THE Scottish Government has launched its first “Techscaler hub” in the US, which will link Scotland's top start-ups with Silicon Valley.

The project will provide office space for 12 fledgling firms in San Francisco’s South Park district, close to the city’s venture capital finance quarter.

First launched in November 2022, Techscaler has already established community hubs across Scotland. The tech start-up support programme delivers education, mentorship and workspaces.

Now, Wellbeing Economy Secretary Màiri McAllan (below) has announced the creation of the Silicon Valley hub at a meeting with Scotland’s business community, saying the “benefits are clear”.

The National: Mairi McAllan stood in for Kevin Stewart this afternoon

McAllan added: “Our £42m Techscaler network is showcasing some of Scotland’s most promising start-ups on the global stage.

“The pilot Techscaler San Francisco hub is helping their businesses make connections in the world’s leading start-up community.

“The benefits are clear, our start-ups are expanding their networks and engaging with communities of like-minded individuals of owners, start-ups and investors - this will help increase their visibility and grow their businesses in the global marketplace.”

“Activities like this demonstrate Scotland’s ambition to become one of Europe’s leading start-up communities, we are setting an example internationally and helping drive a fair and growing economy.”

READ MORE: Japanese firm to bring £350m energy project to Scotland

Daniel Grant is the founder of one of the first companies to use the hub, notation.dev.

He said: “Joining the San Francisco hub has energised me, and enabled me to connect with people from around the world working at the forefront of tech.

“The power of San Francisco is the velocity at which information moves through the city. It is a hyper-charged network that accelerates innovation, and connects founders with collaborators, prospects and investors faster than anywhere else in the world.”

The announcement came as McAllan also announced that a £24.5m Scottish Government grant helped secure Japanese firm Sumitomo Electric Industries’ investment in a new cable factory for the offshore wind sector in the Highlands.

First Minister Humza Yousaf described the plans – which it is believed will create 330 jobs and £350m of inward investment – as “great news” for the Scottish economy.

Posting on Twitter/X on Friday, he added: “Japanese company Sumitomo has agreed to build a power cable factory in Scotland.

“The estimated £350m investment will create 330 jobs in Scotland, with around 265 in Highlands & Islands. Scotland’s green revolution is vital to our economic success.”