A Hub for Innovation, rooted in place

 

Borderlands Deep Tech Accelerator is the foundation of a connected innovation ecosystem for the region. Based in the town of Hawick in the Scottish Borders, it acts as an anchor for innovation across the South of Scotland - connecting rural talent to national capability and helping ideas move faster from concept to real world use.

The Borderlands Deep Tech Accelerator is a physical hub at the heart of the Natural Capital Innovation Zone(NCIZ), supporting idea development, rapid experimentation and functional prototyping. More than a building, the Borderlands Deep Tech Accelerator, has been developed with local businesses. The hub is designed to meet real industry and community needs today while supporting long term innovation and growth.

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What is Deep Tech 


Deep Tech is technology grounded in scientific and engineering breakthroughs - innovation that solves fundamental problems and creates long-term value. 

This includes areas such as advanced manufacturing, AI, robotics, simulation, materials, and energy technologies.

Examples include:

  • Robotics in forestry to improve efficiency and sustainability
  • AI-driven agri-tech for smarter, more regenerative farming
  • How robotics and new sustainable materials and processes can benefit textiles
  • Clean energy technology prototyping to drive Scotland’s green transition 
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The Accelerator will include: 

 

  • A Living Lab for real-world testing
  • Accessible technologies: 3D printing, robotics, AI
  • Product development and design support
  • Start-up and scale-up support
  • Incubator and flexible workspace
  • Networking and collaboration space
  • Physical and virtual knowledge exchange network
  • Brokerage function – making specialist expertise easier to find and use 
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Supporting today’s industries - and tomorrow’s 

Our goal is to make innovation accessible, inclusive, and relevant, regardless of sector, size, or location.

Entrepreneurial activity will be connected across education, communities and business - building skills, aspiration and opportunity across the region. 

Borderlands Deep Tech Accelerator and the NCIZ

South of Scotland is Scotland’s Natural Capital Innovation Zone (NCIZ) - a region shaped not only by land, forests and energy potential, but by people, ideas, and the ambition of a rural region ready to lead in innovation. Borderlands Deep Tech Accelerator (BDTA) sits at the heart of that ambition.

More on NCIZ

More than a building

Connects businesses, entrepreneurs, students, and communities.

Provides expertise, technology, and support to strengthen industries.

Turns ideas into real-world products—right here in the region.