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Photo: Roberto Ricciuti (The Data Lab)
Last week I had the opportunity to attend DataFest 2026, Scotland’s leading data and AI event, hosted by The Data Lab. The Edinburgh event brought together an impressive mix of industry leaders, academic experts, policymakers and practitioners, all exploring what the future holds for data and artificial intelligence. With this year’s theme of ‘Intelligent Futures’, the focus was on how data and AI are reshaping our economy, public services and society more broadly.
What stood out most was the breadth of conversation. Sessions ranged from the evolution of enterprise AI systems and the role of open infrastructure, to how AI is reshaping skills, jobs and learning. Discussions also explored the practical realities of deploying AI in the real world, from robotics to public sector readiness, highlighting both the fast pace of innovation and the importance of responsible, inclusive adoption.
Beyond the individual sessions, DataFest is about connection. The Data Lab’s convening capability brought together a diverse community spanning public, private and academic sectors, creating space for collaboration and shared learning. As Scotland’s innovation centre for data and AI, The Data Lab plays a unique role in connecting people, ideas and organisations, helping to translate cutting-edge research into real-world application and impact.
The Scottish Funding Council provides longer-term support to The Data Lab, along with other Innovation Centres and innovation funding. This adds to the infrastructure supporting Scotland’s knowledge exchange and innovation ecosystem. SFC’s investment ensures the expertise and knowledge in our Universities and Colleges can be used to answer current, and most pressing societal, environmental and economic challenges. Our funding enables The Data Lab to bring together partners from across sectors, support collaborative projects, and develop the skills and talent pipeline that Scotland needs.
One of the key reflections from the event was the growing importance of skills and inclusion in the data and AI landscape. As technologies evolves, ensuring that individuals and organisations can engage with them confidently and responsibly and having access to the expertise and knowledge in our universities and colleges will be critical. The Data Lab’s work in skills development and collaboration-building between business and academia demonstrates how Scotland is taking a proactive approach to this challenge.
Events like DataFest are a reminder that Scotland is not just participating in the global data and AI conversation it is helping to shape it. By convening experts from across disciplines and geographies, and by fostering an open, collaborative ecosystem, The Data Lab is positioning Scotland as a place where innovation happens and where ideas become reality.
Julia Mitchell, Senior Policy Officer, The Scottish Funding Council
