Glasgow’s Innovation Journey: From Shipyards to Satellites
Glasgow has always been a city of invention. From pioneering steam-powered industry to becoming a global hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Precision Engineering, its legacy of innovation continues to shape the future. As part of the Glasgow 850 celebrations, we’re shining a spotlight on the city’s remarkable journey—one that blends its industrial heritage with cutting-edge technology.
A Year-Long Celebration of Innovation
In January 2025, we launched the ‘Glasgow’s Innovation Journey’ campaign, a year-long initiative highlighting how Glasgow’s past industries laid the foundation for today’s high-tech advancements. Our first focus? The thriving Advanced Manufacturing and Precision Engineering sector—an industry that continues to push boundaries, just as Glasgow did when it built 20% of the world’s ships.
Be part of the conversation at our Art of Possible session on 25th March at Glasgow Science Centre.
A Legacy of Engineering Excellence
From James Watt’s steam engine to world-leading shipbuilding and textiles, Glasgow has long been an industrial powerhouse. Today, this tradition lives on through next-generation materials, digital manufacturing, and aerospace technology.
At the heart of this transformation is the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS), home to pioneering institutions like the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) and the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre. These centres are driving advancements in robotics, automation, and high-precision engineering, attracting major players such as Rolls-Royce, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and BAE Systems to collaborate on groundbreaking manufacturing solutions.
The Future of Manufacturing is Here
Glasgow is not just about traditional manufacturing—it’s redefining the industry with cutting-edge materials, sensors, and space technology.
Companies like AAC Clyde Space and Spire Global have positioned Glasgow as Europe’s leader in small satellite manufacturing, pushing the limits of space exploration with cost-effective, high-precision satellite production. Meanwhile, Novosound is making waves globally with its revolutionary flexible ultrasound sensors, securing major contracts across aerospace, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors.
Glasgow’s reputation as a scientific hub is further reinforced by the University of the West of Scotland’s Institute of Thin Films, Sensors, and Imaging (ITFSI), which leads pioneering research in quantum computing and gravitational wave detection.
And let’s not forget Chemify, a University of Glasgow spin-out revolutionising chemical manufacturing with automated synthesis. By creating a “chemical giga factory,” Chemify is transforming pharmaceuticals, materials science, and green energy production—a modern echo of Glasgow’s historic leadership in chemical innovation dating back to Charles Tennant’s St Rollox Chemical Works in the 18th century.
Join the Conversation at Art of Possible
To celebrate these achievements, we’re hosting a special Art of Possible event on 25th March 2025 at Glasgow Science Centre. This session will bring together leading experts to discuss how advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and satellite technology are reshaping industries and driving economic growth.
Event Details
📍 Location: Glasgow Science Centre
📅 Date: 25th March 2025
⏰ Time: 2 – 5 PM
🎤 Speakers:
Dr Stephen Breslin – Chief Executive, Glasgow Science Centre
Stephen is currently Chief Executive Officer of Glasgow Science Centre and is committed to building confidence and raising aspiration in young people and helping them to discover the pleasure and relevance of science, engineering and technology. Stephen trained and worked as an engineer and has held two previous roles as Chief Executive Officer with Futurelab Education and The Kelvin Institute Ltd. Stephen also sits on the board of trustees for the Scottish Seabird Centre, the Campaign for Science and Engineering and is Chair of the Association of Science and Discovery Centres. He holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of West of Scotland in 2019 for services to science, technology, and education.
Dr Lynne O’Hare – Chief Portfolio Officer, High Value Manufacturing Catapult (Chair)
Dr Lynne O’Hare joined the High Value Manufacturing Catapult in November 2023 as Chief Portfolio Officer, where she oversees the comprehensive portfolio of programmes at HVM Catapult and has responsibility for fostering and growing collaboration across the network. In a career spanning more than two decades, Lynne has established herself as an innovative and systematic thinker, passionate about the future of advanced manufacturing, and about bringing people and partnerships together to drive innovation and impact. Before joining HVM Catapult, Lynne spent seven years in senior leadership roles in the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) and National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland (NMIS), where she played a pivotal role in the foundation, development and growth of both centres from 2009. Lynne is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and before moving to commercial and strategic roles worked in a range of technical disciplines including computational fluid dynamics, prosthetics and hot metal forming.
Dr Dave Hughes – Founder & CEO, Novosound
Dr Dave Hughes is the Founder and CEO of Novosound, a Scottish technology company known for its flexible ultrasound sensors used across a range of sectors including wearable, medical and industrial. A physicist with two decades of research experience, he invented Novosound’s core technology while at the University of the West of Scotland. Since 2018, he has led Novosound’s growth, securing contracts across the globe with major players in oil, gas, and renewable energy, as well as top-tier medical clients, and aerospace (including GE Aviation and BAE Systems). Novosound’s innovative products the Ceilidh, Kelpie, Belenus, and Slanj have a range of applications across sectors, including improving the inspection of difficult areas to monitor, reducing downtime and enhancing safety. Recently, Novosound unveiled the world’s first ultrasonic continuous blood pressure monitor, a groundbreaking development in wearable health technology. Dr Hughes was named IoD Scotland Director of the Year in 2020.
Pamela Smith – Vice President of Future Programmes, AAC Clyde Space
Pamela Smith is Vice President of Future Programmes at AAC Clyde Space, a Glasgow-based leader in small satellite technology. A Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers with a PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Strathclyde, she plays a key role in advancing Scotland’s space sector. Pamela is actively involved in the xSPANCION project, industrialising satellite production for cost-effective constellations, and has supported industry growth through roles with the Scottish Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications and ESA Business Applications. A strong advocate for STEM education and diversity, she is helping position Scotland as a global leader in satellite innovation
Coreen McCubbin – Chief Technology Officer, NMIS
Coreen McCubbin is Chief Technology Officer at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), leading strategic innovation and industry partnerships to drive manufacturing transformation. With over 25 years of experience, 21years of which were with industry leaders Spirit Aerosystems and BAE Systems followed by 4years in technology consultancy Coreen spent 13 years at the cutting edge in aerospace R&D, she specialises in lightweight materials, digital manufacturing, and sustainable innovation. An engineering graduate, Coreen is dedicated to advancing cutting-edge technologies that enhance productivity and support Scotland’s transition to net zero by 2045.
Why Glasgow? Why Now?
Glasgow’s Advanced Manufacturing and Precision Engineering sector is a key driver of Scotland’s economy, contributing £3.8 billion in GVA and supporting over 55,000 jobs. With £87 million in private investment since 2020, Glasgow is cementing its role as a leader in net-zero innovation, sustainable materials, and high-tech engineering.
From steam engines and shipyards to satellite constellations, Glasgow’s industrial legacy continues to thrive. As we celebrate 850 years of innovation, we invite you to be part of the next chapter.