The programme will be delivered in two parts:

1. ‘Ideas2App’ Incubator/Pre-Accelerator: open to applicants with innovative app ideas, selected founders will work with Greater Things to build and launch a minimum viable product (MVP) and to validate their business proposition, supported by access to networking, mentorship and workshops, space and events from the Royal Bank Accelerator community.
2. Digital Skills Bootcamps: led by external no-code professionals and supported by educators from Glasgow’s FE colleges, these online sessions will train a diverse cohort of students from the three Colleges in no-code development.

This initiative marks a significant step in Glasgow’s commitment to public, academic and private sectors working successfully together to improve economic outcomes for the citizens and business of the city.

The Glasgow No-Code programme will officially launch in October with applications for the incubator programme to open from then.

“This pilot is about unlocking the full potential of Glasgow’s diverse talent pool,” said councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council. “By combining no-code technology with expert-led training and start-up support, we’re laying foundations to help bridge the digital skills gap and drive greater productivity, while supporting local innovation and economic growth.”

The No-Code pilot project has received £250,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It aims to test scalable and sustainable approaches for Glasgow that:

• reduce start-up barriers for technology-based businesses, enabling would-be founders/ entrepreneurs to rapid build their business ideas and validate their go-to-market ambition
• develop much needed digital skills for young people targeting a broad range of diverse under-represented groups aligning classroom learning to real-world digital career paths
• subsequently raise awareness amongst existing businesses in the city on how they can innovate and respond to new digital challenges and opportunities, matched to and supported by a growing local cohort of no-code trained and certified professionals.

“The Glasgow No-Code programme marks an exciting new chapter for colleges across Glasgow,” said Carla Ethin, vice principal – corporate development and innovation, City of Glasgow College, said: “We’re equipping students, staff and local businesses with no-code skills and practical app development training, unlocking a powerful toolkit for innovation and accessibility. No-code platforms empower our students and businesses to creatively problem-solve without the barriers of traditional programming.

“We’re also building capacity and capability in our teams to not only foster but grow entrepreneurship amongst our student body. Together with Glasgow City Council, RBS and Greater Things, we’re building an ecosystem that’s tailored to the needs of Glasgow’s colleges, students, staff and businesses.”

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.