Exploring sustainable innovation and inspiring collaboration In Dundee & Angus

Friday 20th February 2026, 4:26pm

On Tuesday 17th February, Val Hughes-White, Roslin Innovation Centre Director and UKSPA (United Kingdom Science Park Association) Scottish Group Chair, visited the Dundee area to learn more about agricultural research and innovation in the region, the specialist facilities available and to explore opportunities for collaboration.

Accompanying Val was Dave Ross, a Partner in AgriFood Investment Advisory (AIA), and tenant company at Roslin Innovation Centre, which connects innovative agrifood start-ups and SMEs with investors.



Advanced Plant Growth Centre AT JHI

The first visit was to the James Hutton Institute (JHI) in Invergowrie, a world-leading interdisciplinary scientific research centre focused on the sustainable management of land, crops, and natural resources; meeting with Ian Archer, Commercial Director for Scientific Services and Derek Stewart, Director of the Advanced Plant Growth Centre (APGC).

A tour of the Institute showcased the plant phenotype facilities, which bridge the gap between genetics and agriculture, ensuring food security in a changing climate. These facilities act as a high-tech testing ground that ensures Scottish and global agriculture remains productive and environmentally sustainable.



As part of the Tay Cities Region Deal, two James Hutton Institute-led innovation centre projects have been specifically designed to bring in additional investment and drive regional growth. These projects - the International Barley Hub (IBH) and the Advanced Plant Growth Centre (APGC) - are housed together in the newly opened Crop Innovation Centre, which represents a combined investment of £62 million from the UK and Scottish Governments.

The Advanced Plant Growth Centre (APGC) is a flagship project, revolutionising crop production through technologies like vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture to improve food security and reduce environmental impact. It offers a sophisticated range of specialist analytical services and techniques designed to understand plant performance from the molecular level to the final product stage. 

“It was most encouraging to hear of the innovation activity taking place in the region and to identify collaborative opportunities between Roslin Innovation Centre and the James Hutton Institute, particularly in the support of early-stage startups. We look forward to exploring and developing this further.”

Val Hughes-White, Roslin Innovation Centre Director


SOIL ESSENTIALS

The next visit was to Hilton of Fern, near Brechin, to meet with Jim Wilson, Managing Director of Soil Essentials, an agricultural technology company.

This rural area in Angus is associated with precision farming, soil sampling, and agricultural innovation and Jim talked about future ambitions and plans for an Angus Agritech Adoption Hub.

“This agritech hub facility is at the early stages of planning, so you need to imagine the future, while standing in a field!  It is clearly an exciting opportunity and one which will strengthen the agri-tech provision for Scotland.”

Val Hughes-White, Roslin Innovation Centre Director

Such a development is one supported by Roslin Innovation Centre, and one they would work closely with to ensure that Scotland attracts and retains early-stage startups. 

New agri-tech companies face unique challenges. Working in partnership, we can assist and accelerate agri-tech innovation in Scotland, and subsequent economic growth, through industry signposting, collaborating on expansion/scaling capabilities, and potentially hosting joint activities to benefit and inform young, high-potential agri businesses.



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