First Minister John Swinney insists Scotland is on the cusp of becoming a ‘start-up nation’ – and formal NHS Scotland partner InnoScot Health believes that drive can be supported by healthcare innovators and entrepreneurs

Mr Swinney announced his first Programme for Government 2024-25 last week, stating that Scotland has a growing international reputation for homegrown innovation.

It is thanks to that reputation, he said, that “we are well on our way to becoming a start‑up nation”.

The First Minister noted: “Our focus on promoting entrepreneurs and innovators will play a key role in ensuring our economic future, defined by a blend of international capital, science and technology, and Scottish invention.”

He has further pledged to “support the development of business clusters in areas where Scotland has a competitive advantage such as data, digital and artificial intelligence (AI), health and life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and the energy transition”.

InnoScot Health believes that fresh healthcare ideas – including those originating from our life sciences sector which now contributes £10.5billion to the Scottish economy – is a significant part of that vision for the future.

Head of Project Management at InnoScot Health, Gillian Henderson said: “Pioneering thinking must be considered a cornerstone of our progressive economy. If the wellbeing of the population is an essential facet of a thriving nation, then healthcare innovators and entrepreneurs are a valuable asset and the team at InnoScot Health is fully committed to encouraging, supporting and helping to develop their innovative ideas, , allowing them to balance daily career demands with innovation ambitions.”

The organisation is supporting the NHS Clinical Entrepreneurs Programme (CEP) for a third year and is encouraging forward-thinking health service staff to get involved in the Scottish cohort which will be given the opportunity to obtain skills on how to transform healthcare through innovation.

Gillian says the programme is “a true exemplar of entrepreneurism in action – of honing the necessary insight and know-how to successfully develop innovative ideas without having to leave the health service”.

The Scottish government has committed to supporting Scottish universities in order to “continue world-leading research and innovation” through core research and innovation grants.

It will invest more than £315 million over the 2024‑25 academic year to help develop early career researchers, promote knowledge exchange, and enable universities to drive local economic growth.

Gillian commented: “Universities are an essential link in the healthcare innovation chain alongside NHS Scotland and industry, so this is a prudent investment that will not only support vital research, but also help to inspire the grassroots trailblazers of tomorrow, ensuring they are ready to hit the ground running and make a valuable contribution to Scottish growth.

“The government’s Programme for Government further references ambitions to help maximise the impact of the Techscaler programme – the country’s national network of start-up support – and integrate with other centres of innovation.

“This approach is already creating fresh opportunities for clinicians, healthcare professionals, and MedTech innovators through a partnership agreement with the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) which has facilitated access to NHS Scotland’s three regional innovation hubs.”

She added: “The government pledge to widen participation in entrepreneurship from people in groups that are currently under‑represented is also welcome, encouraging greater diversity in our drive to advance healthcare. It is now essential that we unite the vast talent, expertise, and dedication across the country to translate these commitments into impactful innovations that not only improve health but support our NHS and boost the economy.”