GCID opens Glasgow’s first venture studio to drive innovation

Glasgow City Innovation District (GCID) has launched the city's first venture studio, targeting innovation-driven enterprises.  

Supported by Glasgow City Council and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the GCID Venture Studio aims to help local founders develop ideas into high-growth companies, emphasising social innovation.  

Piloting through to 2025, it will assemble founders, designers, developers, and experts to create, validate, and scale new business ideas. 

The programme focuses on four pillars: Challenge, Make, Innovate, and Impact. Its first initiative, "Challenge – Space Data for Industry," offers up to £30,000 in grants for businesses utilising space data to enhance customer collaborations.  

Supported by Scottish Enterprise, the University of Strathclyde’s Space group, and the West of Scotland Space Cluster, successful applicants will develop space data services or products. 

GCID Director Alisdair Gunn said, “The funding for the Venture Studio will support the development of innovation-driven businesses, creating a leading international innovation hub in Glasgow”. 

GCID, Scotland’s first innovation district and an IASP full member, is a collaboration between the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow City Council, Scottish Enterprise, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurial Scotland.