The UK government has announced plans for a £20m capital injection in the Tay Cities Region in support of Scottish tech innovations.
Announced on Wednesday by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the investment comes from the £500m Local Innovation Partnerships Fund.
It will go towards cities and regions including Dundee, Perth, Angus, Fife and Kinross with the goal of accelerating their creative technologies sector in fields such as virtual reality and gaming.
“This is an investment in the skills and talent which have turned the Tay Cities Region into one of the UK’s most vibrant tech sectors,” said Tech Secretary Liz Kendall.
“The region’s incredible creative industries are already leading the way when it comes to games development and breakthroughs in virtual reality.
“This funding will help take that expertise to the next level, helping to create jobs and growth in Dundee, Perth and beyond. By working with local leaders, researchers, and businesses, we can unleash transformational research and products that improve lives.”
The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund was launched as part of the government’s £86bn R&D settlement and is operated by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
The fund delivers investments that support partnerships between local government, businesses and research organisations. Abertay University in Dundee is leading on the Tay Cities partnership with support from 4J Studios, UK Games Talent and Finance and CodeBase.
Other participants include Creative Scotland, the University of Dundee’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design and V&A Dundee.
“I am delighted that the Tay Cities Region has been successful in securing funding, which will help the region unlock its full innovation potential,” said Minister for Scotland Kirsty McNeill.
“The UK government is completely focused on driving economic growth, creating jobs and improving lives across Scotland.”
