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 […]
News
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 […]
Manolo Perez: 10 Years of Impact at The Data Lab
Manolo Perez has been with The Data Lab since its very beginning, joining as one of our first team members in 2014. As our Director of Operations and Finance, he’s been instrumental in shaping the organisation and steering it through an incredible journey over the past decade. We’re delighted to share his perspective in our […]
Seasons of Change: Reflections by Tricia Govindasamy
We’re delighted to feature Tricia Govindasamy, Senior Information Analyst at Public Health Scotland and an active member of The Data Lab Community. In this blog, Tricia reflects on 2024 – a transformative year as she settled into life in Scotland, completed her master’s degree with distinction, and transitioned to a full-time role at Public Health […]
2024: The Year of Change – Reflections from Heather Thomson
2024 has been a year of change and growth for The Data Lab. In this guest blog, Heather Thomson, our Interim CEO, reflects on a year of personal and professional milestones. From stepping into the role of Interim CEO to celebrating a decade of The Data Lab’s impact, Heather shares her journey of leadership, collaboration, […]