Glasgow aims to become Europe’s largest IoT hub

A new partnership aims to help Glasgow fulfil its vision to become Europe’s leading hub for Internet of Things (IoT). 

The UK Government, Glasgow City Council, and the Smart Things Accelerator Centre (STAC) have joined forces to transform the city into an innovation hub, with a £2.5m investment – comprising public and private funding.

The investment will be used to fund a state-of-the-art facility named ‘thebeyond’ at SkyPark, Finnieston in Glasgow. This new, 250-desk site will serve as an accelerator for Glasgow’s burgeoning IoT industry, and is aiming to house 100 tech companies by the end of 2024.

It will focus on emerging technologies including AI, robots, nanotech and sustainability tech – innovations that are expected to create significant economic, social, and environmental impact. 

Through the partnership, Glasgow, which is the third largest city in the UK, will become a test bed for homegrown innovations via STAC, which was launched in 2021.  Paul Wilson, CEO and Co-Founder of STAC, believes “Glasgow can be a powerhouse in the key technologies that will enhance life and industry for the next decades.” Through thebeyond, Glasgow will “gain a reputation and attract international investment."

He added: "Glasgow has all the elements, talent, innovation, and a collaborative spirit - needed to lead in what is known as the 'Era of Things'.  We believe we are on the cusp of something extraordinary. From thebeyond tech companies will develop tomorrow's technologies to compete in global markets."

Councillor Ricky Bell, Deputy Leader of Glasgow City Council, said the collaboration “will help Glasgow become a leading technology-driven city, with our services and buildings powered by homegrown innovation.” It will also “bring a great number of new jobs and careers in this sector.”