The University of Strathclyde launched 44 spinout companies between 2011 and January 2025 – placing it in the top 20 universities in the UK for this activity, according to a Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE) Enterprise Hub report.
The RAE’s Spotlight on Spinouts: UK academic spinout trends report, published in conjunction with private company data provider Beauhurst, revealed that Strathclyde produced the second-highest number of spinouts in Scotland after the University of Edinburgh, which spun out 71 companies.
Scotland accounted for 12% – or 243 – of the 2,064 spinouts produced across the whole UK during the period, with 53% coming from just 10 academic institutions.
Oxford University came out top with 225, while London had the highest regional concentration of the UK’s spinouts, hosting 19% (384) of the spinout population. The South East follows with 16% (321 spinouts) and the East of England with 11% (218 spinouts).
Real-world impact
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, said: "Strathclyde is a leading hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and commercialisation with a strong track record in creating spinout companies that turn world-class research into real-world impact.
Being recognised as one of the UK’s top universities for spinouts reflects the talent, creativity and ambition of our staff and students, as well as the strength of our sector-leading approach to working in partnership with industry and investors.
“Through our leading roles in the Glasgow City Innovation District, the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland and our Strathclyde Inspire entrepreneurial programme, we have created a highly effective innovation ecosystem to foster an environment where people and enterprise thrive and where Strathclyde spinouts drive economic growth and societal benefit."
The report also shows a reduction in equity stakes taken by educational institutions in associated spinout companies. On average Strathclyde took a 15.7% equity stake in 16 eligible spinouts.
Broader progress
In 2024 the average university equity stake was 16%, down sharply from 22% in 2023. Lower university equity stakes have been identified as key to incentivising exceptional academic founders to launch and scale their spinout companies, and this change is part of broader progress that has been made against a number of areas identified for improvement in the Independent Review of University Spin-out Companies (2023).
Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Committee Chair, Paul Taylor CBE FREng, said: “It’s encouraging to note that average university equity stakes are now at a decade low of 16% and are moving towards the recent recommendations from the Independent Review of University Spinout Companies. This aligned with much of what we have long called for as an independent advisory body.”
The RAE’s Enterprise Hub supports talented entrepreneurs and decision makers to transform breakthrough engineering innovations into disruptive spinouts, startups and scaleups.
Strathclyde hosts Enterprise Hub Scotland, supported by Glasgow City Council, Glasgow City Innovation District, the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and Scottish Enterprise, which has already helped 35 early-stage entrepreneurs in Scotland and awarded £1.6 million in total grant funding to date.