Aye robot – SRUC part of new Borderlands Deep Tech Accelerator Hub
SRUC is to be a key partner at a new technology hub in the Scottish Borders.
Led by South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), the Borderlands Deep Tech Accelerator Hub will be based in Borders College’s Hawick campus. It will empower businesses in the South of Scotland to harness the potential of robotics, space, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and deep tech – driving innovation in key sectors and supporting the emergence of new industries.
This will make new technology available in the South of Scotland to Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs, with the provision of this inclusive access a key ambition for SOSE and partners.
The focus of the Hub will be to support innovation, growth, scale-up, and new business in key industries including textiles, agriculture, manufacturing, and in Natural Capital.
The Hub will also offer entrepreneurial support, pre- and start up support, and provide a Research & Development space featuring a living lab.
It will also have expert technical support for companies who want to test how robotics and deep tech could benefit their businesses.
All the key partners will bring real expertise in critical areas of technology.
They include The National Robotarium, the UK’s centre for Robotics and AI based at Heriot-Watt University.
Alongside SRUC, other key partners include Edinburgh Napier University, Glasgow School of Art and BE-ST - Scotland's national innovation centre for construction and the built environment.
The Hub will also work with the Rice Space Institute Houston, a research and collaboration hub at Rice University, Texas, dedicated to space science and exploration.
The new name and partners for the Deep Tech Accelerator Hub – which is expected to open in 2026 - were announced on the first day of Scotland’s National Innovation Week.
The Week is celebrating Scotland’s legacy of innovation, while showcasing the country’s global leadership in pioneering the transformative technologies and industries of the future.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “This signifies a moment of real progress for the new Borderlands Deep Tech Accelerator Hub.
“Having key partners such as the National Robotarium, Glasgow School of Art and Edinburgh Napier University on board is hugely significant and sends a clear signal the region is supercharged and ready for success.
“Deep tech is a fundamental building block of many of the technologies we use in our everyday life – as well as many others that underpin the success of future industries.
“Our recent launch of the Deep Tech Supercluster programme shows our commitment to harnessing this significant economic opportunity for Scotland.”
Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC, said: “We are delighted to be part of the Borderlands Deep Tech Accelerator Hub.
“For our land-based industries, integrating robotics and AI with advanced data collection, analysis and decision support is critical.
“From developing digital twins of farms and land use to building the skills agenda that ensures businesses can adopt and apply these technologies, the Hub will help drive innovation, resilience and growth across the South of Scotland.”
Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive of SOSE, said: “We want the South of Scotland to have access to innovation, and the new Borderlands Deep Tech Accelerator Hub is a key step to delivering on that.
“The Hub is a game changer for a rural region, and we know that there is untapped innovation and growth potential in rural areas.
“Announcing the key partners as part of Scotland’s National Innovation week helps us to get the message out that rural businesses are innovative and going for growth.”
Posted by SRUC on 23/09/2025
