OnFife, Fife’s Cultural Trust supported by Fife Council, has partnered with CodeBase, which runs the Scottish government’s startup support programme Techscaler, to help drive tech startup growth in the region.

The new partnership plans to build Fife’s tech ecosystem, and a network of Techscaler “pop-up” hubs will be established at Adam Smith Theatre in Kirkcaldy, Rothes Hall in Glenrothes, and Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries.

Co-working and hotdesking space will be made available at OnFife’s venues, from where CodeBase will offer a range of in-person and online community events.

Entrepreneurs supported by the partnership will have access to the Techscaler programme itself, which aims to help companies and entrepreneurs start and scale-up their businesses through educational programmes, expert mentoring, and a growing network of physical hubs.

Launched in 2022, Techscaler supported more than 500 companies in 2023, and has a network of around 2,500 members. The companies supported by Techscaler also attracted investment of around £52 million last year.

To mark the start of the partnership’s community engagement in Fife, an “Unplugged Kirkcaldy” event will take place at Adam Smith Theatre on Tuesday 23rd July between 12-2pm.

It’s the first of a series of events which will bring together entrepreneurs, techies, creatives, students, investors, and other regional stakeholders to network, share ideas, and find out more about Techscaler support across Fife and the Central Belt.

Commenting on the new partnership, OnFife chief executive Heather Stuart said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity for Fife tech businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs.

“We’re looking forward to working in partnership with CodeBase to help with its plans to create a network across the kingdom that supports tech innovation through culture, community, businesses and education.”

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Chris Boyland, VP of regional engagement at CodeBase, also said: “At its heart, Techscaler is community-focussed and -driven.

“Our regional teams and hubs, operated by colleagues with strong connections to their local areas, work closely with enterprise agencies, local partners and stakeholders to mitigate the challenges faced by founders and startups in regions around Scotland.

“We look forward to developing the partnership with OnFife, and the considerable opportunity to help grow the tech ecosystem and support entrepreneurs and founders across Fife.”

Fife-based entrepreneur Julie Grieve, former founder and CEO of hotel and hospitality app Criton, further added: “Techscaler is an excellent resource for startups, scale-ups, and those who have an idea for a business they want to validate.

“I believe that Fife businesses will find this new partnership very useful and I look forward to working with more businesses from the region.”