Scotland’s thriving Techscaler programme is giving 12 Scottish business founders an incredible opportunity to showcase their innovations in Singapore , one of the world’s largest tech economies. These entrepreneurs, part of the Codebase-run initiative backed by the Scottish Government , will spend three weeks connecting with investors and gaining global exposure at BLOCK71 , a tech hub in Singapore housing over 1,000 start-ups. This global exchange is a key milestone in Scotland’s bid to bolster its tech industry by providing entrepreneurs with vital international connections, as part of Techscaler’s broader vision. The trip includes attendance at the Singapore Week of Innovation& Technology (SWITCH), Asia’s largest start-up event, offering unparalleled networking opportunities for participants.
What is the Techscaler Programme?
The Techscaler programme , the first of its kind in Europe, offers Scottish start-ups access to mentorship, resources, and international platforms that are critical to scaling their businesses. Funded by Scottish Enterprise’s international arm , the programme recently announced plans to expand its reach to provide even more opportunities for early-stage businesses to grow and develop. The recent Singapore initiative follows a similar programme in Silicon Valley , which took place from August 26 to September 13 and was highly successful in connecting Scottish entrepreneurs with the global tech community. Kate Forbes , Deputy First Minister of Scotland, underscored the importance of these international connections, stating that innovation is the lifeblood of Scotland’s economy , and global relationships will help start-ups thrive.
Key Entrepreneurs Heading to Singapore
The selected entrepreneurs include innovative leaders like Beena Sharma , Co-Founder of CCU International , a company developing next-gen carbon capture technology. Ross O’Hanlon of Bioliberty is another key participant, working on assistive robotics like a robotic glove that strengthens grip for those with limited mobility. Aakanksha Sadekar of Soulful Tech Solutions Ltd. brings Tracker.Health , a remote health monitoring solution for elderly care, to the table. As these pioneers head to Singapore, they’re not just representing their businesses but also Scotland’s growing tech sector , gaining access to valuable insights, connections, and potential partnerships that will help scale their ventures globally.
Why Singapore?
Singapore is renowned as a global tech hub, home to BLOCK71 , which houses thousands of start-ups and is the ideal environment for entrepreneurs looking to grow their businesses. The country’s forward-thinking approach to innovation, investment, and technology makes it a crucial destination for the Techscaler programme. The Scottish Development International’s Global Head of Trade , Julie Morrison , emphasised that early access to international markets can significantly impact a company’s growth. This Singapore trip aims to provide just that – a defining moment in the growth journey of these start-ups.
Future of Techscaler
As Scottish Government invests £42 million into the Techscaler programme , over 500 companies have already benefited in its first year, with a membership of 2,500+ innovators. The programme is set to expand further, ensuring Scottish start-ups can continue making waves on a global scale.
Resources for Scottish Entrepreneurs
As part of this global push, Scottish Enterprise has launched a new digitised version of the Scottish Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Guide. This updated resource offers a comprehensive list of support systems available to founders, from accelerator programmes to funding and incubator spaces. Check out the guide for more information on the resources available.
