Innovative industry hubs across the north-east are becoming the focal points for action and investment to diversify the region’s economy.
They are all aimed at growing both established and emerging sectors.
Private sector economic development catalyst Opportunity North East (One) is leading their creation and delivery.
Specialist facilities and “entrepreneurial ecosystems” are being developed, with One working with public and private partners as part of investments expected to be “transformational”.
One Tech Hub is flourishing, BioHub will open this year, we are investing in adventure tourism and SeedPod will move into construction.”
Jennifer Craw, chief executive, Opportunity North East.
One Tech Hub, BioHub and SeedPod are where industry ambition and practical space and support will combine to drive economic growth across the region, according to One.
These projects are aimed at allowing businesses to scale up, while also supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and founders to create high-value, innovation-driven enterprises.
Funding secured by One is also delivering new facilities and infrastructure to make the region a “destination of choice” in the fast-growing adventure tourism market.
This is being done through the North East Adventure Tourism project.
‘Nationally significant’
Each of the One projects is tailored to specific sector needs, is nationally significant and will deliver long-term value, explained Jennifer Craw, the Aberdeen-based organisation’s chief executive.
She added: “Our region is vital to the future economy. The breadth, experience and quality of our sectors and businesses are inspiring.
“From developing digital solutions for productivity and treatments for modern health epidemics to producing the nutritious and sustainable foods of the future that consumers demand, One is working to create the places, spaces and entrepreneurial environment to enable businesses at all stages to achieve their ambitions, create high-value jobs and increase productivity and prosperity.
“One Tech Hub is flourishing, BioHub will open this year, we are investing in adventure tourism and SeedPod will move into construction.
“This region is confident, has a clear purpose in diversification, is investing in its strengths and is committed to being a world-class entrepreneurial location. We are entering a new delivery phase, and I’m excited about how much more we can achieve.”
Digital technology businesses are driving solutions of the future through blockchain, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and 5G technology.
The anchor point for north-east growth activity in this sector is One Tech Hub on Schoolhill, Aberdeen.
It is home to businesses and partner organisations including TechScaler – the new Scottish Government programme for creating and scaling technlogy start-ups.
Delivered nationally by CodeBase, TechScaler has One as its regional partner in the north-east and One Tech Hub is its local host.
Attracting tech talent
Energy technology firm Fennex moved into One Tech Hub last August.
Adrian Brown, co-founder and managing director at the firm, said this was an important part of the company’s growth plan.
He added: “It’s great to be in the hive of digital and technology excellence. We’ve hired seven new graduates this year alone, with plans for more.
“Being in One Tech Hub is certainly a key factor in attracting the best technology talent and immersing them in a dynamic start-up community.”
It’s great to be in the hive of digital and technology excellence.”
Adrian Brown, managing director, Fennex.
In life sciences, Aberdeen is home to innovative businesses tackling global health challenges.
Opening in spring at Foresterhill Health Campus in Aberdeen, BioHub will bring together commercial, healthcare and research interests. It will provide laboratories, incubation and collaboration space and customisable accommodation over five floors, as well as specialist business support and access to expert networks and investors.
Meanwhile, One is also leading and co-funding a £40 million project to grow the life sciences company cluster in the north-east.
The UK and Scottish governments, Scottish Enterprise, NHS Grampian and Aberdeen University are on board as partners for this project, supported by the Aberdeen City Region Deal.
Food and drink manufacturing is the region’s most significant industry after energy.
£20m-plus investment
The SeedPod centre of excellence aims to put the sector’s businesses at the forefront of product and process innovation, low-carbon high-value manufacturing and premium market development.
Focused on “consumer-led foods of the future”, SeedPod represents an investment of more than £20m.
It is co-funded and led by One in partnership with the UK and Scottish governments, Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Scottish Enterprise, Just Transition Fund and Aberdeen City Region Deal.
Jennifer Craw, @Opportunity_NE1 Chief Executive discusses the impact and value iconic projects like the BioHub and SeedPod will have on our region in years to come @Invest_Aberdeen #AGCCInvestmentTracker #AberdeenCityRegeneration pic.twitter.com/NzZuAmactN
— Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (@chambertalk) February 22, 2022
Offering bespoke programmes and specialist facilities, it will include incubator, commercial-grade manufacturing units, development kitchens, full-service managed production, and co-working and collaboration space.
Construction is scheduled to start on SRUC’s Craibstone campus in Aberdeen in late spring.
‘Vote of confidence’ in north-east economy
Ms Craw said: “Through these projects, businesses across the region increasingly have access to an unprecedented range of specialist facilities and entrepreneurial support.
“That is a real vote of confidence by One and all the partners in their potential, our economy and our future.”
Conversation