The 11^th Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards (SKEA), Scotland’s flagship celebration of business–academic collaboration, launches today (8th October) inviting applications from businesses and academics throughout Scotland.

The annual awards, organised by Interface, celebrate the partnerships between business, third and public sector organisations, and colleges and universities.

This year introduces two new categories: Trailblazing AI Collaborations and Research and Innovation in Digital Health and Social Care, developed in partnership with The Data Lab and The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI).

Winning a Scottish Knowledge Exchange Award is more than recognition, it shines a spotlight on collaboration, demonstrates real impact, and raises the profile of those driving innovation across business, academia, and their partners.

Amelia Whitelaw, Director of Interface, said “The awards are central to Interface’s story, celebrating the people, projects and partnerships that drive innovation.  Each year they evolve, and we’re excited to spotlight Scotland’s leadership in AI and Digital Health and Social Care with our new partners.”

Adam Turner, Head of Innovation, at The Data Lab, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Interface to launch the Trailblazing AI Collaboration Award. This award celebrates the partnerships driving innovation at the forefront of Scotland’s data and AI ecosystem. At The Data Lab, we’re proud to support and spotlight the collaborative spirit that powers progress in a critically important sector.”

Moira Mackenzie, Deputy CEO and Director of Innovation at DHI said: “We were so impressed by last year’s awards and the high calibre of finalists, that DHI was inspired to collaborate and co-design an award category relevant to our sector this year!”

Recommended reading

• Scottish Knowledge Exchange Award Winners Announced
• Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards 2025 Finalists Revealed
• Announced: Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards 2023 Winners

The 11 award categories now open for application are:

• Innovation of the Year – sponsored by Marks & Clerk
• Innovator of the Future – sponsored by Business Gateway
• Inward Investment Impact
• Knowledge Exchange Champion
• Knowledge Exchange Heroes (team and individual awards)
• Making a Social Difference
• Making an Environmental Difference
• Multiparty Collaboration
• Place-based Impact – sponsored by Highlands & Islands Enterprise
• Research and Innovation in Digital Health and Social Care Award – in partnership with
• Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI)
• Trailblazing AI Collaboration – in partnership with The Data Lab

The awards are free to enter and the deadline for applications is 5pm, Thursday, 11 December 2025. The Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards ceremony will take place at the MacRobert Arts Centre, University of Stirling, on Thursday 19th March 2026.