In November 2020, the University of Strathclyde published its first institution-wide entrepreneurship strategy, Strathclyde Inspire. The vision was to create a world-leading entrepreneurial ecosystem which unlocks the entrepreneurial aspirations of all Strathclyders and creates an environment in which venture creation & growth multiplies and thrives. Strathclyde Inspire delivers a whole-university approach to entrepreneurship, creating a dynamic, inclusive, and innovation-driven environment where students, staff, alumni, industry partners, and investors collaborate to drive real-world impact.
Our achievements to date are significant: over 90 new start-ups created, 17 spin-outs approved, over £156 million raised by Inspire-supported ventures, and more than 5,500 students engaging in entrepreneurial learning opportunities. Entrepreneurship is positioned as a mindset accessible to all, supported by initiatives that promote inclusive access for women, ethnic minorities, and neurodivergent entrepreneurs.
The University’s leadership of the Glasgow City Innovation District (GCID) and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) further amplifies our role as a catalyst for innovation, knowledge exchange, and economic growth at national and international levels.
Looking ahead, Strathclyde’s Strategy to 2030, our ambition to redefine what it means to be an entrepreneurial university will lead the way for Scotland to become a more prosperous, productive, and internationally competitive small nation.
This transformative approach represents more than an institutional strategy; it is a blueprint for universities in the 21st century. As powerful engines of innovation, economic development, and societal transformation, we will forge a path towards a sustainable, inclusive future.
