Glasgow City Region backed by £30 million from UK Government

Glasgow City Region was today announced as one of three UK cities and regions receiving at least £30 million each from the UK Government to unlock new, locally led innovation that can improve lives across the country.

Partnerships between the City Region, businesses and research organisations will work with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to invest the funding from April 2026 onwards into a range of Regional and national priorities in science and technology – from life sciences to green energy solutions, AI to engineering, and beyond.

The funding forms part of the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) of up to £500 million, announced ahead of the UK Government June Spending Review to empower local leaders ‘with skin in the game’. It will help target innovation investment and make the most of local expertise to unleash discoveries that benefit all and grow the economy.

The decision to earmark at least £30 million to three high-potential areas in Glasgow City Region, Belfast-Derry/Londonderry and Cardiff was reached following collaboration between the UK Government and the governments of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Seven regions of England were also announced as recipients last month.

Susan Aitken, Chair of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet and Leader of Glasgow City Council said:

This investment is very welcome and testament to Glasgow City Region’s continuing track record of delivery.

The Glasgow Economic Leadership Board, co-chaired by myself and Prof Sir Jim McDonald, made an exceptionally strong case for Glasgow being the recipient of this support. 

We have the capacity, the experience and the thriving innovation ecosystems capable of translating investment into the type of growth supported by both the UK and Scottish Government.

Given Glasgow’s reputation as a centre of ingenuity and a City Region committed to equity, this investment can help take forward our ambitions for truly inclusive growth and innovation.

UK Science Minister Lord Vallance said:

The Glasgow City Region has a proud history of transformative innovation and by working with local leaders who know their city best, this fund can help capitalise on the skills and drive that have earned that global reputation as a hub of science and technology.

That could mean bolstering Glasgow’s space cluster to unlock new opportunities beyond our planet or building on its history of cutting-edge medical technology, but ultimately this can back a wide range of research which can improve everyday lives and help deliver our Plan for Change for the UK.

Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said:

This £30 million investment in Glasgow City Region is great news. We are backing Glasgow’s world-class expertise in areas like medical technology and advanced manufacturing while supporting local jobs and skills

The UK Government is committed to unleashing Scotland’s innovation potential and driving economic growth right across our country. Ensuring Scotland at the forefront of the technologies that will shape our future.