Creative, Digital, Tech to Show, Tell and Sell
It is a key ethos of the region that creative, digital, tech are sectors in and of themselves but also serve and support diverse sectors to show, tell and sell. In other words, these sectors are for entertainment but also beyond that for verticals ranging across construction, medical, fashion, energy/renewables, transport, manufacturing and many more. These are fundamental tools for service delivery, marketing, training, informing R&D and improving productivity.
Dundee's Creative, Digital, Tech Ecosystem
Dundee, historically known for its contributions to various technological fields, continues to be a vibrant hub for innovation and development. The city's current technology scene is characterized by its dynamic tech start-ups, cutting-edge research, and strong collaborations between academia and industry. Explore key aspects of Dundee's contemporary technology landscape and the exciting developments shaping its future. Dundee’s screen and
digital tech ecosystem is a dynamic and innovative environment, recognized for its contributions to video games, digital media, and creative industries. The city has a rich history in technology and gaming, anchored by the
success of iconic projects like Grand Theft Auto, which originated in Dundee. This legacy continues to influence and shape the local tech scene today. Dundee's screen and digital tech ecosystem punches above its weight on the global stage, contributing to international projects and attracting talent from around the world.
Key Components
Key components are industry, skills/talent development and research, and sector/business support. Dundee’s screen and digital tech ecosystem is a robust and diverse network that combines a rich history in gaming with cutting-edge digital innovation and playing a leading role in virtual production. Supported by strong educational institutions and a collaborative community, Dundee continues to be a hub for creativity, technology, and media production.
Industry
These sectors are a significant driver of Dundee's economy, providing jobs, fostering innovation, and drawing investment into the city. Explore more on this below.
Skills/Talent Development and Research
Dundee’s universities and research institutions play a pivotal role in developing talent and advancing technology through cutting-edge research and collaboration with industry.
University of Dundee: The University of Dundee is a key player in the city’s technology landscape. Its research in areas such as biomedical sciences, computing, and engineering has garnered international recognition. The university’s Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID) and the School of Life Sciences are particularly noted for their innovative work.
Abertay University: Known for its pioneering programs in computer games technology and cybersecurity, Abertay University is a critical contributor to Dundee’s tech scene. The university’s focus on practical, industry-relevant education ensures that graduates are well-prepared to enter the tech workforce. Abertay offers specialised courses in game design, digital media, virtual production, immersive and computer science. It is internationally recognized for its contribution to gaming education.
James Hutton Institute: This institute is renowned for its research in environmental and agricultural sciences. Its work on sustainable agriculture, climate change, and food security leverages advanced technologies such as remote sensing, data analytics, and biotechnology.
Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design (DJCAD):
Dundee and Angus College: provides vocational training in digital technologies, helping to produce a skilled workforce that supports the local industry.
Sector/Business Support
Tech Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Startups
Dundee offers a supportive environment for tech start-ups, with incubators like Elevator Dundee providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities for emerging companies. The city fosters a thriving start-up culture, including in areas like games, virtual production, digital solutions and software development.
CodeBase and Techscaler - Codebase is one of the largest technology incubators in the UK and has a significant presence in Dundee. It provides workspace, networking opportunities, and support services to start-ups, helping them scale their businesses and connect with investors and industry experts.
Innovation Hubs and Collaboration
Dundee’s innovation hubs and collaborative initiatives foster a spirit of innovation and provide platforms for interdisciplinary work.
Dundee Technology Park - hosts a variety of tech companies and research organizations, providing a collaborative environment for innovation. It serves as a hub for businesses in sectors such as biotechnology, software development, and engineering.
V&A Dundee - an international centre for design, V&A Dundee plays a role in the city’s creative and tech industries. It hosts events and exhibitions that explore the intersection of design, technology, and innovation, fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration.
Emerging Technologies and Smart City Initiatives - Dundee is positioning itself at the forefront of emerging technologies and smart city initiatives, aiming to create a sustainable and technologically advanced urban environment.
Smart City Projects - Dundee is investing in smart city technologies to improve urban living. Initiatives include the deployment of IoT sensors for traffic management, waste management, and environmental monitoring. The city’s waterfront redevelopment project incorporates smart technologies to enhance sustainability and connectivity.
Renewable Energy and Sustainability - Dundee is committed to renewable energy and sustainability. The city is exploring the use of solar, wind, and tidal energy to reduce its carbon footprint. Projects like the Dundee Solar City initiative aim to increase the adoption of solar energy across the city.
Biotechnology and Life Sciences - Dundee’s life sciences sector continues to grow, with significant investments in biotechnology research and development. The city’s expertise in genomics, drug discovery, and medical devices positions it as a leader in the life sciences industry.
Industry
Interactive Entertainment and Gaming
Building on its legacy as the birthplace of iconic games like Grand Theft Auto, Dundee continues to be a leading centre for game development. The city is home to numerous independent game studios and larger companies, driving innovation in interactive entertainment. GTA was developed by DMA Design and remains one of the most successful video game franchises in history. The city is home to a vibrant game development sector with companies like 4J Studios (known for Minecraft console editions), Rockstar North (GTA), Cobra Mobile, Tag Games, Outplay Entertainment, Hyper Luminal and Ninja Kiwi who contribute to the thriving creative community.
Digital Agencies
Dundee is home to leading digital agencies that drive innovation and use creative, digital and tech to serve diverse industries, from healthcare to e-commerce.
Waracle and Screenmedia are two prominent digital agencies in the UK, known for their expertise in mobile app development, digital transformation, and user experience design.
Waracle, headquartered in Dundee, has established itself as one of the UK's largest mobile app development companies, serving a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, financial services, and energy. Their focus on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, IoT, and blockchain has positioned them as a leader in the digital innovation space.
Screenmedia, owned by Waracle, complements this landscape by specialising in digital product design, customer experience, and innovation. With a strong reputation for delivering impactful digital experiences, Screenmedia works with some of the world's leading brands to create engaging, user-centric solutions. Both Waracle and Screenmedia share a commitment to pushing the boundaries of digital transformation, helping businesses navigate the complexities of the modern digital world through innovative and tailored solutions. Clients include UK broadcaster, Channel 4.
Zudu: A Dundee-based digital agency with a strong focus on app development, web design, and digital marketing. Zudu has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, bespoke digital solutions tailored to the needs of their clients. Their expertise spans various sectors, including healthcare, education, and e-commerce, making them a versatile player in the digital landscape.
Korb: A creative digital agency that specializes in web design, development, and branding. Korb is known for its user-focused approach, creating visually stunning and highly functional digital experiences. They work with clients across different industries, helping them to establish and enhance their online presence.
Blue2 Digital: This full-service digital agency offers a wide range of services, including web design, development, SEO, and digital marketing. Blue2 Digital focuses on helping businesses grow by creating effective digital strategies that drive engagement and conversions. Their client base includes both local and international brands.
MediaCo: Specializing in web design, e-commerce, and digital marketing, MediaCo has a strong presence in Dundee's digital scene. They are known for their strategic approach to digital projects, helping businesses achieve their goals through targeted online solutions.
These agencies, among others, make Dundee a thriving centre for digital creativity, driving innovation and growth in the digital sector in the UK and beyond.
Creative and Media Production
A growing video production sector supports the creation of content ranging from corporate films to commercials, reflecting the city's expanding role in media production.
Animation, Video Production and Media - Companies like Salamandra in Dundee are known for their expertise in animation, motion graphics, and digital storytelling, serving a global client base and enhancing the city's creative output. Salamandra is a creative digital agency with a branch in Dundee, known for its specialization in 2D and 3D animation, as well as motion graphics. The agency works across various industries, providing engaging visual content that helps brands communicate their messages more effectively. Salamandra's team in Dundee brings a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise to the table, offering services that range from explainer videos and corporate animations to immersive AR and VR experiences. Salamandra's approach is highly collaborative, working closely with clients to understand their needs and crafting tailored solutions that resonate with their target audience. Their work is characterized by a strong emphasis on storytelling, ensuring that each project not only looks visually impressive but also delivers a clear and compelling narrative. By combining artistic skill with the latest in digital technology, Salamandra has established itself as a key player in Dundee's vibrant digital and creative sector, contributing to the city's growing reputation as a hub for innovation.
Digital Solutions
NCR Voyix and NCR Atleos represent two key pillars of NCR Corporation's modern strategy, reflecting its evolution from a hardware-focused company to a leader in digital banking and commerce. NCR Voyix is a cloud-based platform that consolidates the company's retail, hospitality, and digital banking solutions, providing businesses with integrated tools to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations. On the other hand, NCR Atleos focuses on the banking sector, offering a comprehensive suite of services that includes digital-first banking platforms, self-service banking solutions, and managed services. Both Voyix and Atleos are central to NCR's vision of creating a connected, digitally driven ecosystem that empowers businesses to innovate and thrive in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Together, they highlight NCR’s commitment to leading the future of commerce and banking through cutting-edge technology and service excellence.
Brightsolid - provides cloud hosting and managed services, focusing on secure, compliant solutions for businesses
Broker Insights - a platform connecting insurers and brokers, enhancing the visibility and efficiency of insurance products and services
Mozenix - develops Augmented Reality/AR applications for various industries
MyWay Digital Health - known for its flagship platform, MyDiabetesMyWay, which helps patients manage diabetes through digital tools and remote monitoring
Just Venue - connects venues with event organizers, simplifying the booking process through an extensive database and user-friendly platform
Space - Exploration & Communications
Dundee, a city with a rich history of technological innovation, has carved out a significant niche in the field of space exploration and research. With a strong foundation in academia and a growing ecosystem of tech startups and research institutions, Dundee is making notable contributions to space technology. This blog explores the various aspects of Dundee's involvement in space exploration and research, highlighting key players, projects, and future prospects.
Dundee’s current and developing technology scene is a testament to its enduring spirit of innovation and adaptability. With a robust ecosystem of startups, world-class academic institutions, and a commitment to emerging technologies and sustainability, Dundee is poised to remain a key player in the global technology landscape. The city’s collaborative approach, coupled with its rich history of technological advancements, ensures that Dundee will continue to be a hub of innovation and progress.