Ultimately, the idea is to help these exciting ventures grow within GRID and relocate to larger premises, employing more people from different backgrounds and in different skillsets.

Successful new companies include Chemify, which spun out from the University of Glasgow in March 2022 and has built a world class team to commercialise the digitisation of chemistry. In the intervening period, the company has raised tens of millions of pounds in external investment to grow and expand its operations. 

Solasta Bio, Nami Surgical, Clyde Hydrogen and Vector Photonics are among a number of recent rollouts from the University stable, which have worked with support services on campus to develop their processes and products and to connect entrepreneurs with business partners and investors. 

The presence of university-led ventures within innovation districts not only amplifies the commercialisation of academic research but also encourages collaboration between different sectors, including private companies, government agencies, and higher education institutions.