Innovators from across the Glasgow City Region were among the standout winners at the 11th annual Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards, highlighting the strength of the city region’s collaboration between academia, industry and the public sector.
Held at the Macrobert Arts Centre at the University of Stirling, the awards—organised by Interface—celebrated partnerships driving innovation across sectors including energy, construction, health, transport and advanced manufacturing.
Glasgow’s innovation strength on show
A major win for Glasgow came in the Innovation of the Year category, where Inspectahire Instrument Co. Ltd, in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde, was recognised for developing a portable ultrasonic device that measures whisky levels inside sealed casks. The technology improves safety, efficiency and sustainability, showcasing how Glasgow-based research and industry collaboration is advancing traditional sectors.
The University of Strathclyde also featured in the Multiparty Collaboration category, where its NeuraSearch Laboratory, working with BAE Systems and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, won for developing the first system able to objectively monitor pilot mental workload during actual flight operations. With 95% accuracy, the breakthrough has major potential to improve aviation safety.
Strathclyde was also part of a highly commended collaboration for Conquering the Air(waves), which brought together broadcasters, production companies, connectivity providers, research institutes and specialist technology vendors to redefine wireless connectivity for live event production. The project developed a world-first private 5G network on an ultralight aircraft, used during a cycle race in France, and points to major capital and operational cost savings alongside reduced environmental impact.
Glasgow’s leadership in health innovation was further recognised through the Place-based Impact category, where the University of Glasgow-led Living Laboratory for Precision Medicine was named joint winner. The programme brings together researchers, clinicians and industry partners to accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge healthcare solutions in real-world NHS settings.
The city’s role in digital health innovation was also evident in a highly commended project led by the West of Scotland Innovations Hub, alongside The Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, The Beatson Cancer Charity and the The Glasgow School of Art. Their augmented reality tools are improving patient understanding and experience, with national rollout and global potential.
Lanarkshire also featured strongly, with James Jamieson of South Lanarkshire College recognised as Knowledge Exchange Champion. His work expanding industry-focused training programmes is helping future-proof skills, break down barriers to education and deliver economic and social impact across communities.
In energy innovation, Glasgow-Caledonian-University-linked research also played a key role. Dr Firdous Ul Nazir was named Innovator of the Future for a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with TNEI Services Ltd, developing a modelling tool to support electricity networks under renewable and electric vehicle demand—strengthening the transition to smarter, more resilient energy systems.
Meanwhile, environmental innovation was recognised through a collaboration between Ureaka Ltd and the University of Strathclyde, developing a carbon-storing biocementation process with the potential to decarbonise construction.
Across the awards, Glasgow and Lanarkshire demonstrated the power of knowledge exchange in driving real-world impact—from advanced manufacturing and aviation safety to healthcare, skills development and net zero innovation.
The success of these projects reflects the depth of the region’s innovation ecosystem, where universities, businesses and public sector partners are working together to translate research into tangible economic and societal benefits.