Scottish robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) entrepreneurs are getting a significant boost thanks to an expansion of the University’s Venture Builder Incubator (VBI) programme. 

The expansion of the programme is bolstered by the Barclays Eagle Labs ‘Ecosystem Partnership Programme,’ supported by the UK Government.

“Start-ups in Edinburgh are at the forefront of innovation in robotics and AI, poised to redefine global technology standards,” said minister for tech and the digital economy, Paul Scully.

“The Digital Growth Grant will help the University of Edinburgh’s Venture Builder Incubator empower researchers to transform cutting-edge science into viable commercial ventures, boosting the UK’s reputation as an incubator for advanced technology.”

The UK’s robotics industry is projected to grow by over 7% by 2028, mirroring the global robotics market, which is estimated to exceed the value of £287 billion by 2032 compared to the £71.6bn valuation at the moment. 

The programme has now announced 26 startups and early-stage businesses across the life sciences, biotech, and renewable energy sectors which will have access to a shared fund of £100,000, mentorship, workshops, events, and state-of-the-art facilities at the Bayes Centre in central Edinburgh.

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“Venture Builder Incubator specialises in bridging the gap between academia and entrepreneurship, turning ideas with societal and industrial impact into reality,” said Duncan Martin, head of entrepreneurship at the Bayes Centre. 

“The expansion of our 2023 programme will support the development of robotics and autonomous systems companies across Scotland, crucial to growth in sectors like renewable energy, agriculture, and healthcare, as well as the national economy.

“This will build upon Venture Builder Incubator’s existing programme which has supported more than sixty founders and firms across ClimateTech, AI, AgriTech, FinTech & Health since launching in 2021.”

The VBI programme is administered by the University of Edinburgh’s Bayes Centre, a hub for data science and artificial intelligence, and is supported by Edinburgh Innovations, the university’s commercialisation service.