New tech hub announced for Dundee as part of groundbreaking £20 MILLION investment
Dundee’s reputation as one of the UK’s leading centres for tech is set for another major boost, following the announcement of a £20 million investment to support new businesses, create jobs and accelerate growth across the Tay Cities region.
The funding, announced on Thursday 29 October, will support the newly launched Tay Create Innovation Partnership, led by Abertay University and bringing together some of Scotland’s biggest names in games development, technology, education and design.
And at the heart of the ambitious plans is a brand-new creative technology facility at Camperdown Dock in Dundee, building on the city’s growing reputation as a centre for innovation.
A major investment in Dundee’s future
The £20 million investment comes from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), through the UK Government-funded £500 million Local Innovation Partnerships programme.
Tay Create will bring together Abertay University, the University of Dundee and the University of St Andrews, alongside organisations including V&A Dundee, Creative Scotland, 4J Studios, Chroma Developments, Biome Collective and UK Games Talent and Finance.
The partnership aims to help creative businesses turn innovative ideas into successful products, attract investment and create new employment opportunities.
A particular focus will be placed on the growing creative technology sector, where games development, design and digital expertise are increasingly being used alongside emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality and real-time 3D.
The investment will also support businesses looking to apply these technologies in other industries, including manufacturing, healthcare and energy.
Brand-new tech hub planned for Camperdown Dock
One of the most exciting parts of the announcement is the creation of new purpose-built facilities at Camperdown Dock, close to Dundee’s waterfront.
The development will sit beside the existing Water’s Edge complex, which has already become home to several games studios and tech companies.
With additional investment from Chroma Developments, the new facilities will provide a dedicated space for entrepreneurs, researchers and businesses to develop ideas, test new technologies and access specialist support.
The aim is to help businesses at every stage of development, from early concepts and prototypes to established companies looking to expand.
It represents another significant step in Dundee’s ongoing transformation into a major centre for creative technology and digital innovation.
Building on Dundee’s world-famous games industry
Dundee has a remarkable history in video games development, having helped produce some of the industry’s most recognisable titles and companies.
From the city’s early games development pioneers to the international success of studios such as Rockstar Games and 4J Studios, Dundee has developed a reputation for producing world-class creative and technical talent.
Abertay University has also played a major role in that success, becoming internationally recognised for its games education and research.
Tay Create aims to build on those strengths, giving businesses better access to the facilities, expertise and investment needed to develop new products and reach wider markets.
Professor Gregor White, Professor of Applied Creativity at Abertay University, welcomed the announcement.
He said: “This significant investment is recognition of the outstanding creative, technological and research talent that already exist across the Tay Cities Region.”
He added that the partnership would provide the infrastructure and support needed to turn more ideas into successful products, businesses and jobs.
‘Transformational’ investment for the region
Chris van der Kuyl, Chair of Dundee-based 4J Studios and founder of Chroma Developments, described the announcement as a major opportunity for the region.
He said: “Tay Create will be transformational for the region, putting the right structure around our world class strengths in games, design, technology and digital innovation to turbo-charge the area’s creativity.”
He also highlighted the success of Water’s Edge, explaining that the new partnership would build on the existing technology community and help turn emerging ideas into economic growth.
The partnership will also receive support from the four Tay Cities local authorities and Scottish Enterprise.
An exciting new chapter for Dundee
The announcement coincides with the beginning of Dundee Digital Fortnight, which will feature a programme of activities at Abertay University’s cyberQuarter and other venues across the city.
It also builds on previous major innovation projects, including InGAME and the CoSTAR Realtime Lab, which have helped strengthen Dundee’s creative technology sector.
With £20 million now committed to the new partnership, Tay Create represents a significant opportunity to support emerging talent, attract investment and help Dundee’s creative industries continue to grow.
For a city that has already made its mark on the global video games industry, this latest investment could help shape the next generation of Dundee’s creative and technological success stories.
