AWINDON — The Higgs Centre, an initiative under the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) based in Edinburgh, celebrates a significant milestone since its inception in 2018. Over £10 million in investments has been secured by pioneering tech start-ups, leading to the creation of 100 jobs. Co-located with the UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC) and Edinburgh University’s Institute for Astronomy at the Royal Observatory in Edinburgh, the Higgs Centre focuses on supporting businesses in the big data and space sectors, according to a press release published on EuropaWire .

Tech entrepreneurs at the Higgs Centre benefit from access to world-class research facilities, technical expertise, office space, and specialized business support, enabling them to overcome technology challenges. This assistance ultimately reduces risk, cost, and time to enter competitive markets on a global scale.

The diverse range of supported start-ups includes those specializing in artificial intelligence, robotics, Earth observation, data analytics, and prosthetics. Bioliberty, a previous tenant, credits the Higgs Centre for their progress in assistive robotics and rehabilitative technologies. Rowan Armstrong, CEO at Bioliberty, acknowledges the invaluable support received, emphasizing the collaborative environment fostered by the incubator.

Current tenants, such as Gibson Robotics, are leveraging the resources provided by the Higgs Centre to develop innovative solutions in drone technology for security applications. Joe Gibson, Founder and Managing Director of Gibson Robotics, highlights the mutual benefits of being part of the Higgs ecosystem, which facilitates knowledge sharing and networking among high-tech start-ups.

Dr. Julian Dines, Head of Innovation at the Higgs Centre, expresses pride in the center’s achievements, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to supporting small businesses and start-ups. Similarly, Ruairidh Henderson, Business Incubation Manager, underscores the center’s dedication to removing obstacles and providing guidance to aspiring tech innovators.

The Higgs Centre offers various avenues for businesses to engage, including participation in business incubation programs and access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment. As the center looks toward the future, it remains poised to facilitate further successes and investments in the tech industry.