The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
One Tech Hub is a thriving base for rising digital stars
One Tech Hub in Aberdeen is fast becoming the location of choice for ambitious technology entrepreneurs at businesses across the north-east.
Its tenants include Chorus Training, which provides regulatory technology software and skills support for hazardous industries worldwide.
Chorus co-founder Iain Taylor was attracted to One Tech Hub by the combination of dedicated support, connections and being part of an ambitious tech community.
He told The Press and Journal that being part of One Tech Hub and the north-east’s fast-growing digital technology community had “allowed us to network, build our professional connections and given us opportunities to accelerate business growth”.
Mr Taylor added: “Working with the team at One – economic development partnership Opportunity North East – has supported our understanding of starting a new tech business and challenged our ambitions.
“We have world-leading expertise in north-east Scotland, in areas like energy transition, and should be thinking about scaling globally. One is helping Chorus do just that.”
Fennex, founded in 2016, is the largest tenant at One Tech Hub.
The company specialises in developing artificial intelligencedriven software solutions to accelerate digital transformation in the offshore energy sector.
Last year the company committed £1.2 million to accelerate its transition from oil and gas work to renewables.
Fennex started working with One in 2021, when co-founders Adrian and Nassima Menasria Brown participated in programmes covering start-up fundamentals and next steps.
They rapidly progressed on to the One business growth and graduate-intobusiness programmes.
They also secured innovation funding to launch a new product to market and gained further financial support through the One Enterprise Fund, which provides interestfree loans to businesses at critical points in their growth.
Fennex has hired seven graduates to support new customers and contract wins.
The company has also taken on additional office space to accommodate its growing team.
Mrs Brown said: “One remains a valuable partner in Fennex’s ongoing growth.
“Our location within the One Tech Hub ensures that we remain at the heart of digital technology excellence in Aberdeen.”
She added: “The expertise and support One provides enrich our entrepreneurship toolkit and provide invaluable resources for progress.”
One digital technology director Karen O’Hanlon said One Tech Hub was continuing to evolve as a home for the north-east’s flourishing digital tech sector, creating an ideal environment for people to “learn, innovate and grow together”.
Ms O’Hanlon continued: “Tenants join a supportive, dynamic and fast-growing community of like-minded founders, established businesses, and innovative start-ups.
“We now run at an 80% occupancy rate across our offices and co-working spaces.”
One Tech Hub is the home of One digital programmes including EnergyTech, Business Growth and Graduatesinto-Business.
Ms O’Hanlon said: “It is rapidly becoming the preferred venue for meetings and events within the digital tech community.
“The hub is buzzing with activity, with Code the City, Start-up Grind, and Women in Tech being regular dates in the diary and attracting a diverse audience.
“Over the past year we’ve witnessed a 30% increase in events and meetings.”
Growth in the number of such events is eclipsed by a 50% increase in participants.
Ms O’Hanlon said this underscores the “growing prominence of One Tech Hub as a vibrant community hub and premier destination for collaborative activities.
“There is a real sense of momentum in the sector,” she added.