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, business 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 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?

There can be no doubt, data and AI will play a central part in all of our futures and that of generations to come. The effective use of data and AI can transform careers, businesses and organisations of all types. But it can be challenging to apply the latest developments in data and AI in the real world.

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.

The Innovation Centres programme