Manufacturers across Scotland have cut energy costs and emissions by nearly a third through a major programme that helped firms make better use of their data. The Data Lab, Scotland’s centre for data and artificial intelligence, played a key role in delivering the £53.8 million Smart Manufacturing Data Hub (SMDH), which supported businesses in adopting […]
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The Data Lab seeks new chair
Scotland’s innovation centre for data and AI, The Data Lab, has today announced that it is seeking a new board chair. The Data Lab is seeking a visionary chair to lead our dynamic and engaged Board in shaping the future of data and AI innovation in Scotland. This is an exciting opportunity to help us […]
Response to the UK Government’s multi-year spending plans
The Data Lab, Scotland’s Innovation Centre for Data and AI, welcomes the UK Government’s spending review announcements and is pleased to see the commitment and approach towards driving economic growth through investment in innovation, research and digital skills. An increase to R&D funding to £22 billion per year by 2029-30, alongside £2 billion for the AI […]
Forefront of AI innovations explored at DataFest
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 […]
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 […]