Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards 2026 finalists revealed
- Mar 3
- 2 min read
The finalists of Scotland’s flagship awards celebrating collaboration between business, academia, the public sector and the third sector have been selected by an independent panel of expert judges.
Now in its 11th year, the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards, organised by Interface, shine a spotlight on innovative partnerships between business, the third sector, the public sector and academia.
The awards recognise and reward exceptional collaborations that deliver economic, environmental and social benefits for Scotland.
At DHI we’re delighted to celebrate the finalists for the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards 2026, including those in our category:
Research and Innovation in Digital Health and Social Care
This award celebrates digitally enabled knowledge exchange projects that have made a significant positive impact on health and social care!
Congratulations to the shortlisted teams:
EPIC Think Learn C.I.C. and The University of Edinburgh This collaboration with EPIC Think Learn C.I.C. brings University of Edinburgh research directly into homes, classrooms, and clinical settings through EPIC’s innovative digital platform. By equipping families and professionals with practical, research-based strategies, the partnership improves children’s wellbeing, enhances early intervention, and strengthens Scotland’s capacity to support neurodivergent learners at scale.
Sentinel and University of Strathclyde Sentinel and the University of Strathclyde have co-created an ecosystem of trauma-informed digital tools providing “PPE for the Mind” to frontline and essential workers. Through cutting-edge research and scalable technology, the collaboration is delivering innovative support and training solutions piloted across NHS Boards and essential services in Scotland and internationally, strengthening preparedness, psychological safety, workforce resilience, and long-term workforce sustainability.
The Cleft Lip Education through Augmented Reality (CLEAR) programme and Breast Cancer Augmented Reality Education (CARE) programmes - West of Scotland Innovation Hub, The Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, The Beatson Cancer Charity and The Glasgow School of Art The Cleft Lip Augmented Reality patient leaflet overcomes the health-literacy gap by providing a fully visual explanation of complex surgery, akin to the Harry Potter “moving newspapers”. Co-developed with families – studies demonstrate improved understanding, reduced anxiety and clearer informed consent compared with traditional leaflets. Now implemented nationally, this approach is being translated to breast cancer, with potential global impact.
Each of these collaborations demonstrates the power of partnership in driving forward digital health and social care innovation that delivers real-world impact.
We’re proud to support this category and look forward to celebrating with all the finalists at the awards ceremony!
