Glasgow City Council has commissioned a new digital skills pilot programme to launch in October 2025, aimed at empowering early-stage tech founders and upskilling students through no-code app development.

No-code development is a way of building software without traditional programming skills, using visual interfaces and natural language prompts powered by AI to design, connect and deploy applications.

The Glasgow No-Code programme, enabled through UK Shared Prosperity Funding, will run until March 2026, with scaling potential to support the city’s ambition to foster inclusive digital innovation, reduce barriers to entrepreneurship and build a digitally confident future workforce.

The initiative will be implemented in partnership with UK-based venture studio Greater Things Ltd., who will deliver an ‘Ideas2App’ incubator/pre-accelerator that supports idea-stage tech founders to build scalable products and business propositions using codeless tools.

The three City-based colleges (City of Glasgow College, Glasgow Kelvin College and Glasgow Clyde College) will work alongside the supplier to run the programme, including piloting a training curriculum led by external no-code professionals and supported by nominated FE tutors to co-deliver online bootcamps, tailored to a broad student cohort.

The Royal Bank Accelerator will provide wraparound start-up support including access to mentoring, workshops and its entrepreneurial community through the Glasgow Accelerator Hub.

The Accelerator is designed to lower barriers to entry for aspiring tech entrepreneurs by enabling rapid app development, as well as fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among underrepresented groups and young people.

It also aims to upskill the local workforce to meet future digital demands and support business growth.

The programme will be delivered in two parts:

1. Ideads2App Incubator/Pre-Accelerator – Open to applicants with innovative app ideas, selected founders will work with Greater Things to build and launch a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and to validate their business proposition, supported by access to networking, mentorship and workshops, space and events from the Royal Bank Accelerator community.
2. Digital Skills Bootcamps – Led by external no-code professionals and supported by educators from Glasgow’s FE colleges, these online sessions will train a diverse cohort of students from the three Colleges in no-code development.

The initiative marks a significant step in the City’s commitment to public, academic, and private sectors together to improve economic outcomes for the citizens and business of Glasgow.

The Glasgow No-Code programme will officially launch in October with applications for the incubator programme to open from then.

“This pilot is about unlocking the full potential of Glasgow’s diverse talent pool,” Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said. “By combining no-code technology with expert-led training and start-up support, we’re laying foundations to help bridge the digital skills gap and drive greater productivity, while supporting local innovation and economic growth.”

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Carla Gethin, Vice Principal – Corporate Development & Innovation, said: “The Glasgow No-Code programme marks an exciting new chapter for colleges across Glasgow. We’re equipping students, staff and local businesses with no-code skills and practical app development training, unlocking a powerful toolkit for innovation and accessibility.

“No-code platforms empower our students and businesses to creatively problem-solve without the barriers of traditional programming.

“We’re also building capacity and capability in our teams to not only foster but grow entrepreneurship amongst our student body. Together with Glasgow City Council, RBS and Greater Things, we’re building an ecosystem that’s tailored to the needs of Glasgow’s colleges, students, staff and businesses.”