The Glasgow City Innovation District Venture Studio is a pioneering model for fostering entrepreneurship and innovation to support the city’s innovation ecosystem through the development of new ideas, products, and business models for high-growth companies..
Working with key partners to deliver on four pillars - Challenge, Make, Innovate and Impact, the GCID Venture Studio invites businesses and individuals to collaborate with us and grow Glasgow's tech, digital, engineering and creative ecosystem.
Launched in 2024, the Venture Studio has supported over 60 businesses, distributing targeted funding to innovation-driven enterprises, offering industry-specific mentorship and helping startups to scale.
It has helped strengthen Glasgow’s space tech and AI sectors, nurtured creative entrepreneurs, and supported underrepresented groups through tailored business development programs.
This project is funded by Glasgow City Council and UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
At the Glasgow City Innovation District (GCID) Venture Studio, we transform innovative ideas into real-world solutions. Our four distinct pillars are each designed to either refine an idea, build a prototype, revolutionise a market opportunity, or aim to make a significant societal impact. Each pillar provides the resources, expertise, and network you need to succeed.
The GCID Venture Studio Challenge Pillar supports companies solving real-world, industry-specific problems by providing grant funding to develop innovative solutions in collaboration with a customer. Each Challenge focuses on a critical area of need within Glasgow’s dynamic and growing innovation ecosystem.
Discover more about the Challenge pillar
Step into Make, a hands-on program focused on turning ideas into tangible products. With access to cutting-edge resources and expertise, Make is your place for experimentation and creation, where prototypes are born and refined, and businesses supported and mentored.
Find out more about the Make pillarEngage with Innovate, where we accelerate development and refine your business concept. This programme is designed to help you navigate the complexities of market fit and user engagement, ensuring your innovation is impactful and ready for the next big step to solving society’s key challenges.
Learn more about the Innovate pillar
Elevate your venture with Impact, aimed at scaling your business and maximizing its economic influence. This programme focuses on transforming promising ventures into scalable, sustainable businesses that are poised to lead markets and drive significant economic impacts.
Explore our Impact pillarThis project is funded by Glasgow City Council and UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
