600 people gathered from across Scotland, the rest of the UK and abroad to attend this year’s sold-out DataFest conference at Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms in May. A focus on intelligent futures Hosted by The Data Lab, Scotland’s Innovation Centre for data and AI, the event brought together participants from industry, academia, the public and third sectors […]
UK laws ‘not ready’ for humanoid robots, expert warns
Humanoid robots are moving closer to everyday life, but the UK lacks the laws and safeguards needed to protect the public, a leading researcher has warned. Dr Carl Strathearn, a lecturer in computer science and researcher in autonomous social robotics at Edinburgh Napier University, said the rapid growth of humanoid robots is outpacing regulation and […]
Scotland Women in Technology partners with The Data Lab to boost women into data and AI leadership roles
Scotland Women in Technology (SWiT) has today announced that it will fund two new cohorts of The Data Lab’s Data and AI Leadership Programme in a bid to boost AI leadership skills among women working in the Scottish tech ecosystem. This is part of a wider multi-year partnership between SWiT and The Data Lab to […]
Wikipedia founder to headline Scotland’s biggest AI gathering
Jimmy Wales, Founder of Wikipedia, headlines DataFest 2026 in Edinburgh this May. Edinburgh is set to host one of Scotland’s most compelling artificial intelligence events this May, as DataFest 2026 brings together one of the technology industry’s most influential entrepreneurs alongside leading figures from OpenAI, Skyscanner and the Mayor of London’s Office for two days of debate and discussion. Jimmy Wales is an American internet entrepreneur, best known as the Founder […]
New AI Strategy launched at Edinburgh Futures Institute
On Friday the 20th March, the Scottish Government hosted an event at the Edinburgh Futures Institute to launch Scotland’s new AI Strategy. Supported by The Data Lab and Quantum Communications, the event brought together over 180 members of the thriving Scottish AI ecosystem, including universities and colleges, as well as many key decision-makers from Scottish […]
Converge innovation challenge opens for applications
Converge is on the hunt for the next generation of academic innovators looking to transform their world-class research and innovation into impactful businesses. Applications are now open for the prestigious programme, which combines expert-led business training with a competitive edge. Converge Challenge Sector-specific prizes boosting business There are a range of challenges to apply for, […]
Response to the Scottish Budget 2026 to 2027
The Data Lab, Scotland’s Innovation Centre for Data and AI, welcomes the announcements in the budget on the increase in funding for the college sector and universities, investment in innovation, enterprise and entrepreneurship, employability and skills development and a further £125m investment in City Region Deals. Heather Thomson, CEO of The Data Lab, said, “The […]
The Data Lab appoints Nic Granger OBE as governance board chair
Scotland’s innovation centre for data and AI, The Data Lab, has today announced that Nic Granger OBE will assume the role of chair. Granger joins the centre as it continues to drive innovation, promote collaboration across sectors and industries, support skills development, and champion Scotland’s data and AI ecosystem by fostering community. Having worked internationally and in the UK across various sectors, in her executive role as […]
The Data Lab Community themes announced for 2026
Exploring trends in data and AI The Data Lab’s online community, comprising over 7,500 members from more than 100 countries, has today announced its monthly themes for 2026. From Open Data to Creative Industries, the monthly themes explore key trends and developments across sectors in data and AI, helping to shape events, discussions and content […]
Tickets for DataFest 2026 now live
Explore cutting-edge ideas DataFest champions Scotland as a hub for data and AI excellence. It’s a space to celebrate innovation, share ideas, and explore the future together. Entering its ninth year, DataFest 2026 will run under the theme “Intelligent Futures”. We’ll explore how data and AI are transforming the systems, industries, and societies of tomorrow. […]