The Data Lab is Scotland’s Innovation Centre for Data and AI

At The Data Lab, we believe in a thriving, connected society powered by data and AI – where cross-sector conversations, creativity, and collaboration ignite and sustain the sparks of ground-breaking ideas, products and societal advances.

We’re uniquely positioned to support and incubate responsible innovation in data and AI across the public, private and academic sectors. We work with students, professionals, universities and colleges, businesses and our wider community to build a stronger and more collaborative economy and future for Scotland and the world.

It’s our job to help Scotland achieve bigger and better things and to get people from across the globe excited about what is happening here in Scotland.

The Data Lab impact at a glance

Our vision is to foster a more prosperous and equitable society where the responsible use of data and AI empowers everyone to thrive.

Our mission is to transform the use of data and AI by enabling innovation, fostering connection and collaboration, and developing skills to change lives and drive economic growth, creating a more productive and sustainable society in Scotland and beyond.

With our extended network of over 1,500 companies, public sector organisations and universities, we work to make Scotland the global leader in data and AI innovation. To do this, we harness opportunities, connect people and ideas, and develop knowledge and expertise.

What does The Data Lab do?

The benefit of data and AI to Scotland and the UK is considerable, and relationships are vital to unlocking this potential. We have changed how private, public and third-sector organisations collaborate with academia to leverage world-class research and talent across Scotland’s universities. Funded by the Scottish Funding Council, we are hosted by the University of Edinburgh with hubs in Glasgow and Aberdeen.

We foster innovation through collaboration, build skills and grow talent, and champion Scotland’s data and AI community. Acting as a catalyst, we use our expertise, network, funding and platforms to change how Scotland, and the world, innovates with data and AI.

We are helping to create a highly skilled workforce and a closely connected business, academic and public sector community. Our aim is to turn Scotland into a thriving, data-driven economy.

Our values

Our values are at the heart of The Data Lab’s work. We strongly believe that how we achieve our goals is of equal importance to what we achieve, and our values of Support, Respect, Innovation and Growth are central to everything we do. We partner with organisations that share our values and vision to foster a more prosperous and equitable society where the responsible use of data and AI empowers everyone to thrive.

INNOVATE: We nurture innovation and creativity from our people and community. We encourage and facilitate collaboration, and we encourage our people to be curious.  

GROW: We provide opportunities for learning, growth and development for both our people and our community. We are committed to learning and embracing opportunities.  

SUPPORT: We trust, enable, and support each other to do the best job we can. We are transparent and open, and we encourage our people to lead a healthy life.  

RESPECT: We respect the work styles, opinions, responsibilities, space and personalities of others. We champion diversity, and we act with integrity. 

The Innovation Centres programme