VASO Global designs, develops and manufactures structural composite panels made from recycled glass. Its components form build systems for low-carbon, modular homes and buildings, offering new opportunities across the built environment.

Recognised as a promising response to the housing crisis declared in Scotland in 2024, the company has moved from early development to commissioning a manufacturing line with significant annual capacity.

Speaking to BE-ST, Gary Robertson, VASO Global's Client Relationship and Strategy Director, described how BE-ST has acted as a catalyst since the firm partnered with the organisation in 2022.

Guidance from BE-ST's CEO Steven Good and Deputy CEO Douglas Morrison helped VASO navigate the construction sector and forge essential links with academia and skills providers, including Professor Sean Smith at the University of Edinburgh, the Centre for Net Zero of High-Density Buildings (CeNZHIGHDB), the Scottish Building Standards Hub, South Lanarkshire College and Dumfries and Galloway College. One outcome is a heat pump base panel developed with CeNZHIGHDB, now undergoing testing at the BE-ST lab.

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Participation at BE-ST Fest in 2023 within the Circular and Sustainable Materials Accelerator proved a milestone for the start-up. Gary Robertson said: "That gave us a bit of a confidence boost because everybody else was looking at circular components. And we are a component manufacturer; we can create a whole build system from our components. And for us, it was exciting to be included on that accelerator."

With investment from SOSE and project management and innovation support from BE-ST, VASO's system is being prepared for full commercial launch.

Further backing from PXN Ventures, Scottish Enterprise and matched funding from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) underlines growing confidence in VASO's potential to transform approaches in the built environment.

Gary Robertson added: "Many people are looking at siloed methods about delivery and how we do things. We've managed to open the scope and get people to look at the world through different optics, as one of the solutions that's going to be required to help the built environment. We see ourselves as one part of the overall solution, recognising that a combination of approaches will be needed rather than relying solely on a vessel-based solution."

Looking ahead, VASO plans to establish an accreditation programme enabling companies and workers to qualify as VASO installers. The aim is to grow a community of skilled practitioners able to build with the system, strengthening the sector's skills base and attracting new entrants through innovation.

Concluding, Gary Robertson said: "Whatever you feel your innovation idea may be, reach out to BE-ST because the great thing about BE-ST is that they listen and they consider. And they can share vital insight that can help shape how you want to move forward. That's their superpower; they can make those connections."