A healthy ecosystem
The impact pipeline begins at the intersection of ideas, with innovation driven by translational research and commercialisation. A mission-driven focus provides the opportunity to deliver even greater impact.
From partnership-led R&D and knowledge exchange to a growing pipeline of spinouts and commercial ventures. Our research and enterprise ecosystem connects academic expertise with businesses, public bodies, investors and entrepreneurs, to translate discovery into solutions.
around 1000 active research projects annually, connecting Heriot-Watt expertise in projects and collaboration throughout the UK and internationally
almost a quarter of Scottish Enterprise High Growth Spinout Funding drawn down annually, reflecting the strength of our spinout activity
ongoing spinout projects in the commercialisation pipeline, helping research-led ideas scale into new ventures
Our research and enterprise ecosystem connects academic expertise with businesses, public bodies, investors and entrepreneurs, to translate discovery into solutions.
Knowledge Exchange income: external research grants and contracts
Knowledge Exchange income shows continuing growth of income through external research grants and contracts, focused on KE and R&D activities, including Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs).
in 2024/25 35% growth over 2 years
Global Innovation Challenge enrolments
The Global Innovation Challenge is the largest engagement programme run annually at Heriot-Watt. Open to staff, students and alumni, its growth is a tangible measure of the strength of our innovation and impact culture.
participants in 2025/26 5.7% growth over 2 years
Translational awards secured by commercialisation projects
There has been a strong uplift each year in translational grant awards, typically used for prototyping and commercial development.
in 2025/26 1,629% growth since 2022/23
Collaborate to innovate
Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Our approach to industry partnerships is instrumental in driving the commercialisation of research, scaling innovative tech companies, and solving today’s industry challenges. Our GRID – Global Research Innovation Discovery – ecosystem connects challenges with solutions through innovation and enterprise.
Contact our business and enterprise team on: GRID@hw.ac.uk
Read more about our research impact on our website at Our research impact | Heriot-Watt University
Watch our impact video series
What difference does our research make to…
the environment? health and wellbeing? industry and innovation? social inclusion and equality?
