Touchlab is a Scottish robotics company pioneering ultra-thin electronic skin technology that allows robots, prosthetics, and remote-operated machines to sense and respond to their environment with human-like tactile perception.
Scotland's healthtech industry
On 26 June Scotland will showcase its latest healthtech innovations at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. Find out more about the Scottish companies that’ll be on show and why you should Think Scotland for healthtech.
Did you know?
Scotland has one of the largest life sciences clusters in Europe – and it's rapidly growing.
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80,000 patients
currently participating in government-funded healthtech projects.
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£4.9 billion
current value of Scotland's life sciences sector.
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500 human health companies
including global organisations and homegrown startups.
A history of medical firsts
Scotland been at the forefront of medical innovations for more than 200 years. From the discovery of quinine as a cure for malaria in 1760, to the first hypodermic syringe in 1853, all the way up to the development AI-embedded healthcare solutions right now.
This rich history as a medical pioneer is the foundation on which Scotland’s dynamic, vibrant, and simulating healthtech ecosystem has been built. An ecosystem globally recognised as one of the largest, most accessible, and collaborative life sciences clusters in Europe.
A culture of research and innovation
With a culture of research, innovation, and creativity, it makes sense that many global healthtech leaders have established a presence in Scotland.
Large multinationals and Scottish startups alike are developing healthtech solutions to global challenges in Scotland thanks to the benefits and opportunities the country offers.
It has one of the world’s most highly developed health informatics systems, creating a wealth of linked and anonymised data that can be used to support research. 15 of the country’s universities receive 19% of the biosciences funding given to all UK universities, allowing them to conduct groundbreaking research.
The alignment of academia, industry partners, and the National Health Service (NHS) provides unique opportunities for co-development and clinical testing. And its diverse geography across urban, rural and remote locations creates a perfect test bed environment.
Addressing global health challenges
Scotland is a perfect environment for developing solutions to global healthcare challenges. Once such challenge is demographic health concerns, particularly with regards to population shifts.
Scotland is internationally recognised as a leader in the development and deployment of telehealth and telecare. It currently has over 80,000 patients across the country participating in projects in these areas.
When it comes to older populations (particularly within rural settings), remote health monitoring is essential. Scottish companies like Metix Medical and PneumoWave are revolutionising this area, developing solutions that provide continuous and remote real-time monitoring and insights.
Older populations also represent distinct health care challenges, like cardiometabolic diseases like diabetes and heart failure . Glasgow-based MyWay Digital Health (MWDH) delivers transformative care through affordable, evidence based, data-driven, scalable award-winning solutions with a key focus on diabetes and long-term conditions.
These are just a few of the many Scottish companies developing solutions that look to combat global health challenges like this.
Interested in partnering with Scotland?
Scottish Development International’s office in Tokyo is working with Japanese companies who are looking to trade with or invest into Scotland.
Phone: +81 3 5211 1310
The best of Scotland’s healthtech at Expo
From electronic skin technology to ultrasonic scalpels, the cutting-edge inventions from Scottish companies Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai will be a window into the near future of health care.
Meet the companies
Discover the Scottish companies that'll be showcasing their innovations at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.
Bioliberty is developing soft robotic assistive devices for individuals with reduced bodily function due to stroke, aging, or neuromuscular conditions. Its flagship product, the Lifeglove, is an air-powered soft robotic glove designed to restore grip strength and dexterity.
Konpanion is an Edinburgh-based company dedicated to designing empathetic companion robots for alleviating loneliness and enhancing well-being. Their flagship product, Maah, resembles a ‘living pillow’ and offers emotional support by emulating pet-like behaviours.
Nami produce miniaturised ultrasonic scalpels that can be used in minimally invasive surgeries. The device uses ultrasonic energy to cut and coagulate tissue, offering high precision and minimal thermal damage to surrounding areas. Its miniaturized design is essential for integration into robotic systems, allowing surgeons to perform delicate procedures with enhanced control and accuracy.
iGii develops advanced electrochemical biosensing solutions powered by its proprietary nanomaterial, Gii. Specializing in next-generation diagnostics, iGii integrates Gii into scalable, high-performance platforms for healthcare, environmental, and industrial applications.
J&D Wilkie is one of Scotland’s leading textile manufacturers, family owned, dating back to 1868. They specialize in high-performance technical textiles for defence, automotive, filtration, aerospace, medical, and industrial applications.
Talking Mats is a Scottish social enterprise dedicated to enhancing the communication abilities of individuals with communication difficulties. Founded by speech and language therapists, the organization has developed an innovative visual communication framework known as ‘Talking Mats’
If you miss any of these companies at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, you can catch them at Japan Health in Osaka where they’ll also be exhibiting between the 25-27 June.
Meet the speakers
Leaders from Scotland's healthtech industry will be speaking across various panels throughout this spotlight day. These include:
- Katriona Brooksbank - Innovation Lead, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
- Hazel Dempsey – Innovation Lead, NHS Grampian
- Lisa Farrell - Business Development Manager, UK National Robotarium
- Stewart Miller – CEO, UK National Robotarium
- David Lowe – Health Innovation Academic/ Clinical Director Scottish Government/ University of Glasgow
- Ken Sutherland – President Canon Medical
- Lesley Palmer – Dementia Services Development Centre, Stirling University
- Donna Henderson – Head of International Engagement, Digital Health & Care NHS/Scottish Government
Other events at the Scottish Pavilion
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Gaming and consumer industries
Scotland’s first spotlight day at Expo 2025 will showcase its gaming and consumer industries.
17 April 2025
UK Pavilion -
Energy transition
Scotland’s third spotlight day at Expo 2025 will showcase its energy transition industries.
18 September 2025
UK PavilionComing soon
Interested in Scottish companies?
Get in touch with our Tokyo office to find out more and get connected.