Tamtam Start free

List of companies with in-house R&D in Scotland

Tamtam tracks 94 companies with in-house R&D headquartered in Scotland. This list ranks the 50 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by The Weir Group PLC, University of Strathclyde and Howden, A Chart Industries Company. Their median headcount is 456. Half of them were founded in 1986 or later. The most common headquarters are Glasgow (11), Edinburgh (9) and Aberdeen (8).

馃嚞馃嚙 Scotland50 companiesUpdated Nov 12, 2026

This selection of companies with in-house R&D in Scotland shows a mix of industries, with a significant presence of higher education and industrial manufacturing. Companies like The Weir Group PLC (mining technology) and Howden (air and gas handling products) represent established industrial sectors, while newer firms such as Skyscanner (internet publishing) and IES Ltd. (sustainable building software) highlight technological advancements. Many of these companies are large, well-established organizations, with several founded in the 19th century.

A notable pattern among these companies is their diverse geographical distribution across Scotland. While Edinburgh and Glasgow feature prominently with headquarters for institutions like the University of Strathclyde and Heriot-Watt University, other significant players like Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks are based in Perth, and Sparrows Group operates from Aberdeen, indicating a broad spread of R&D activities.

#CompanyIndustryHeadquarters EmployeesFounded
1
The Weir Group PLCglobal.weir

Global leader providing innovative, efficient, and sustainable mining technology solutions combining engineering, materials science, and intelligent automation expertise.

Mining 馃嚞馃嚙 Glasgow 10,199 1871
2
University of Strathclydestrath.ac.uk

A place dedicated to providing practical and valuable knowledge or education

Higher Education 馃嚞馃嚙 Glasgow 6,051 1796
3
Howden, A Chart Industries Companychartindustries.com

Global provider of air and gas handling products supporting various industries with a focus on environmental compliance, operational efficiency, and decarbonisation

Industrial Machinery Manufacturing 馃嚞馃嚙 Renfrew 4,172 1854
4
Heriot-Watt Universityhw.ac.uk

A prestigious university with campuses in Scotland, Dubai, and Malaysia known for excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, Business, and Design

Higher Education 馃嚞馃嚙 Edinburgh 4,126 1821
5
Edinburgh Napier Universitynapier.ac.uk

A leading Scottish higher education institution offering industry-informed courses for over 19,000 students worldwide to prepare graduates for the global job market

Higher Education 馃嚞馃嚙 Edinburgh 2,815 n/a
6
Skyscannerskyscanner.net

Helping travelers effortlessly explore the world for future generations to enjoy

Internet Publishing 馃嚞馃嚙 Edinburgh 1,699 2003
7
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networksssen.co.uk

The company maintains electricity networks serving over 39 million homes and businesses in central southern England and northern Scotland, prioritizing safety and reliability

Utilities 馃嚞馃嚙 Perth 1,473 1943
8
Sparrows Groupaltradsparrows.com

Global provider of specialist lifting, mechanical handling, cable laying, and fluid power solutions for energy and industrial sectors worldwide.

Oil and Gas 馃嚞馃嚙 Aberdeen 1,335 1975
9
Proservproserv.com

Specializing in energy technology solutions, our company offers innovative, flexible, and environmentally-friendly controls, monitoring, intelligence, and optimization services for the energy sector

Energy Technology 馃嚞馃嚙 Aberdeen 1,305 n/a
10
Alexander Dennisalexander-dennis.com

Global leader manufacturing double-deck and lightweight buses, driving the shift towards zero-emission mobility, investing in people and communities, with a commitment to excellence

Motor Vehicle Manufacturing 馃嚞馃嚙 Larbert 954 1895
11
Historic Environment Scotlandhistoricenvironment.scot

Preserving Scotland's history and heritage, caring for 300+ properties, managing collections, and investing in national and local organizations, with over 1,200 staff members

Non-profit Organizations 馃嚞馃嚙 Edinburgh 920 2015
12
IMDEXimdex.com

The company provides expert geoscience solutions for the global mining technology industry, enabling safe, faster, and more accurate drilling operations

Mining 馃嚞馃嚙 Perth 913 1980
13
Terumo Aorticterumoaortic.com

Partnering with customers to provide innovative, versatile, and precise aortic care solutions, including implantable devices and digital technologies.

Medical Equipment Manufacturing 馃嚞馃嚙 Inchinnan 812 1982
14
Kyowa Kirin International plc.kyowakirininternational.com

Development and commercialization of innovative medicines in oncology, nephrology, and CNS therapies across Europe and the Middle East.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing 馃嚞馃嚙 Galashiels 701 1995
15
IES Ltd.iesve.com

Innovative company specializing in software simulation tools and consulting services for sustainable building design, development, and management to combat climate change

Technology, Information and Internet 馃嚞馃嚙 Glasgow 604 n/a
16
Natural Powernaturalpower.com

Independent consultancy providing integrated services and innovative products for renewable energy projects across wind, solar, storage, heat, and infrastructure sectors.

Business Consulting and Services 馃嚞馃嚙 Castle Douglas 592 1995
17
NHS Golden Jubileenhsgoldenjubilee.co.uk

An institution in NHS Scotland delivering healthcare and research services through collaboration, with a focus on sustainable delivery and education

Hospitals and Health Care 馃嚞馃嚙 Clydebank 588 2002
18
Devrodevro.com

A global leader in supplying collagen casings and films for sausages and other meat products, with manufacturing plants worldwide and over 2,000 employees

Food and Beverage Manufacturing 馃嚞馃嚙 Glasgow 577 n/a
19
Peak Scientificpeakscientific.com

Design and manufacture of reliable nitrogen, hydrogen, and zero air gas generators for analytical laboratories with global technical support.

Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing 馃嚞馃嚙 Inchinnan 566 1997
20
Positive Technologiesptsecurity.com

A leader in cybersecurity solutions, offering innovative products and services to detect and neutralize risks in corporate IT infrastructure globally

Computer and Network Security 馃嚞馃嚙 Moscow 563 n/a
21
Baxters Food Groupbaxters.com

Manufacturer of high-quality ambient foods including soups, jams, ready meals, military rations, and baby food for global markets.

Food and Beverage Manufacturing 馃嚞馃嚙 Moray 531 1868
22
Low & Bonarfreudenberg-pm.com

Global leader in high performance materials manufacturing components using polymers to enhance products, promote sustainability, and improve quality of life worldwide

Textile Manufacturing 馃嚞馃嚙 Edinburgh 498 n/a
23
RoslinCTroslinct.com

A global CDMO specializing in Advanced Cell and Gene Therapies, offering process development, clinical manufacturing, gene editing, and cell line development services

Biotechnology Research 馃嚞馃嚙 Edinburgh 494 2015
24
The James Hutton Institutehutton.ac.uk

Research organisation focusing on sustainable land use, natural resources, providing science, consultancy, and analytical services globally.

Research Services 馃嚞馃嚙 Dundee 460 2011
25
Hydrasunhydrasun.com

A market leader in fluid transfer, power & control solutions, supporting customer decarbonisation and energy transition with innovative engineering and technology

Oil and Gas 馃嚞馃嚙 Aberdeen 456 1976

Want more companies than this list?

This page shows the largest ones only. Connect to Tamtam to see every company that matches, filter by size, industry or growth, and reach their decision-makers.

Get more companies, free
26
WGM Engineering Ltdwgmengineering.co.uk

A Glasgow-based family business offering safe and sustainable engineering solutions including mechanical, electrical, civil engineering, renewable energy, project management, and more

Engineering Services 馃嚞馃嚙 Glasgow 440 1986
27
STATS Groupstatsgroup.com

Global leader in pressurized pipeline isolation services, offering innovative solutions for maintenance, repair, and integrity testing in energy industry worldwide

Oil and Gas 馃嚞馃嚙 Kintore 440 1998
28
BENTECbentec.com

A subsidiary of the KCA Deutag Group, Bentec designs and manufactures drilling rigs, equipment, and top drives for various environments worldwide

Oil and Gas 馃嚞馃嚙 Aberdeen 429 1994
29
Emtelleemtelle.com

A global leader in passive infrastructure solutions for FTTx markets, providing innovative technologies for streamlined operations and diverse project solutions

Telecommunications 馃嚞馃嚙 Hawick 429 1990
30
Ashtead Technologyashtead-technology.com

A global leader in equipment rental solutions and advanced underwater technologies for the energy sector, with over 38 years of experience

Oil and Gas 馃嚞馃嚙 Westhill 426 1985
31
EPCCepcc.ed.ac.uk

Provider of supercomputing and data services to industry and academia, offering advanced computing facilities, education & training programs, and cutting-edge research in HPC and data science

Higher Education 馃嚞馃嚙 Edinburgh 414 1990
32
FreeAgentfreeagent.com

Provides award-winning accounting software and support for small businesses, accountants, and bookkeepers, helping users manage their finances effectively and happily.

Software Development 馃嚞馃嚙 Edinburgh 407 2007
33
Worldmarkccldesign.com

Global manufacturer of labels, components, branding solutions, and security applications for electronics, automotive, and industrial sectors, part of CCL Industries

Printing Services 馃嚞馃嚙 East Kilbride 394 1979
34
RWG (Repair & Overhauls)rwgroup.com

Global leader in maintenance, repair, and overhaul of industrial gas generators and power turbines, backed by Siemens expertise and 25 years experience

Oil and Gas 馃嚞馃嚙 Aberdeen 378 n/a
35
Star Refrigerationstar-ref.co.uk

Global leader in cooling, heating, freezing, and mechanical solutions using natural refrigerants Offers consultancy, design, installation, maintenance services to clients worldwide

Industrial Machinery Manufacturing 馃嚞馃嚙 Glasgow 369 1970
36
Scottish Leather Groupscottishleathergroup.com

A family-owned group of businesses specializing in sustainable leather production, from sourcing hides to creating innovative, low-carbon leather products

Textile Manufacturing 馃嚞馃嚙 Bridge of Weir 355 1965
37
Balmoral Comtecbalmoraloffshore.com

A leading specialist in mechanical and polymer engineering, offering innovative solutions for offshore oil and gas, renewables, oceanographic, and defense sectors

Professional Services 馃嚞馃嚙 Aberdeen 337 1980
38
Offshore Renewable Energy Catapultore.catapult.org.uk

The company is a research center focusing on offshore renewable energy, collaborating with industry, academia, and government to reduce costs and create economic benefits

Services for Renewable Energy 馃嚞馃嚙 Glasgow 264 2012
39
qediqed-i.com

A technology-driven engineering company specializing in mechanical completion and commissioning services for energy sector projects globally, with a focus on technical integrity and innovation

Oil and Gas 馃嚞馃嚙 Aberdeen 251 n/a
40
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotlandrzss.org.uk

Leading conservation charity managing Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park, caring for endangered animals and educating nearly 750,000 visitors annually.

Non-profit Organizations 馃嚞馃嚙 Edinburgh 225 1909
41
KeyPoint Technologieskeypoint-tech.com

A global technology enabler designing innovative language technology offerings for mobile consumers, with a focus on user interface technology and diverse platforms

Software Development 馃嚞馃嚙 Glasgow 218 2004
42
Glacier Energyglacierenergy.com

Specialist provider of products, services, and solutions for both renewable and conventional energy markets, optimizing assets for peak performance

Services for Renewable Energy 馃嚞馃嚙 Aberdeen 215 2011
43
STRstr-subsea.com

Global provider of rental equipment, technologies, and data services for offshore energy and marine science industries Leader in specialized solutions

Services for Renewable Energy 馃嚞馃嚙 Altens 213 1994
44
Coretrax, an Expro companyexpro.com

A global innovation leader improving production performance and delivering well intervention efficiencies with boundary-pushing well lifecycle solutions #ExpandTheLimits

Oil and Gas 馃嚞馃嚙 Aberdeen 209 2008
45
Thistle Seafoods Ltdthistleseafoods.com

Family-owned manufacturer of frozen and chilled coated and added value seafood products, supplying retailers and food service companies globally.

Food and Beverage Manufacturing 馃嚞馃嚙 Peterhead 183 1947
46
Chemify Limitedchemify.io

Utilizing Chemputation to speed up molecular discovery processes and enhance research outcomes

Chemical Manufacturing 馃嚞馃嚙 Glasgow 173 n/a
47
AAC Clyde Spaceaac-clyde.space

Small satellite technologies and services enabling governments and businesses to access high-quality space data for weather, security, agriculture, and more.

Defense and Space Manufacturing 馃嚞馃嚙 Glasgow 169 2005
48
Browns Food Groupbrownsfoodgroup.com

A multi-disciplinary food manufacturing organization with 7 state-of-the-art facilities in the UK, specializing in partnerships with wholesale and retail sectors

Food and Beverage Manufacturing 馃嚞馃嚙 Kirkconnel 164 1885
49
Professional Beauty Systemsprofessionalbeautysystems.co.uk

A dynamic company specializing in research, development, and marketing of professional hair and beauty products, tailored to meet client needs and distributed globally

Personal Care Product Manufacturing 馃嚞馃嚙 Renfrew 160 1984
50
M Squaredm2lasers.com

This photonics technology company specializes in advanced laser platforms, collaborating with universities and industries worldwide in quantum technology, biophotonics, and chemical sensing

Industrial Machinery Manufacturing 馃嚞馃嚙 Glasgow 157 2006

Turn this list into pipeline

Tamtam finds the decision-makers at every company on a list like this one, with verified emails, phone numbers and the buying signals that tell you when to reach out.

Build your own list, free

How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.

More company lists in Scotland

The same list elsewhere in United Kingdom

The same list elsewhere