An exclusive opportunity for Scottish AI business start-ups and scale-ups to showcase their innovations, connect with key partners, and gain visibility at Scotland’s premier conference on Data and AI. Free exhibitor spaces for startups The Data Lab is offering limited number of free exhibitor spaces at DataFest 2025, Scotland’s flagship data and AI conference. This […]
News
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 […]
The Future of Drug Development: How AI and Data are Revolutionising the Pharmaceutical Industry
We’re thrilled to share insights from Dr. Zahra Rattray, Senior Lecturer in Translational Pharmaceutics at the University of Strathclyde. In this guest blog, Dr. Rattray explores how AI and big data are transforming the pharmaceutical industry, speeding up drug discovery, and enabling personalised treatments. From improving preclinical development to enhancing clinical trials, AI is paving […]
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 […]
Striking the Balance: Navigating the Ethics and Regulation of AI Innovation
AI is evolving fast, and with it comes a growing debate around ethics and regulation. Striking the right balance between responsible oversight and innovation is a challenge – too little regulation risks harm, while too much could slow progress. This blog dives into the complexities of AI ethics, the push for regulation, and why responsible […]
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 […]
Seven Years with The Data Lab: Reflections by Marian Dunbar
Marian joined The Data Lab in 2018 and has been a key part of the team ever since, playing a central role in the growth of The Data Lab Academy. As we approach our tenth anniversary, she’s taking a moment to look back on the past seven years – sharing her experiences, highlights, and the […]
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 […]