Borders Campus Hawick

Aye robot - Borderlands Deep Tech Accelerator Hub announces partners

We have announced the key partners who will be part of the Borderlands Deep Tech Accelerator Hub.

The new Hub – to be based in Borders College’s Hawick campus - will empower businesses in the South of Scotland to harness the potential of robotics, space, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deep tech – driving innovation in key sectors and supporting the emergence of new industries.

This will make new technology available in the South of Scotland to Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs, with the provision of this inclusive access a key ambition for SOSE and partners.

The focus of the Hub will be to support innovation, growth, scale-up, and new business in key industries including textiles, agriculture, manufacturing and in Natural Capital.

The Hub will also offer entrepreneurial support, pre and start up support, and provide a Research & Development space featuring a living lab.

It will also have expert technical support for companies who want to test how robotics and deep tech could benefit their businesses.

All the key partners will bring real expertise in critical areas of technology.

Key partners

The Hub will also work with the Rice Space Institute Houston, a research and collaboration hub at Rice University, Texas, dedicated to space science and exploration.

Innovation Week

The new name and partners for the Deep Tech Accelerator Hub – which is expected to open in 2026 - have been announced on the first day of Scotland’s National Innovation Week.

The Week is celebrating Scotland’s legacy of innovation, while showcasing the country’s global leadership in pioneering the transformative technologies and industries of the future.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:

“This signifies a moment of real progress for the new Borderlands Deep Tech Accelerator Hub.

“Having key partners such as the National Robotarium, Glasgow School of Art and Edinburgh Napier University on board is hugely significant and sends a clear signal the region is supercharged and ready for success.

“Deep tech is a fundamental building block of many of the technologies we use in our everyday life – as well as many others that underpin the success of future industries.  

“Our recent launch of the Deep Tech Supercluster programme shows our commitment to harnessing this significant economic opportunity for Scotland.”

Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive of SOSE, said:  

“We want the South of Scotland to have access to innovation, and the new Borderlands Deep Tech Accelerator Hub is key step to delivering on that.

 “The Hub is a game changer for a rural region, and we know that there is untapped innovation and growth potential in rural areas.

“Announcing the key partners as part of Scotland’s National Innovation week helps us to get the message out that rural businesses are innovative and going for growth.”

Stewart Miller, CEO of The National Robotarium, said:

“This is a very exciting time for deep-tech companies in Scotland with opportunities – like the Deep Tech Accelerator Hub and the recently announced Deep Tech Growth programme - rapidly accelerating to allow our innovative tech companies anchor and scale right here in Scotland.

“Deep tech is going to affect all our lives - and therefore strategic support and industry investment has to go beyond the central belt.

“As CEO of the UK’s National Robotarium, we are working with SOSE to enable the South of Scotland to not only benefit from transformational technologies like robotics, but to also be a driving force in their development, ensuring deep-tech advancement is equitable and fully impactful.”

Dr David Alexander, Director of the Rice Space Institute, added:

“We are looking forward to our collaboration with the Borderlands Deep Tech Accelerator Hub.  

“The Hub can build on Scotland’s strong heritage in science and engineering to have an impact locally, nationally and globally.

“The rapid growth of the commercial space industry worldwide provides a great opportunity to translate deep-tech innovation, which defines the mission of the Hub, into real world.”

Professor Gary Hutchison, Assistant Principal – External Engagement at Edinburgh Napier University, said:

“We are proud to be part of the new Deep Tech Accelerator Hub, which demonstrates Edinburgh Napier University’s key priority of bringing innovation to local communities and industries.

“This adds to our strategic commitment to the Scottish Borders and south-east Scotland, building on the work we are already delivering through our enterprise unit Bright Red Triangle and co-leadership of the Mountain Bike Innovation Centre.

“We are looking forward to working with partners to support business and entrepreneurial growth across the region.”

Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC, said:

“We are delighted to be part of the Borderlands Deep Tech Accelerator Hub.

“For our land-based industries, integrating robotics and AI with advanced data collection, analysis and decision support is critical.

“From developing digital twins of farms and land use to building the skills agenda that ensures businesses can adopt and apply these technologies, the Hub will help drive innovation, resilience and growth across the South of Scotland.”

Sam Hart, Associate Director of Housing & Manufacturing at BE-ST, added:

“With our focus on increased use of offsite manufacturing in construction, BE-ST is excited to support the Deep Tech Accelerator Hub.

“There is huge potential for robotics, AI and deep tech to unlock productivity, efficiency, and cost benefits for businesses, improve health and safety, working conditions, and job opportunities for the workforce, and increase the quality, energy efficiency, and affordability of housing for citizens.

Creating a hub is a great first step for SMEs and entrepreneurs in the south of Scotland to take advantage of what this technology could offer.”

Borders College Principal and CEO Pete Smith said:

“This innovative project announcement, at the Hawick Campus, reflects our shared commitment to driving economic growth and innovation across the South of Scotland.

“The Hub will make robotics, AI and deep-tech accessible to local businesses, and at the same time give SMEs and entrepreneurs the tools they need to innovate, compete and shape the industries of the future."

Professor Irene McAra-McWilliam, Deputy Director and Vice Principal (Research & Innovation) at The Glasgow School of Art, added: 

"The Hub is a game-changer for a rural region, and we know that there is untapped innovation and growth potential in rural areas such as the South of Scotland.

"It is therefore a very clear and synergetic connection between The Glasgow School of Art, SOSE, and all the Hub partners."