Our aim is to ensure that we contribute significantly towards Scotland’s economic and social regeneration.
We have continued our commitment to contributing towards the economic, social and cultural development of North-East of Scotland and the wider nation during the 2024/25 academic year through a range of initiatives, setting us apart as one the leading entrepreneurial and progressive institutions in Scotland.
TalEntEd Islands Growth Deal
Complementing our existing work in Orkney, the next stages of the Islands Growth Deal was signed off earlier this year. The Deal will see RGU play a central role in the TalEntEd Islands Programme, a near £6m initiative that will focus on fast-tracking the decarbonisation of the islands through opportunities in education, skills, entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship and commercialisation to support an increase of sustainable employment. RGU will lead on the development and delivery of the Islands Entrepreneurial Network, working alongside community partners, local authorities and agencies, to stimulate and foster entrepreneurship, and create new ventures and jobs.
Being part of the Islands Growth Deal will provide RGU with opportunities for island-focused engagement for student recruitment, research, and economic development.
Startup Accelerator Showcase
The seventh cohort of our Startup Accelerator programme was launched in the autumn of 2024. The programme was funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund via Aberdeen City Council. The Start Up Accelerator programme supports early-stage entrepreneurs and nurtures a culture of enterprise across the North-East of Scotland.
Over the years the programme has helped create over 130 new ventures in addition to many jobs and positive economic impact. Following a competitive process, eighteen teams took part in the five-month programme which culminated in the annual Startup Accelerator Showcase event in March 2025. The Showcase marked a celebration of Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem with a particular focus on space. More than £30,000 was disbursed to the winning teams at the Showcase event.
North East Scotland Investment Zone
We have been central to key developments in the region, including the creation of a new Regional Economic Strategy and the North-East Scotland Investment Zone. We are playing a full and active role in development of the North-East Scotland Investment Zone (NESIZ), which focuses on Green Energy and Digital Technology.
Significant progress has been made by regional partners on NESIZ submission to the Scottish and UK Governments in 2024/25. Following a rigorous prioritisation process, 16 interventions were endorsed by the NESIZ Steering Group for submission to the Governments. RGU is leading on one NESIZ prioritised intervention - Digital Innovation Lab, and partnering in a further five strategic interventions.