The University of Glasgow has been selected as the new European hub of XPRIZE, the world’s leader in designing and operating incentive competitions to solve humanity’s greatest challenges.

The University’s state-of-the-art Mazumdar Shaw Advanced Research Centre (ARC) will become home to XPRIZE Europe (UK), a centre dedicated to supporting research and innovation that addresses major global issues.

XPRIZE has been active for over 29 years and has established itself as a global leader in designing, launching, and executing large scale global innovation competitions toward  creating a world of equitable abundance for all.

The new XPRIZE European hub will play a key role in connecting academic, business and public sector leaders, building on the University of Glasgow’s long history of research collaboration, along with the city of Glasgow, Scotland and the UK, to foster stronger links between the US, Europe, Africa and globally.

It will also place Glasgow at the centre of a global future positive movement while providing opportunities for Scotland and the UK to link directly with businesses and investors across the world.

“XPRIZE is only able to make an impact through the brilliance of the innovators that compete in our prizes, and this new hub will be instrumental in inspiring a larger community across Europe and beyond, to join our movement toward building a hopeful future for humanity,” said Anousheh Ansari, CEO of XPRIZE. “We’re thrilled to partner with the University of Glasgow and tap into their impressive researchers and scientists to increase our international reach and strengthen our impact.”

Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli said: “XPRIZE has already had an incredible global impact in leveraging research to improve society and our lives, enabling and inspiring innovators and entrepreneurs to work together in novel ways.

“XPRIZE Europe (UK), based at the University of Glasgow, will build on those huge successes to further galvanise the innovation ecosystem, academic institutions and private sector to collaborate in research and innovation and to support entrepreneurial ambitions.

“The new partnership with XPRIZE offers the University of Glasgow the opportunity to be a visible part of a growing global movement. Being the anchor of a physical UK Hub provides opportunities to create and strengthen local, national and international partnerships between corporations, universities, government agencies, and the wider investment community.”

Uzma Khan, Vice-Principal of Economic Development and Innovation at the University added: “We are absolutely thrilled to announce this timely partnership with XPRIZE and to launch XPRIZE Europe (UK) hub, here at Glasgow given our focus on research, innovation and civic impact.

“This is an incredible opportunity to catalyse innovators around the world to bring new ideas and help find workable solutions to the grand challenges of our time.  Securing XPRIZE will place the UK at the centre of a global movement to link innovative ideas with businesses and investors across the world, and to provide a platform to stimulate and accelerate innovation and entrepreneurship.

“Our contribution can be significant, building on the strengths of Glasgow City Region and our academic institutions to further deepen cross-disciplinary collaboration, research, innovation and impact across continents for the benefit of Scotland and beyond.”

Chris Pearce, Vice-Principal for Research & Knowledge Exchange at the University of Glasgow, said “The University is committed to finding solutions to some of society’s biggest challenges through our research, innovation, education and partnerships.

“The University is spearheading this effort through a new initiative called Glasgow Changing Futures. Therefore, this exciting collaboration with XPRIZE, recognised for catalysing real-world innovation and solutions, is perfectly aligned with Glasgow Changing Futures. Together we will address pressing challenges that are felt locally, nationally and globally.”

About XPRIZE

XPRIZE is an established global leader in designing, launching, and executing large-scale competitions to solve humanity’s greatest challenges. Our unique model democratizes innovation by incentivizing crowd-sourced, scientifically viable solutions to create a more equitable and abundant future for all. Donate, learn more, or join a team at xprize.org.

First published: 28 September 2023

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