New Horizons: Scotland’s Drive to Geospatial Leadership
Scotland is experiencing a surge in its geospatial sector, and it’s not just a blip on the radar. This dynamic field is poised to reshape industries and enhance public services, making it a hotbed for innovation and attracting global attention.
A Thriving Ecosystem
At the heart of this boom is Geovation Scotland!
They help startups to get that extra push and unlock greater value from national geospatial, land & property data assets, by supporting entrepreneurs, innovators and developers to bring new location data and property services to market through an accelerator programme for early-stage founders and a UK-wide community of PropTech and GeoTech experts. The bespoke programme provides access to finance, mentorship, and valuable industry connections. Imagine getting the support you need to turn your location-based idea into a game-changer – that’s the power of Geovation Scotland!
Geospatial Innovation Awards
Geovation Scotland are also sponsoring an award category ‘Scottish geospatial technology’ at the Geovation Innovation Awards, taking place in London on 12th June 2024. This category celebrates Scottish ingenuity, showcasing projects that leverage geospatial solutions and tech innovations for outstanding results. More details here: Geospatial Innovation Awards | Geovation
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is responding proactively, particularly in sectors reliant on location data. Its Inward Investment Plan focuses on areas such as energy transition, transport decarbonisation, and the booming space industry – each dependent on sophisticated geospatial data. For example, the ambitious Scottish Space Strategy and the pioneering Space Sustainability Roadmap aim to make Scotland “Europe’s leading space nation” by 2030. This space focus is already boosting the Scottish economy – the space industry currently contributes an estimated £880 million to the country’s GVA (gross value added) and is creating new jobs at a steady pace (data courtesy of Space Scotland).
Scotland’s Space Age
Scotland’s rise in the space sector is further fuelled by major investments. Take Mangata Network, for example. They recently raised a staggering £83.7 million for research, satellite manufacturing, and space operations in Scotland (Businesswire). Plus, Edinburgh is making a name for itself as the “space data capital of Europe” (SDI). These developments show that Scotland is becoming a major player in global space innovation, attracting international talent and investment.
The Future is Bright
By fostering collaboration, Scotland is solidifying its position as a leader in geospatial and space technology. This commitment not only fuels progress but also positions Scotland as a key player in the global geospatial economy. So, keep an eye on this exciting space – Scotland is definitely a land to watch, especially for aspiring geospatial entrepreneurs with a great idea and an eye on Geovation Scotland’s support!
