STAC Global Technology Hub, ‘thebeyond’, Opens at Skypark

Europe’s largest technology hub, ‘thebeyond’, enabled by Federated Hermes and created by Smart Things Accelerator Centre (STAC),  has opened at Skypark Glasgow.

The state-of-the-art facility is a landmark achievement in advancing the Scottish Internet of Things (IoT), allowing emerging technologies, from drones to robotics brands to compete globally. 

Skypark’s owners, Federated Hermes, a leading responsible investment manager, has invested £2.5m in the scale-up, enabling STAC’s vision for ‘thebeyond’ by applying its urban placemaking expertise and creating a major European technology centre that is closely linked with the City’s universities and industries. Federated Hermes has already played a crucial role in creating pioneering workspaces, including NOMA in Manchester and Kings Cross London, home to Googles’ UK HQ,  which are not only functional and attractive but are connected to their community’s needs and aspirations. 

Skypark’s Strategic Lettings Advisor, Angela Higgins of Resonance Capital, said:

“The launch of the largest technology IoT accelerator space in Europe, is an exciting landmark achievement for Scotland. We have all worked hard in this unique collaboration with our on-site professional team and STAC, drawing on Federated Hermes’ urban placemaking expertise to enable ‘thebeyond’ and transform Glasgow into global hub for technology, learning, employment, and retain our best talent. 

“This is an exceptional investment and demonstrates our commitment to our vital technology IoT sector”.

 Established at Skypark in 2014, Filament PD laid the foundation for STAC, which launched in 2021. STAC is dedicated to nurturing Scottish technology start-ups through to becoming key players in a connected world. Scotland is seeing great success in IoT with companies winning UK and international market share. This includes Utopi, Beingar, and iOpt in proptech, Krucial in space and satellite tech, and Kingdom technology in robotics. STAC is driving momentum and supporting the next generation of companies to follow suit. ‘Thebeyond’ by STAC is supported by seasoned industry executives with careers spanning tech giants such as Volvo, Dyson, Motorola, Plexus, Blackberry and Meta. 

Gregor Aikman, co-founder and COO of STAC says:

“I cannot overstate the invaluable financial and strategic support we've received from Federated Hermes and Skypark. Their £2.5m investment in ‘thebeyond’ underscores their dedication to creating an environment where emerging technologies can flourish and revolutionise industries. 

“Through access to STAC’s prototyping lab and Skypark's comprehensive facilities, Nudge Innovations, one of the companies in STAC cohort, has rapidly advanced its growth trajectory. Now headquartered at the Finnieston campus, Nudge Innovations is on the verge of launching its inaugural product. With mentorship from STAC's industry-led programme, STAC Scale, Nudge have expedited their journey to market. Contributions from STAC sponsors Pivot International and Eurofins, alongside founding partners Filament PD & BODE Studio, have been instrumental in this progress. 

“STAC’s expansion into ‘thebeyond’, takes acceleration to the next level. A thriving hub for innovation and collaboration, ‘thebeyond’ includes a cutting-edge facility featuring a fully furnished electronics lab, fabrication lab, and R&D maker-space. As well as a co-working space, event space, and media lab.”

Christina Holland, Director – Investment Management, Federated Hermes Real Estate, added:

“We are proud to continue our support for Skypark, which goes from strength to strength as it builds on its growing reputation as a home for the most innovative businesses in the UK. Our extensive knowledge of well-executed UK placemaking, evident in NOMA in Manchester and Kings Cross London, home to Google’s UK HQ, has helped to drive economic growth, making their surrounding areas more appealing for businesses, residents and further investment. The challenges we face today – be they economic, environmental, or technological – will require innovative solutions, and ‘thebeyond’ at Skypark is perfectly poised to continue leading the way.”

‘thebeyond’ created by  Smart Things Accelerator Centre (STAC) officially opened on the 12 September 2024.