who are we
The Smart Things Accelerator Centre is a unique IOT tech accelerator dedicated to scaling start-ups to become sustainable, globally competitive companies.
We are focused on supporting our cohort to have the highest chance of long term success, through meaningful mentorship delivered over an 18 month proven program, and supported directly by industry.
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STAC is a not for profit organisation founded by Gregor Aikman of Filament, Paul Winstanley of CENSIS, and Paul Wilson our CEO. Everything we do is towards growing the Smart Things industry in Scotland, and to propel entrepreneurs, start-ups and organisations to perform on a global stage.
founders
Paul wilson, CEO
Demonstrated history in wireless, smart and IoT industry products for giants such as Blackberry and Wistron. Experience in Smart Home, IoT and Med Tech products and building partnership eco-systems in wireless, cloud, data analytics and technology providers.
gregor aikman, COO
Expansive product portfolio facilitating the release of over 100 products in IoT, Sports Tech, Renewables, Med Tech, Smart Buildings, Circular Economy and FMCG. Experienced Human Centred Design, Customer Experience and Design Thinking consultant.
paul winstanley, NXD
A seasoned entrepreneurial executive with a substantial track record for applying innovation in the defence, security, transport and medical sectors spanning Academia, Government, SMEs and International PLCs.Â
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mentors
Leighanne jordan
As a human resources recruitment specialist, with 18 years experience, LeighAnne will connect and support the cohorts at the early stages of their business. Experience from the recruitment industry as well as being an accredited coach means LeighAnne will share her expertise with the cohorts and contribute to their success.
aileen biagi
With a background in tech product development, new product introduction and educating future product design engineers, joining STAC is a natural progression for Aileen. Finding it both rewarding and exciting to use that experience in helping young smart tech businesses through the product creation process within a robust accelerator programme framework.
Board members
ronnie darroch, chair
EVP & Regional President Plexus EMEA at Plexus Corp.
A customer centric leader with an outstanding track record of success in the
Electronics Manufacturing Service (EMS) sector. Ronnie’s been lucky enough to
lead, mentor and coach teams to deliver best in class performance in a career
spanning more than 30 years.
craig lynn, nxd
Co-founder / Director at Filament PD Ltd
Business Development Director driving network engagement, ensuring our
ecosystem of customers, partners and organisations is second to none. Director
level at Product Design Agencies since 2008, helping verify products in development
with the correct user groups, research bodies, end customer and end users. Has
managed design research projects for NHS, and delivered products across medtech,
infrastructure, smart-home and renewables.
advisory board
jim rowan
CEO & President Volvo Cars
A business and operations executive who gets things done – but in the right way!
Operating at C-Level, and board level for over 10 years, yet still driven by the hands-
on experience of working with engineers in the labs, Jim’s career includes CEO at
Dyson and exec roles at Blackberry, Celestica and Flex.
evelyn macdonald
CEO at Scottish EDGE
Experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working
successfully in the social enterprise and charity sector. Skilled in Business Support (especially in growing and scaling businesses), Operations, Loan Fund
Management, Coaching, and Event Management.
richard lewis
Chairman, NxD, Exec Coach
Boasting an impressive résumé of Chairman and NED roles for a wide range of
digital, software and service providers, Richard’s experience lies in maximising
business potential through effective management, planning and execution.
kim mccann
Head of Sustainability – Global Consumer & Manufacturing at PA Consulting
Driving the future of industry through Sustainability and Technology for long term
value creation. An experienced C-level executive, delivering transformation and
technology solutions to drive sustainable bottom line results. Kim helps technology
start-ups and scale-ups develop the right business and operating models to
maximize long term value generation.
craig whittet
Head of Department, Product Design Engineering at Glasgow School of Art & University of Glasgow
Experienced Product Designer and Design Director now developing talent in design,
engineering and entrepreneurial spirit. Shaping the future of education programmes,
fostering partnerships between industry and academia and inspiring the next
generation of designers, entrepreneurs and thought leaders.
angus macfadyen
CEO, NXD, Board Adviser, Angel Investor at Gabriel Investments, Transformation
Specialist
Transformational leader with experience in leading, building and turning around
technology businesses. Co-founded and built through exit both a SaaS business and
an enterprise software business. Track record of restructuring and refinancing
businesses working in close collaboration with investors and advisers.
douglas shand
Professor of Leadership and Enterprise at the University of Glasgow’s School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Dumfries Campus.
A globally recognised leader in delivering business benefit from emerging and disruptive technologies. Winning international awards for innovation, Douglas is an expert in the application of Agile methodologies in both software development and general business strategy. Providing strategy and M&A advice to Private Equity and Venture Capital investors and mentoring companies in the telecoms and emerging technology sectors.
stefan raue
Founder and Head of Data and Analytics of Arceptive
Founder and CEO of Bizvento
Recognized for working with corporate, academia, public services, and start-ups as the interface between technology and business. Always looking for cutting-edge technologies to improve the performance of services, processes, teams, and organisations with a focus on enabling technologies in the field of data science and scalable web platforms.
stac ecosystem
Unlike other accelerators, STAC has positioned a specific ecosystem required to launch, support and scale Smart Things companies.
Our team and advisory board are trusted and experienced in leadership, business growth, product development, sales, manufacture, sustainability and investment, having developed products and ran businesses for some of the biggest names in tech.
We have strategically positioned a network of industry partners to support both smart things specific technology development and business growth:
We have strategically positioned a network of industry partners to support both smart things specific technology development and business growth:
- Devices
- Data
- Analytics
- Connectivity
- Product Design
- Hardware Development
- Software Development
- Cloud Strategy
- Education
- Business Strategy
- Recruitment
- Investment
partnering with:
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Facilities
STAC shares the premises of Filament PD, a leading Scottish product development
agency.
Two facilities – the design studio and the prototyping lab – have been created with
rapid product development in mind. The design studio is kitted out with ample
meeting rooms, breakout spaces, and desk space, all in a spacious environment
conducive to collaboration. The prototyping lab features a 3d printing suite, laser
cutters, CNC’s and two rooms full of tools to make, break and iterate hardware.
Testing zones, assembly space and workbenches throughout make this a perfect
space to turn ideas into reality quickly.
get involved
Sound interesting? Are you an established organisation already engaged in the Tech space? Ready to boost what STAC offers? Get in touch!
get in touch
Whether you’re curious about STAC, interested in being a sponsor, or looking to join our next cohort – we want to hear from you!Â