Converge is on the hunt for the next generation of academic innovators looking to transform their world-class research and innovation into impactful businesses. Applications are now open for the prestigious programme, which combines expert-led business training with a competitive edge. Converge Challenge Sector-specific prizes boosting business There are a range of challenges to apply for, […]
AI
The Data Lab appoints Nic Granger OBE as governance board chair
Scotland’s innovation centre for data and AI, The Data Lab, has today announced that Nic Granger OBE will assume the role of chair. Granger joins the centre as it continues to drive innovation, promote collaboration across sectors and industries, support skills development, and champion Scotland’s data and AI ecosystem by fostering community. Having worked internationally and in the UK across various sectors, in her executive role as […]
Tickets for DataFest 2026 now live
Explore cutting-edge ideas DataFest champions Scotland as a hub for data and AI excellence. It’s a space to celebrate innovation, share ideas, and explore the future together. Entering its ninth year, DataFest 2026 will run under the theme “Intelligent Futures”. We’ll explore how data and AI are transforming the systems, industries, and societies of tomorrow. […]
Masters scholarships funding call now open to Scottish universities
Scottish universities can now apply to become part of The Data Lab Masters Scholarship Programme for the Academic Year 2026-2027, providing students with scholarships to participate in a programme of employability, networking, and skills training alongside their academic studies. The Data Lab Masters Scholarship Programme is a collaborative effort between The Data Lab and Scottish […]
Embracing the economic potential of AI in Scotland
A new programme helping Scottish companies seize the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) has been launched. Supported by nearly £1 million of Scottish Government funding, it will offer small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) a range of support – including tailored consultancy services and grants – to introduce or expand the use of AI in order to […]
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 […]
Calling Scotland’s AI innovators
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 […]
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 […]










