Upcoming Innovation Events

We work to maximise opportunities for companies to interact with researchers and health and care professionals – a conversation can often spark new innovative ideas.

Keep up to date and find out more about the latest innovation events from across Scotland.

Registration open: Scottish Cancer PROMs Forum

📅 Date and Time: Friday, 31st October 2025, 10:00 – 12:00

📍Location: Online (MS Teams Webinar)

Event Info:

The SC PROMs Forum is a collaborative space for anyone to contribute and learn about Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). The Forum provides a space to discuss how PROMs can be collected as part of routine care to better understand and manage the impact that cancer and treatments have on quality of life. The Forum events help support the Scottish Cancer PROMs Advisory Group to provide a clear national vision, driving clinical practice, research, strategy, and policies, relevant to the collection and use of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) among patients with cancer, in relation to their healthcare in Scotland.

Previous Forum events have been instrumental in the development of the PROMs Core Principles- a set of guidelines for anyone in Scotland who is collecting PROMs. These Core Principles are now packaged within the Scottish Cancer PROMs Toolkit. The Toolkit launched on 31st October 2024 and is free to use and available to all.

At this Forum event we will be celebrating 1 year of the Toolkit. As usual we will have presentations from guest speakers about PROMs, and you will also have the opportunity to take part in discussions. The detailed programme will be made available in due course.  As the Scottish Cancer PROMs Forum event will focus on celebrating 1 year since its launch, your feedback on the Scottish Cancer PROMs Toolkit would be greatly appreciated. You are kindly invited to complete the feedback form at any time, but especially the Forum, to help shape the discussion and improve future versions of the Toolkit.

Registration is open until 11:59pm Wednesday, 29th October 2025.

 

Register here

Transforming Scotland’s Health

📅 Date and Time: Wednesday, 5th November 2025, 09:00 – 16:15

📍Location: Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh

Event Info:

The time for band-aid solutions across Scotland’s health is over. We need fundamental and transformative change to make our system sustainable and fitting for the future.

This is a pivotal moment for Scotland’s health and for the future of how the country’s healthcare is delivered and by whom. Central to that, necessary reform will be achieved through both prevention and the adoption of emerging technologies like AI. But transformation will only be achieved with the right people, with the right skills, in the right places, and with the desire to adopt and implement change at pace and scale.

Holyrood’s ‘Transforming Scotland’s Health’ summit will bring together Scotland’s leading health voices from the public and private sectors to share innovation, make connections and explore the practical steps that can be taken to inspire change and turn the tide.

Over the course of the day, sessions will:

  • Explore the potential to shift from treatment to prevention
  • Consider moving focus from hospitals to primary and community care
  • Discuss the move from an analogue way of working to a focus on digital innovation

The event will conclude with a high profile cross-party political panel which will include an audience Q&A.

Register here

Scotland's Health Awards 2025

📅 Date and Time: Thursday, 6th November 2025, 18:30 – 23:00

📍Location: Edinburgh Corn Exchange, Edinburgh

Event Info:

The Scotsman are delighted to host the 2025 Scotland’s Health Awards in partnership with NHS Scotland and The Scottish Government for a second year.

Scotland’s Health Awards 2025 will celebrate the extraordinary achievements of those individuals and teams who go above and beyond to deliver compassionate, high quality health and social care to the people of Scotland.

These awards recognise the contribution of frontline health and social care workers but also celebrate those who work so hard behind the scenes in support roles to ensure we have the kind of health and care services that are vital in achieving the highest quality of care.

The awards ceremony and gala dinner will take place in November 2025 in Edinburgh and will be attended by over 500 guests from across Scotland.

Register here

Developing a Technical File for Medical Devices: A Complete Guide - New Workshop from the MDMC

📅 Date and Time: Monday, 10th November 2025, 10:00 – 16:00

📍Location: Online (MS Teams), In-person (Heriot-Watt University)

Event Info:

The MDMC is very pleased to announce the delivery of a new FREE workshop on The Complete Development of a Medical Device Technical File, using a birthing mirror as a practical case study.

Understanding the structure, content, and purpose of a medical device technical file is essential for anyone involved in the design, manufacture, or regulation of medical devices. A well-prepared technical file not only demonstrates compliance with regulatory requirements but also ensures that design, safety, and performance are fully traceable and justified.

The aim of this workshop is to provide a comprehensive overview of the complete development of a medical device technical file, from concept to compliance. Through interactive sessions and case-based discussions, participants will learn how to compile, structure, and manage the documentation needed to support conformity assessment under the UKCA and EU MDR frameworks.

This free workshop will be entirely delivered by Elaine Gemmell, Head of Regulatory Affairs InnoScot Health, and run in a hybrid form: online will be through Teams, while in-person will run at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS (room: EMG.61).

Please, when registering, specify the preferred form of attendance.

For people attending in person, a lab tour of MDMC facilities will also be provided at the end of the course.

Register here

Better Data Community Conference

📅 Date and Time: Monday, 3rd November 2025 to Thursday, 6th November 2025

📍Location: Online

Event Info:

Returning for its third year, the Better Data Community Conference runs from 3rd to 6th November 2025. This year, we’re exploring how data and AI can help deliver on Scotland’s key Programme for Government priorities, from growing the economy and tackling child poverty, to addressing the climate emergency and improving public services.

The conference coincides with the Scottish Digital Academy’s Think Data and AI Month, amplifying opportunities for learning, networking and innovation.

Join for four days of inspiration and explore the future of sustainable AI, open data, data sharing, data literacy and impact-driven innovation.

 

Register here

AI Webinar Series: Beyond the Buzz

📅 Date and Time: Thursday, 13th November 2025, 12:00 – 13:00

📍Location: Online

Event Info:

This event is designed to cut through the myths, share practical examples of AI in action, and explain what AI means for your role.

What to Expect

  • Expert insights from speakers with hands-on experience in health and social care.
  • Interactive Q&A – Submit your questions in advance and join the conversation at nes.dew@nhs.scot.
  • Practical takeaways.

Whether you’re exploring AI for the first time or already using it in your work, this session is designed to meet you where you are and guide you forward with clarity and assurance.

Register here

Technology Scotland Annual Dinner and Awards 2025

📅 Date and Time: Thursday, 13th November 2025, 18:00 – 23:00

📍Location: Grand Central Hotel, 99 Gordon Street, Glasgow

Event Info:

As the largest event in our calendar, the Technology Scotland Annual Dinner welcomes around 250 attendees from across all three of our networks for an evening of networking and celebrations, creating new connections and helping to solidify those already established.

This year will be a very special event as it celebrates ten years of Technology Scotland!

In celebration of Technology Scotland’s 10th Anniversary, we are pleased to introduce the inaugural Technology Scotland Awards at this year’s Annual Dinner. These awards are designed to recognise outstanding achievements within the enabling technology sector, highlighting individuals and organisations that are driving innovation, global impact, and collaboration across Scotland.

Categories

  • Technology Scotland Rising Star Award
  • Technology Scotland Excellence in Innovation Award
  • Technology Scotland International Reach Award
  • Technology Scotland Collaboration Award
  • Technology Scotland Special Recognition Award

The Technology Scotland Awards are open to any individual or organisation working or operating in the enabling technology sector in Scotland.

In addition to the 10th anniversary celebrations and awards, the annual dinner provides a great opportunity to catch up with colleagues old and new from across the sector, enjoy an evening of celebrations with your team, and recognise the great work happening across the Technology Scotland community.

Register here

Free online workshop: Lifecycle of Patient and Public Involvement & Engagement (PPIE) in Digital Health

📅 Date and Time: Tuesday, 18th November 2025, 14:00 – 16:00

📍Location: Online (MS Teams)

Event Info:

​PPIE is the process where health and care research and products are developed with and by people with lived experience and the public. If done well, it can lead to outcomes that are more relevant, acceptable, equitable and fit for purpose. Rather than a one-off event or consultation, it should be embedded throughout your project or development and beyond.

​Our workshop will introduce what best practice involvement looks like from the public participants’ perspective (e.g. co-design feedback loops). We will explore what PPI is and its potential benefits, and a detailed look at the lifecycle from defining who you want to work with, to dissemination and evaluation of your work and everything in between. Developed and delivered by the King’s Health Partners Digital Health Hub’s PPI group, this workshop will help you better understand the people you want to involve in your work, and how to work with them well.

​The workshop will be suitable for anyone new to PPIE, however there is a focus on what best practice looks like from a public participant’s point of view which can be helpful even for those with more experience under their belt. We’ll also have an open discussion section at the end, so you will be able to raise any points or challenges that you’re interested in.

Register here

DigitalScotland 2025

📅 Date and Time: Wednesday, 19th November 2025, 08:00 – 17:00

📍Location: Edinburgh International Conference Centre

Event Info:

Welcome to Scotland’s largest digital transformation summit for public sector policy and technology leaders.

Featuring over 70 speakers, 100 exhibitors and 1,200 delegates, Digital Scotland is the premier event for digital leaders and innovators dedicated to enhancing government services through technology.

In 2025, the conference will tap into the public tech zeitgeist – covering the latest from the global GovTech movement, digital ID, cloud services, payments, AI, IoT and Cybersecurity.

Digital Scotland is the meeting place where government ministers interact with technology upstarts and disruptors engaged and motivated by the goal of creating world-class digital experiences for citizens of the future. Be part of the conversation.

Learning objectives:

  • Understand the strategic direction for government digital policy and programmes.
  • Hear how GovTech leaders from across the UK ‘home nations’ are pursuing technology-led transformation of government services.
  • Experience best-in-class technology projects from across an array of public services, from healthcare to social services, local government, environment and justice
  • Learn playbook approaches to tech implementation from experienced public-sector technology leaders.
  • Attend industry masterclasses spanning user-centred design, data, AI, cloud, cybersecurity and IoT
Register now

Lothian Clinical Research Welcome Day

📅 Date and Time: Thursday, 27th November 2025, 09:30 – 14:35

📍Location: BioQuarter, Edinburgh

Event Info:

Have you, or has someone you know, recently started in a clinical research job in Lothian?

ACCORD and Edinburgh CRF are holding a Welcome Day for those who have recently been appointed into a clinical research role in NHS Lothian or University of Edinburgh. Suitable for all roles including clinical research support staff, delivery teams, researchers and academics.

Objectives for the day include:

  • To introduce the research landscape in NHS Lothian and understand where and how individual roles fit within this;
  • To raise awareness of the support structures and resources available to those working in clinical research;
  • To network and engage with colleagues across the organisation;
  • To inspire and motivate individuals in their new role.

This event is free-of-charge to attend.

Register here

Life Sciences Conference 2025

📅 Date and Time: Thursday, 27th November 2025, 08:00 – 16:45

📍Location: The Social Hub Glasgow, Glasgow

Event Info:

The Scotsman Life Science Conference 2025 brings together industry leaders, innovators, and researchers to discuss the most pressing topics and emerging trends in life sciences today. Set in the heart of Glasgow, this one-day conference will explore the intersection of AI, genomics, sustainability, and cutting-edge therapies that are transforming the landscape of healthcare and biotechnology.

What to Expect:

  • Panel Discussions on the latest developments in biotech start-ups, AI & big data in healthcare, and the integration of sustainability into life sciences innovations.
  • Interactive Sessions focusing on precision medicine, AI, and sustainable biotech practices.
  • Insights into Scotland’s biotech ecosystem, examining opportunities for collaboration and scaling within the local and global market.
  • Opportunities to connect with top professionals, investors, and decision-makers from the life sciences ecosystem, fostering collaboration and growth.

This conference is essential for anyone interested in the future of personalised medicine, biotech entrepreneurship, data-driven healthcare, and green innovation. Join us to stay at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.

Read more

Health and Care Analytics Conference 2025

📅 Date and Time: 3rd and 4th December 2025

📍Location: Online

Event Info:

Following the success of the Health and Care Analytics (HACA) conferences in 2023 and 2024, we are delighted to invite you to register for HACA 2025, a national celebration of the vital work of health and care analysts across the UK. The conference brings together analysts, leaders, and decision-makers to explore how high-quality analysis drives impactful decisions across systems. This year’s theme ‘Rising to the challenge: Analysis at the heart of health and care systems of the future’ recognises the growing role of analytics in shaping future-ready services, influencing policy, and enabling innovation across health and care.

The conference is free and open to anyone working in the NHS, local authorities, universities, civil service, and the third sector, particularly those in analytical, leadership, or strategic roles.

We’re excited to present a rich and varied programme, including:

  • Insightful plenary sessions
  • Learning events led by experienced practitioners
  • Poster presentations showcasing practical impact
  • Interactive workshops for peer exchange and skill-building

The conference offers a unique opportunity to:

  • Celebrate and promote high-quality analytical work
  • Discover innovative approaches to solving system challenges
  • Highlight the strategic value of analytical teams
  • Build networks and foster collaboration
  • “Steal with pride” from the best work around the country
  • Spark inspiration – before, during and after the conference!
Register here

SPaRC NRS Pain 15th Annual Scientific Meeting

📅 Date and Time: Friday, 5th December 2025, 09:00 – 16:30

📍Location: Malmaison Hotel, 44 Whitehall Crescent, Dundee DD1 4AY

Event Info:

SPaRC and the NHS Research Scotland Pain Specialty Group will host the 15th Annual Scientific Meeting on 5th December 2025 at Malmaison in Dundee. This will be an opportunity for meeting, sharing research, and identifying potential collaborations. You are invited to attend this meeting and to submit an abstract for presentation (oral or poster).

The objectives of the SPaRC Annual Scientific Meeting will be to:

  • Update SPaRC members on pain research
  • Share current and recent research between members of the Community (submitted abstracts, invited speakers and posters)
  • Identify the ways in which patients will benefit from the research
  • Identify and develop collaborations within the Community
  • Identify other possible activities within the Community

Guest speakers include:

  • Professor David Bennett, Oxford University
  • Brona Fullen, Associate Professor, University College Dublin

The registration for the event and the call for abstracts opens on Friday, 1st August. Abstracts are welcomed for both oral presentations and posters. The submission window will close on Monday, 6th October.

Register here

Pioneering Digital Telecare: Harnessing data and digital to unlock innovation

📅 Date and Time: Wednesday, 10th December 2025, 11:00 – 12:00

📍Location: Online

Event Info:

When most people hear ‘telecare,’ they think of a phone call or an emergency button – but today due to the migration to digital, it’s so much more. From the deployment of enhanced digital sensors to improved outcomes through better use of data, telecare is transforming the way we connect, care, and stay independent. In this webinar, you’ll discover why telecare in the digital age isn’t what you expect – and why that’s a good thing.

Featured Speakers:

  • David Brown, Business Relationship Manager, Digital Telecare, Digital Office
  • Colin McFadyen, Senior Programme Manager, Digital Telecare, Digital Office
  • Sam Leonard, Senior Project Manager, Digital Telecare, Digital Office
Register here

DigiFest Scotland 2025

📅 Date and Time: Thursday, 11th December 2025, 08:15 – 16:30

📍Location: Technology & Innovation Centre, Glasgow

Event Info:

Hosted by the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) and delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland, in association with Futurescot, this year’s DigiFest comes at a pivotal time for transformation in Scotland’s health and care services.

DigiFest 2025 will spotlight the national rollout of the Digital Front Door, a £27 million programme revolutionising access to care across Scotland—starting in NHS Lanarkshire. It will also showcase real-world projects like Digital Lifelines Scotland, which has already supported over 5,500 people with digital access, skills, and services.

Whether you work on the frontlines, in local or national policy, innovation, housing, care or academia, DigiFest is your opportunity to connect, share, and lead.

Key Themes for 2025:

  • Digital Front Door: Launching Scotland’s bold new digital gateway to care
  • Data-Driven Innovation: Predictive, preventative, personalised care
  • Integrated Care Pathways: Seamless support across health and social care
  • From Research to Real-World: Turning evidence into frontline impact
  • Future Digital Skills: Empowering tomorrow’s digital workforce
Register here

Digital Health and Care Conference 2026

📅 Date and Time: Tuesday, 10th February 2026, 09:25 – 15:00

📍Location: Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh

Event Info:

Scotland’s leading Digital Health and Care Conference returns to Edinburgh on the 10th and 11th February 2026 for it’s 17th consecutive year, and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever.
Across the two days, Scotland’s top political voices, health leaders and senior representatives from across the public and third sectors will come together to explore the journey from ambition to impact by collaborating and discussing the key challenges and opportunities facing the health and care sector through a packed agenda of panel sessions, masterclasses and keynote addresses.

Register here

SAVE THE DATE - MDMC Conference 2026

📅 Date and Time: Wednesday, 27th May 2026

📍Location: James Watt Centre, Heriot-Watt University

Event Info:

Medical Device Manufacturing Centre is excited to announce the 5th Annual MDMC Conference will be taking place on Wednesday, 27th May 2026 at the James Watt Centre, Heriot-Watt University. Keep an eye on their LinkedIn page for more information in the coming months.

Save the Date: DataFest 2026!

📅 Date and Time: Wednesday, 27th May 2026 & Thursday 28th May 2026

📍Location: Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh

Event Info:

DataFest 2026 returns on 27th–28th May at the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh. Tickets go on sale in October — join The Data Lab Community for exclusive early-bird access and be among the first to secure your spot at Scotland’s leading data and AI event.