(Image: Supplied)
Glasgow’s Riverside Innovation District has reported £149.5 million in external investment secured by University of Glasgow spin-out companies, as it publishes its first annual report.
The Glasgow Riverside Innovation District (GRID) report covers 2025/26 and highlights progress in research, business growth and community engagement across the area on both sides of the River Clyde.
Glasgow Riverside Innovation District. (Image: Supplied)
It was launched alongside GRID’s first Industry Open Day on October 8 at the University of Glasgow’s Advanced Research Centre, attracting more than 150 people from business, academia and the city’s wider innovation community.
The event gave attendees the opportunity to explore facilities, meet university entrepreneurs and discuss potential collaborations.
The report details the university’s 30 active spin-out companies, which have secured £149.5 million in external investment and £42.1 million in grant funding, supporting more than 350 high-value jobs.
Around £5 million was invested in enterprise programmes, with 11 schemes delivered and more than 70 innovation projects supported.
Health Innovation Hub. (Image: Supplied)
Infrastructure developments included the opening of the £40 million-plus Health Innovation Hub and a new multi-million-pound Mass Spectrometry Facility, strengthening research capabilities and links with industry.
A further £7.5 million in City Deal funding was secured to support future commercial growth in the district.
GRID also reported on its community work, with the Civic Fund investing more than £125,000 in over 50 community-led projects that benefited more than 9,500 people. More than 5,500 beneficiaries were connected to organisations based in Govan.
The projects supported social enterprises, youth programmes, environmental improvements and employability initiatives.
Health Innovation Hub GRID. (Image: Supplied)
A new marketing film was also premiered at the Industry Open Day, featuring stories from across the district and highlighting the impact of its work on people and communities.
GRID is a collaboration between the University of Glasgow, Glasgow City Council and Scottish Enterprise. It brings together academia, industry, the public sector and communities to promote inclusive, innovation-led economic growth.
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Uzma Khan, vice-principal for economic development and innovation and chief operating officer at the University of Glasgow, said: "The GRID Industry Open Day was a significant milestone for the University and its partners.
"Together, we have sought to create something special – a thriving innovation district focused on creating opportunities for innovation and economic growth with a relentless focus on inclusion and place-based impact.
"The success of GRID is underpinned by meaningful partnership and collaboration – bringing businesses, researchers, entrepreneurs, and partners together to deliver tangible success.
"Our Annual Report shows that this collaboration is delivering results.
"From £149.5 million of investment secured by our active spin-outs and 359 highly skilled jobs supported, to more than 9,500 people benefitting from the GRID Civic Fund, we are demonstrating that innovation-led growth can deliver both economic opportunity and lasting social impact.
"True partnership sits at the heart of our progress.
"By working with Glasgow City Council, Scottish Enterprise, our education partners, businesses, and community, we are strengthening Glasgow’s position and reputation as an internationally recognised destination for research, entrepreneurship, and investment."