Scottish minister backs college-led innovation during National Innovation Week

26 Sept

Business and Employment Minister Richard Lochhead visits Glasgow Kelvin College to review CLIC program funded by Innovate UK.

Scotland’s Minister for Business and Employment Richard Lochhead has highlighted the role of colleges in workforce skills and innovation after a visit to Glasgow Kelvin College’s Centre for Digital Enablement during National Innovation Week.

The facility is part of the College Local Innovation Centres (CLIC) project, funded with £2.4 million from the Innovate UK Further Education Innovation Fund.

Minister points to innovation as economic driver

During the visit, Lochhead said colleges and universities are central to building industries of the future. “Scotland’s first National Innovation Week marks a bold new chapter in Scotland’s innovation story. Innovation is how we will tackle climate change, improve public health, and create high-quality jobs,” he said. He added that Glasgow Kelvin College’s work “is a prime example of this in practice – helping foster and grow the innovative workforce of the future.”

CLIC operates across six hubs in Glasgow, Lanarkshire, and Renfrewshire, offering businesses support with adopting digital tools, processes, and business models. At Glasgow Kelvin College, recent courses have included training on the adoption and ethics of AI, synthetic business, 3D printing, advanced computer-aided design for the jewelry sector, and digital skills for CO2 technologies.

Local business reflects on training impact

One participant, Prime AI Solutions, engaged in 3D printing training at the college’s Springburn Campus. Waqas Zafar, who attended the sessions led by lecturer Rebecca Champion, said: The sessions led by Rebecca were exceptional. Her comprehensive instruction and detailed explanations have significantly enhanced our understanding of 3D design and sparked a genuine interest for the subject.

“The one-on-one support was invaluable, helping us navigate the complexities of CAD and 3D printing. This, coupled with Rebecca’s fascinating experience working in the industry, made for some really good conversations.”

College outlines future ambitions

Glasgow Kelvin College Principal Joanna Campbell said the program is giving businesses access to expertise in areas from AI to CAD. “The pace of change in the economy has never been faster and it is absolutely vital that businesses in a variety of sectors embrace the opportunities this presents,” she said. Campbell added that sharing the program’s results with the minister “was a privilege” and that the college aims to expand its impact on the regional economy in the years ahead.

The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026

The EdTech Innovation Hub Awards celebrate excellence in global education technology, with a particular focus on workforce development, AI integration, and innovative learning solutions across all stages of education.

Now open for entries, the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 recognize the companies, platforms, and individuals driving transformation in the sector, from AI-driven assessment tools and personalized learning systems, to upskilling solutions and digital platforms that connect learners with real-world outcomes.

Submissions are open to organizations across the UK, the Americas, and internationally. Entries should highlight measurable impact, whether in K–12 classrooms, higher education institutions, or lifelong learning settings.

Winners will be announced on 14 January 2026 as part of an online showcase featuring expert commentary on emerging trends and standout innovation. All winners and finalists will also be featured in our first print magazine, to be distributed at BETT 2026.

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