As GCID celebrates its sixth anniversary, we’re reflecting on an extraordinary year filled with milestones and accomplishments. From hosting international conferences to launching groundbreaking initiatives, this has been a year of growth, collaboration, and innovation.
Here are six standout achievements from the past year that we're incredibly proud of:
Hosting the IASP European Division Conference
In April, GCID proudly welcomed the International Association of Science Parks and Innovation Areas (IASP) European Division Conference to Scotland for the first time.
With over 100 attendees from 30+ countries spanning Europe, North America, and Australia, the event provided a global stage to showcase Glasgow's dynamic innovation ecosystem. Highlights included tours of the District and the Technology & Innovation Centre, as well as interactive roundtable discussions addressing key challenges in innovation.
Glasgow Tech Fest
The third annual Glasgow Tech Fest brought together entrepreneurs, business experts and tech enthusiasts for a day packed with inspirational chats and networking.
Keynote speakers included Dame Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock and Jason Bradbury who delivered incredible talks, while the exhibition hall buzzed with activity from startups and established companies alike.
As we bid farewell to Glasgow Tech Fest in 2024, we’re thrilled to announce its evolution into Fusion Fest in 2025—a rebranded event that will spotlight even more industries and attract a wider, more diverse audience.
Launching Glasgow Tech Week
In 2024, GCID introduced Scotland's first-ever Glasgow Tech Week, a series of events celebrating and offering support to the tech community.
With over 30 events and more than 2,000 attendees, the week featured everything from educational workshops and industry-specific panels to dynamic networking sessions and pitching competitions. Glasgow Tech Week firmly established our city as a hub for innovation and collaboration, shining a light on the support needed to continue growing our thriving tech ecosystem.
Introducing the GCID Venture Studio
This year also marked the launch of the GCID Venture Studio - an initiative designed to fuel innovation and growth in Glasgow's business community.
The Venture Studio operates on four key pillars, providing essential support to help companies develop cutting-edge ideas, scale their businesses, and create high-growth opportunities. By collaborating with partners across industries, the Venture Studio has already supported several businesses to grow.
Partnering with JP Morgan Chase
We were thrilled to partner with JP Morgan Chase for the first time in 2024. The inaugural event Let’s Talk Product, was hosted at JP Morgan’s new Glasgow headquarters.
This was the beginning of an exciting series of events that will continue to foster innovation, collaboration, and new opportunities within the District.
Exciting New Openings
There have been many new openings within the District this past year. We’ve loved welcoming the new innovative co-working space, hotel and student accommodation The Social Hub to the District and they’ve made a huge impact with exciting events and collaboration opportunities.
There have also been several hospitality offerings with The Exchange event space at Royal Exchange Square and new restaurants Margo and Sebbs. We’ve also put together a blog of some of the new openings that took place right here in the District in 2024.