The University of Strathclyde's former Student Union building on John Street is set to undergo a £30 million transformation into a state-of-the-art digital, entrepreneurial, and social engagement hub.

The project, funded by a significant donation from alumnus Dr Charles Huang, will see the building renamed the Charles Huang Advanced Technology & Innovation Centre (CHATIC).

Located in the heart of Glasgow City Innovation District, CHATIC will provide cutting-edge facilities for research and innovation in areas such as health technologies, 5G communications, and artificial intelligence. The hub will also house an Innovation & Entrepreneurship Hub and a Social Innovation Hub, fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and the community.

The refurbishment of the historic building is expected to be completed in 2026, with a focus on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. This project not only revitalises a significant landmark but also contributes to the economic and social development of Glasgow.

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Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of Strathclyde, said: "I am delighted that CHATIC will facilitate new opportunities to: partner and innovate with industry; enhance research capabilities by actively developing our research leaders of the future; grow entrepreneurial and social innovation opportunities open to staff, students and the wider community; and, it will create opportunities for our students to engage with industry research partners.

"We are hugely grateful to Charles for his very generous contribution to this project and are delighted to recognise this through the naming of the new building."

The £50m donation from Dr Huang also enabled the creation of the Stephen Young Institute for International Business, funded two professorial chairs in the Institute and supported the establishment of The Stephen Young Entrepreneurship Awards and The Stephen Young Global Leaders Scholarship Programme.

Lina Tullberg, CEO of the Charles Huang Foundation, said: "We are thrilled to see our donation to the University of Strathclyde come to fruition and meet with Dr Charles Huang's original objectives. The CHATIC is the last piece of the programmes funded by the donation, with the other elements progressing well."

The development of CHATIC will complement a number of other projects within Glasgow City Innovation District (GCID) – including Love Loan and Candleriggs Square.