- The full programme has been unveiled for DataFest 2025, bringing together Scotland’s thriving data and AI community this May.
- The conference, which aims to bring together leaders from industry, public, third and academic sectors, will include talks and panels from thought leaders in business, legal, space tech, fintech, and health tech.
- The new format will also include a pre-conference for organisations and professionals focused on future-proofing skills in data and AI.
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 Rooms in Edinburgh from May 12-13, 2025 as part of The Data Lab’s 10th anniversary celebrations.
DataFest is considered one of Scotland’s largest annual gatherings of business leaders and academics who are using AI and data to advance their work. This year’s theme, ‘Navigating Data and AI’, will explore real-world examples and actionable insights from experts. Fostering collaboration across sectors, it will host participants from industry, academia, and beyond to learn about the latest developments in data and AI and to discuss how we can leverage these technologies for maximum impact.
Featuring renowned experts including OpenAI’s Colin Jarvis, BBC’s Technology Editor Zoe Kleinmann, and LEGO Group’s Orlando Machado, the conference promises to deliver a comprehensive programme with keynote speeches and panel sessions designed to provide delegates with valuable insights into using AI for good, developing robust AI strategies, and enhancing entrepreneurship through AI innovation.
Panellists include AI innovators with Scottish ties such as:
- Ross McNairn, a lawyer turned tech entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Wordsmith, a Scotland-based legal tech company backed by Index Ventures.
- Rachel Curtis, a fintech founder aiming to reduce shame around debt.
She is the co-founder and CEO of Inicio.AI, backed by the Edinburgh AI Accelerator Programme and Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Lab. - Iain Mackie, a creator of custom-made AI solutions. He is the co-founder and CEO of Malted AI based in Edinburgh, which works with Fortune 100 enterprises to optimise complex business processes where general AI fails.
In the exhibition area, DataFest 2025 will showcase the vibrant data and AI organisations in Scotland including Talan, Teradata, Elementz, EDINA, DeepMiner, AFBE, the Scottish AI Alliance, Data for Children Collaborative, and fellow innovation centres BE-ST, IBioIC, and DHI. Scottish AI start-ups will also have the opportunity to apply for a free exhibition space at DataFest exclusively for Scotland’s AI innovators.
On May 12, DataFest 2025 will host a pre-conference event aimed at organisations and professionals focused on future-proofing skills in data and AI. Attendees will have the chance to network with potential employers and participate in focused sessions that explore the skills landscape in Scotland.
Heather Thomson, Chief Executive Officer at The Data Lab, said:
“DataFest is a celebration of Scotland’s dynamic data and AI community. We’re thrilled to connect leaders from industry and academia to explore innovative solutions and drive meaningful impact across sectors.This year’s programme is designed to demonstrate how AI is transforming industries and to support individuals and organisations in navigating both the opportunities and the challenges. The event aims to inspire collaboration and skills development, ensuring that Scotland remains at the forefront of data and AI advancements.”
For more information and to register for DataFest, visit https://thedatalab.com/datafest