Edinburgh Napier University has announced a strategic partnership with cluster management organisation FinTech Scotland to support the fast-growing industry.
The agreement will aim to harness new technologies to address big societal, environmental and industry challenges.
FinTech Scotland, an industry-led initiative supported by the Scottish Government, is recognised for enabling collaboration between organisations and people across the profession including established firms and investors as well as entrepreneurs and skills agencies.
The university has a track record for innovation in computer science, especially around areas of cybersecurity and cryptography – most recently supporting successful spin-out companies including Zonefox, Symphonic and Cyacomb.
Professor Bill Buchanan, who leads the Blockpass ID Lab at Edinburgh Napier University, the first research lab in the world that focuses on digital identity and trust, said: “Scotland is a unique environment for innovation and collaboration between academia and industry.
“The finance industry, too, is fundamentally important to the economic health of our country. Along with this, Scotland has some of the finest cities in the world, which are great places to live and work.
“This partnership will further world-class research and innovation capabilities, and focus on real-life problems. These, we hope, will grow the innovative companies of our future, and support the growth of existing ones – from little acorns, mighty oaks grow.”
Fiona Mason, Head of Business Engagement and IP Commercialisation at Edinburgh Napier University, said: “This partnership with FinTech Scotland is an exciting opportunity for both Edinburgh Napier University and the fintech sector.
“We are thrilled to be able to draw on our collective strengths, combining our academic expertise with that of the financial sector to drive forward positive innovation, and we are delighted we can support FinTech Scotland with their ambition to secure Scotland’s place as a top five global fintech centre.”
FinTech Scotland CEO Nicola Anderson said: “We are delighted to be entering a strategic partnership with Edinburgh Napier University. This collaboration represents a significant step towards strengthening Scotland’s leadership in the fintech sector.
“By harnessing new technologies and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, we can address big societal, environmental, and industry challenges.
“Edinburgh Napier University’s renowned expertise in computer science will further advance our ability to connect academic insight to practical industry applications.
“This partnership is also another opportunity to develop the skills and talent necessary to support Scotland’s thriving fintech cluster.”