THE launch of a new Digital District will place Stirling firmly at the heart of digital innovation and enterprise in the UK and across the globe.

The Digital District, located in the city’s Historic Municipal buildings, will provide a dynamic, inspiring and collaborative environment, where digital technology firms can grow their business and collaborate with peers and academia.

Stirling, driven by the Digital District programme, is already home to over 70 tech companies and is rapidly becoming a key centre for digital technology growth. The creation of Codebase, now the UK's largest technology incubator, is another exciting evolution that will see Stirling lead the way in rapidly transforming the UK digital scene.

CEO and co-founder of CodeBase Stephen Coleman said, “As the UK’s largest scaleup incubator, we are positioning CodeBase Stirling at the heart of a new technology-driven Scotland.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with a council with such a progressive vision, with the Digital District at its core. CodeBase Stirling will be a centre of excellence in creating and scaling technology companies, providing scaleup education, technology events and mentorship for Scotland’s digital companies.”

Stirling’s rapidly growing digital footprint also includes digital technology business Sales Agility, CEO Greg Soper said, “From Stirling we engage with some of the world’s largest international corporations. We’re close to two international airports for travel to Europe and the USA. We’re close to Stirling University and Forth Valley College both of whom provide us with high quality graduates. And we’re located in a quality of living environment that the large conurbations simply don’t measure up to”.

Along with Codebase and Sales Agility, there are a growing number of digital technology businesses thriving in the area. UK video games developer Dovetail Games, which specialises in "simulation experiences that faithfully recreate real world situations", has recently announced that they will create 20 new jobs with the expansion of its studio in Stirling.

Convener of the Finance and Economy Committee Margaret Brisley said, “Our ambition for Stirling to become a centre of digital excellence is huge and we are already delivering on it. We have seen renowned industry leaders like CodeBase choose Stirling as a centre of excellence in Digital Technology.

“Stirling has the potential to attract new, innovative businesses to the area, create hundreds of jobs and secure investment at the heart of our new Digital District, a key part of the City Region Deal.”

To ensure sustainable and inclusive growth of the Digital District, the Digital Steering Group comprising the University of Stirling, Forth Valley College, third sector organisations, industry and education, economic development and employability services from Stirling Council will work together to both develop new and enhance existing programmes. The aim will be to provide pathways into employment for all Stirling residents - providing the skilled workforce required to access the opportunities that this digital infrastructure has to offer, ensuring all of Stirling benefits from this exciting growth.