The Data Lab’s annual conference discussed how data and AI will transform business and society as a whole. 500 delegates at Scotland’s leading data and AI event, DataFest, heard yesterday how data and AI have the power to unlock a brighter future and tackle global challenges such as climate change – but only if it’s […]
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Charting Scotland’s skills for the future
Ministerial visit to DataFest celebrates launch of skills framework helping businesses and individuals upskill in data and AI. A Data and AI Skills Framework has been launched to help reduce barriers to data and AI upskilling, offering pathways to individuals, teams, and organisations to build their data and AI capabilities. Graeme Dey MSP, Minister for […]
Full programme announced for DataFest25
Scotland’s premier data and AI conference, DataFest 2025, is pleased to announce its full events programme, including a pre-conference focused on skills development in the everchanging data and AI landscape. Hosted by Scotland’s Innovation Centre for data and AI, The Data Lab, DataFest will bring together Scotland’s thriving data and AI community at the Assembly […]
New data and AI leadership training module for Higher and Further Education leaders
New training for HE and FE leaders will champion data-informed decision-making and ethical AI initiatives. Jisc’s new Foundations of Data and AI Leadership online training module for university and college leaders begins on 29 April 2025 and is now open for Jisc members to book. The training module has been developed to empower leaders to […]
Converge unveils record prize pot and new partnerships
Converge has unveiled its largest-ever awards package totalling more than £400,000, significantly expanding opportunities for university innovators to transform their ideas into thriving businesses. New collaborations unlock enhanced support for early-stage academic entrepreneurs, including awards from The Data Lab. Expanded prize pot and collaborations The record-breaking prize pot includes £305,000 in equity-free cash awards and […]
OpenAI’s Colin Jarvis to speak at DataFest 2025
One of the world’s leading experts in the practical application of AI will speak at this year’s DataFest in Edinburgh. OpenAI’s Colin Jarvis will share insights with DataFest delegates on what to expect this year in AI and how businesses can benefit from these new technologies. As the Head of OpenAI’s Forward Deployed Engineering team, […]
Heather Thomson named as CEO of The Data Lab
The appointment follows Thomson taking on the interim CEO role last year. Heather Thomson has today been announced as the new CEO of The Data Lab, Scotland’s innovation centre for data and AI, following a nationwide recruitment campaign. Thomson joined The Data Lab in 2018, leading the £8m data and AI skills programme before stepping […]
Innovating the future of independent living
Ministerial visit celebrates groundbreaking project with Blackwood Homes and Care and The Data Lab A groundbreaking project is revolutionising the way technology and data are integrated into independent living solutions, offering transformative benefits for individuals across Scotland. Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, has praised the Peoplehood Project, a transformative initiative […]
Response to the AI Opportunities Action Plan
The Data Lab, Scotland’s Innovation Centre for Data and AI, welcomes the government’s £14 billion AI Opportunities Action Plan to enable AI adoption, innovation, and skills development to change lives and drive economic growth and productivity across the country. According to a recent UK Parliament research briefing, there is an increasing demand for people with specialist […]
Response to the Scottish Budget announcement
The Data Lab, Scotland’s Innovation Centre for Data and AI, welcomes the recent Scottish Budget announcement to invest £321 million in enterprise agencies to help support productivity and innovation in Scotland. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy report on drivers of innovation and productivity in the UK shows that the further away from London […]