Our dedicated Business Development team are your first point-of-contact and can help you explore how robotics and AI can help your business. They will lead collaborative engagement and knowledge-sharing activities, facilitate opportunities for you to connect with our thriving networks, and help you identify potential solutions that can make your business safer and more productive.
Contact: BDS.NR@hw.ac.uk
Business Development Manager / Lead for Deep Tech Growth Programme (with Scottish Enterprise)
Having worked at the interface between industry and academia for ten years, I have had the pleasure of enabling innovative research to move from blue-skies reach to having impact in the real world, instigating collaborative projects worth millions of pounds.
With an MSc in Environmental Science, I have applied that knowledge to real challenges across a number of sectors including transport, home energy and renewable energy. I was particularly proud recently that a colleague attributed thousands of tonnes of carbon savings to my interventions.
I specialise in leveraging AI and computer science techniques to drive efficiencies in complex systems as well as transferring innovations into new sectors and geographies.
In my spare time, whilst studying towards an MBA, I paint and as such am interested in the design aspects of robotics as well as the technology’s potential for the creative arts sector.
My overarching aim is to have real impact on some of societies biggest challenges, and being part of The National Robotarium enables me to achieve this goal. Plus, every day- every hour, in fact- is completely different as robotics is so wide-ranging and fast-moving and that keeps me on my toes!
I’m an innovation specialist with a background in digital manufacturing, robotics, and turning early stage ideas into real world impact. At The National Robotarium, I lead our entrepreneurship activity, working closely with founders, partners, and the wider innovation community to help great ideas grow. I spend a lot of time connecting people, opening doors, and making sure start ups get the support and resources they need to move forward.
Before joining The National Robotarium, I worked at the University of Strathclyde and NMIS, supporting researchers, SMEs, and big industry players to commercialise technology, shape projects, secure funding, and build meaningful partnerships. Earlier in my career, I worked in sustainable product design and off-site construction, which gave me a practical, hands on approach to problem solving.
I enjoy helping people solve problems, whether that’s founders building something new or organisations trying to find ways to improve their products or operations.
Working in our amazing building with colleagues who are extremely driven and supportive.
I am Naomi Battison, Business Development Executive at the National Robotarium. I have previous experience within the tourism and financial sectors and am very much enjoying contributing my skill set to helping advance the National Robotarium and adding a different outlook to how we grow as a business. In my previous roles, I worked with a wide range of companies, most recently helping a startup enter new markets and grow their revenue. I have always been passionate about business development because I believe that building strong relationships is at the core of everything I do, both professionally and personally, and I am looking forward to fostering new relationships within robotics and artificial intelligence.
Coming from the West Coast of Scotland, sailing is my passion, and whenever I can, I’m out on the water (wind-dependent) exploring our beautiful coastline. If I’m not working, I’m always thinking about my next adventure, whether it’s exploring new places closer to home in Scotland or going further afield to Australia.
I am working alongside those who have such a passion to grow not only the National Robotarium but also use this as a starting point to grow the robotic industry within Scotland and further afield, and I would love to play a part in helping us achieve this goal.
Heriot-Watt University
Edinburgh, Scotland
UK EH14 4AS
Scottish registered charity number SC000278
The University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland
EH8 9YL
Scottish registered charity number SC005336
