Edinburgh, United Kingdom: innovation profile

Edinburgh is number 169 in the 311 Innovation Cities Index, with an innovation score of 33. It is home to 19 R&D labs, 4 startups, 4 investors and 1 of the world's largest companies in the 311 Institute directories.

Part of the 311 Innovation Cities Index (311institute.com). Last updated 7 October 2026.

Largest companies

• NatWest Group plc (#F44)

Startups

• Blazing Griffin
• Silver Lion Innovations
• Skyrora
• Waterwhelm

Investors

• Circularity Capital
• Patria Capital Partners
• Patria Private Equity (europe)
• Promethean Investments

R&D labs

Cancer Research UK, Canon (Japan), Edinburgh Genomics, Heriot-Watt University, Medical Research Council, Medical Research Council, Medical Research Council, NatWest, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Royal Observatory, Royal Observatory, Scotch Whisky Research Institute, Scottish Government, Scottish Mental Health Research Network, Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Universities in United Kingdom, University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh.