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.

NHS Lothian Futures Symposium
Date and Time: Monday. 19th May 2025, 09:00 – 17:00
Location: Symposium Building, The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Nicolson Street Edinburgh EH8 9DW
Event Info:
Welcome to the event page for the NHS Lothian Futures Symposium! Hosted by the NHS Lothian Medical Education Directorate, this event aims to share learning and celebrate success through healthcare innovation, sustainability and improvement. We will explore new strategies to drive excellence in patient care as part of a sustainable healthcare system. Exciting speakers will share learning from healthcare, industry and technology sectors. Programme to be announced soon!
Abstract submission deadline 1st April 2025. Prizes are available for best oral presentation, poster and sustainability project. Work in progress will be considered.
Submit your work for presentation at this regional conference HERE.
This in-person event will be held at the Symposium Hall, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Coffee and catering are included. Connect with healthcare professionals, share ideas, and explore the future of healthcare in Lothian. Places are limited – don’t miss out on this exciting event!
Find out more
Medical Informatics Europe 2025
Date and Time: 19th-21st May 2025
Location: Technology & Innovation Centre, Glasgow G1 1RD
Event Info:
The MIE congresses (Medical Informatics Europe) have been organised by the national members and EFMI with up to more than 1000 participants. The concept includes peer-reviewed presentations according to the type of paper as oral or poster presentation. Workshops and tutorials prepared or supported by EFMI working groups are an essential part of EFMI MIE conferences.
Conference Tracks include (but are not limited to):
- Learning health systems
- Education
- Data science and visualization
- Information systems
- Human factors, social and organisational issues
- Computable knowledge and decision support
- AI, automation and robotics in healthcare
- Natural language processing and generation
- Personal health records and mHealth
- Population health
- Precision care
- One Health, One Digital Health and Climate Changes

2025 European Innovation Ecosystems Funding information event
Date and Time: Thursday, 22nd May 2025 13:00 – 15:30
Location: Online
Event Info:
Ecosystems across the EU are addressing the innovation divide through a two-fold approach. Firstly, by enabling deep tech innovation by providing experimentation spaces and public procurement under the New European Innovation Agenda. Secondly, by offering funding for deep tech scale-ups.
This online session, hosted by Scottish Enterprise in collaboration with the European Commission’s Regional Innovation Valley Team will discuss some of these funding opportunities. It will be led by Magdalena Cymerys from the European Commission’s Directorate for Research and Innovation, who will provide an overview of upcoming EIE funding opportunities.
These funding opportunities include the EU’s flagship Regional Innovation Valley initiative, the Horizon Europe 2025 European Innovation Ecosystems Work Programme (EIE WP), and more.
Last year, Scottish Enterprise, along with our partners EIT Digital and Scotland’s Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre, were successful in two projects funded under the EIE Regional Innovation Valley call: UNITE (European Digital Health Valleys) and ECIV (European Circular Innovation Valleys).
The session will feature overviews of both projects and conclude a live Q&A session where you can ask any questions you have.
Register here
NHS Lothian R&D Conference 2025
Date and Time: Thursday, 22nd May 2025, 09:00 -16:05
Location: John McIntyre Conference Centre, Edinburgh
Event Info:
The theme of this year’s conference is ‘The Evolving Landscape of Clinical Research in NHS Lothian’. The day will feature a range of presentations and discussions with over 10 inspiring and influential speakers. We have developed an exciting programme to showcase the value and future of R&D in Scotland, the value of working with industry, some Lothian-led clinical research projects and a number of oral presentations following abstract submissions.
Registration and abstract submissions are now being accepted. Register now
Abstract submission:
NHS Lothian’s Research and Development Conference 2025 provides an excellent forum to showcase exemplar clinical research studies that have been supported by NHS Lothian. Abstracts are now invited for oral and poster presentations at the NHS Lothian R&D Conference 2025. The only criteria are that projects MUST have been led by a local investigator undertaken in NHS Lothian.
The Submission deadline was Sunday 16 March 2025.
Submit your abstract. Please read the ‘Abstract submission guidance’ before submitting your application. The NHS Lothian R&D Conference Committee will review all abstracts and successful abstract authors will be notified by email in early April 2025.
Read more
MDMC Annual Conference 2025
Date and Time: Wednesday, 28th May 2025, 09:15 – 16:05
Location: James Watt Centre, Heriot Watt University Currie EH14 4AS
Event Info:
Join us at the Medical Device Manufacturing Centre’s (MDMC) highly anticipated 4th Annual Conference! This exclusive event brings together top professionals from the industry, NHS, and academia to discuss the groundbreaking services shaping the life sciences and healthcare sectors.
Gain valuable insights into NHS and Scottish government initiatives, explore the innovative offerings at MDMC, and stay up to date with the latest advancements from leading industry experts.
Whether you’re looking for the latest MedTech developments or strategies to grow your business, this is an unmissable opportunity to connect with professionals, companies, and stakeholders in Scotland’s dynamic life sciences and healthcare community.
Attendees will also have the chance to take part in lab tours, showcasing state-of-the-art equipment in large analytical facilities and cutting-edge research laboratories at MDMC.
Register here
A Net Zero Tomorrow: Innovating for a more sustainable NHS
Date and Time: Thursday, 29th May 2025, 12:00 – 12:45
Location: Online
Event Info:
A free to join webinar taking place this month will spotlight vital sustainable innovation while inspiring NHS Scotland staff in the drive to meet net zero ambitions with fresh ideas.
Hosting the educational session on Thursday 29 May – entitled ‘A net zero tomorrow: innovating for a more sustainable NHS’ – formal health service partner InnoScot Health believes it is a key opportunity for the workforce to learn from some of the country’s leading green pioneers.
The Scottish Government has set a target for NHS Scotland to become a net zero organisation by 2040 and for its supply chain to achieve net zero emissions by 2045 with InnoScot Health supporting that collaborative push.
The ‘lunch and learn’ webinar from 12.00-12.45 will be presented by Innovation Commercialisation Manager Fiona Schaefer, who will be joined by guest speakers from Design HOPES (Healthy Organisations in a Place-based Ecosystem, Scotland) which is “supporting a green and just transition for NHS Scotland”.
Register here
Health Tech Innovation with West of Scotland Innovation Hub at Glasgow Tech Week
Date and Time: Tuesday, 27th May 2025, 09:30 – 16:15
Location: Imaging Centre of Excellence (ICE), Langlands Drive, Glasgow, G51 4LB
Event Info:
InnoScot Health believes that the dynamic, free to attend ‘Health Tech Innovation with West of Scotland Innovation Hub’ gathering will be a highlight of the city’s Tech Week programme this May.
Taking place at the state-of-the-art Imaging Centre of Excellence (ICE), organisers say the Innovation Hub event on Tuesday 27 May will offer “a unique opportunity for professionals from all corners of the MedTech ecosystem to engage, learn, and collaborate”.
Across a day of cutting-edge activity and learnings — including looking at how artificial intelligence (AI), point of care testing, and patient and public involvement (PPI) are reshaping healthcare delivery — attendees are invited to “explore how WoSIH supports product development, evidence generation, and evaluation to drive healthcare breakthroughs”.
InnoScot Health’s West of Scotland Innovation Commercialisation Manager, Frances Ramsay said: “This will be the Innovation Hub and partners’ second Glasgow Tech Week event in two years, extending the focus on technology which is transforming patient care, clinical practices, and medical research.
“The last was received extremely well, and I expect another exciting in-person showcase for the power of healthcare innovation, so I’d urge clinicians, academics, staff from MedTech SMEs, larger companies, and more to reserve their places for a truly interactive day of knowledge exchange.
“Aside from offering a glimpse of tech being strategically deployed for an improved NHS Scotland both today and tomorrow, it’s an opportunity to connect with innovators, industry leaders, and MedTech experts.
“It’s also a platform for gaining a better understanding of the range of capabilities which the Hub offers.”
Read more here
Building Sustainable Futures Together - Innovation Centre Roadshow
Date and Time: Friday, 6th June 2025, 09:00 – 14:30
Location: Forth Valley College, Grangemouth Road, Falkirk FK2
Event Info:
Join us for the second of our four exciting regional Innovation Centres Roadshows! This event, hosted at Forth Valley College (Falkirk), marks the beginning of a new decade for Scotland’s four national innovation centres. Be part of the journey! Whether you’re an entrepreneur, researcher, student, academic or industry professional, this event is your opportunity to connect with Scotland’s Innovation Centres and explore how we can work together to build a sustainable future.
Why Attend?
- Explore High-Growth Sectors: Gain valuable insights into four key industries driving Scotland’s future – Bio-Based Manufacturing & Biotechnology, Digital Health, Construction and Data & AI.
- Learn from Real-World Innovation: Discover case studies showcasing how innovation is transforming these sectors.
- Unlock Opportunities: Explore funding options, business connections, innovation support, cutting-edge facilities and skills development tailored to your needs.
- Engage with Experts: Meet the teams behind Scotland’s Innovation Centres and learn how they can support your ambitions.
- Share Your Vision: Connect with us to discuss your interests, expertise, and challenges – we’re here to help you succeed

Precision Medicine and Precision Population Health
Date and Time: 4th June 2025, 10:00 14:30
Location: COSLA, Verity House, 19 Haymarket Yards, Edinburgh, EH12 5BH
Event Info:
The Academy of Medical Sciences Scotland Cross-Sector Hub aims to encourage and enhance collaboration across disciplines and sectors to benefit health and life sciences research and innovation.
This event will focus on research and innovation in Precision Medicine and Precision Population Health, an area in which Scotland is internationally renowned.
Precision Medicine and Precision Population Health research and innovation in Scotland benefits significantly from the wide array of multi-disciplinary knowledge, expertise and infrastructure provided by our NHS, Universities and industry working together proactively (Triple-Helix). This includes, life scientists, health professionals, engineers, regulators, policy makers, investors, patients and the public.
We welcome researchers and innovators from any of these, or related, disciplines, who have an interest in health to consider attending to help further enhance our continuing growth in these areas.Individuals at any stage of their career are welcome, but those in the early-mid stages of their careers may find this event particularly useful.
The event offers attendees:
- Strategic networking opportunities with leaders in life sciences research and innovation
- Scope to identify and engage with potential collaborators from diverse professional backgrounds
- In-depth insights into Precision Medicine & Precision Population Health in Scotland
- A collaborative environment designed to spark innovative solutions and cross-sector partnerships
Poster Presentations
To be considered for a poster presentation please submit a 100-word abstract on your work by 14 May 2025.
Submit your abstract
Please note that if you submit a poster abstract you will still be required to register for the event.
Due to limited capacity, we encourage you to register as soon as possible.
For further information about the event please contact enquiries@nrs.org.uk
Register here
Triennial and ICOSET Conference 2025
Date and Time: 4th-6th June 2025, 08:15 – 17:00
Location: The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DW
Event Info:
Prepare to be inspired at the 2025 Triennial and ICOSET Conference, where some of the brightest minds in surgery will converge to explore “A World of Innovation” in the beautiful city of Edinburgh. This prestigious event, hosted by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd), offers an unmatched opportunity to advance your knowledge and skills in the surgical and dental fields. The conference will bring together professionals from across disciplines, from medical students to Consultants, providing a collaborative space to examine cutting-edge technology, pioneering techniques, and forward-thinking strategies that will shape the future of surgical excellence.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh—a city renowned for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere—attendees will have the chance to explore the iconic RCSEd campus and its acclaimed Surgeons’ Hall Museums. Immerse yourself in centuries of surgical history while gaining fresh perspectives on modern innovations.
In addition to education, this conference is about connection. You’ll have the unique opportunity to engage with fellow educators, surgical teams, and members of the RCSEd family. The event fosters collegiality and fellowship, promoting meaningful networking and discussions that will strengthen your professional relationships and inspire future collaborations.
Join us for an unforgettable experience where education meets community, and where innovation, resilience, and teamwork take centre stage in shaping the next chapter of surgical care.
Find out more
Save the Date for the NHS Scotland Event 2025!
Date and Time: Monday, 9th June 2025, 08:30 – 16:30
Location: University of Strathclyde, Technology & Innovation Centre, Glasgow
Event Info:
Make sure to put the date in your diary for Scotland’s key networking and educational event for those who work in and with NHS Scotland. More information on the Event will follow in the New Year.
To ensure you receive all the latest information on the NHS Scotland Event, visit the Events home page and sign up for all the latest news and announcements.
You can also keep up with what’s happening at the NHS Scotland Event 2025 on X @NHSScotEvents #nhsscot25 and please show your support in reposting as we head towards the Event.
Find out more
Public Sector Digital Transformation 2025
Date and Time: Thursday, 12th June 2025, 09:30 – 16:30
Location: Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh
Event Info:
Holyrood Connect’s annual Digital Transformation event for the Scottish public sector is returning to Edinburgh for another year.
This conference will be a premier opportunity for delegates to reflect on where Scotland’s public sector is on its transformation journey.
Through a variety of session formats, including keynote addresses, panel discussions and interactive masterclasses, the event will provide real-life examples of digital transformation within the public sector for you to learn from. You will gain insight into:
• The future of Scotland’s public services
• Real-life examples of public sector digital transformation
• Modernising services to enhance the citizen experience
• The importance of AI, regulation and transparency
• Infrastructure and Procurement
The conference will also feature an exhibition, providing an opportunity for you to explore relevant solutions for your organisation.
Register here
HealTAC 2025: 8th Healthcare Text Analytics Conference
Date and Time: 16th – 18th June 2025
Location: Glasgow University Union, 32 University Ave, Glasgow, G12 8LX
Event Info:
Welcome to the 8th Healthcare Text Analytics Conference, which is held in Glasgow from 16 to 18th of June 2025. As in previous years, HealTAC 2025 will bring the academic, clinical, industrial and patient communities together to discuss the current state of the art in processing healthcare free text and share experience, results and challenges.
We invite contributions that address any aspects of processing healthcare narrative and speech, including methodological advances, ethical issues, design and deployment challenges and integration with other healthcare data on large-scale. This year’s topic highlights multimodal language models and human-AI interaction in clinical applications. The call for contributions is available here.
Read more here
AI & Cloud Innovation Summit Scotland 2025
Date and Time: Thursday, 11th September 2025, 09:30 – 16:00
Location: Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh
Event Info:
Join us at Scotland’s premier event – Holyrood Connect’s AI & Cloud Innovation Summit – exploring the future of digital public services on 11 September 2025 at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh. As AI reshapes the way government operates, and cloud technologies drive efficiency and security, this summit will bring together experts, policymakers, and public sector technology professionals to discuss the opportunities, challenges, and strategies for harnessing AI and cloud technology.
Why Attend?
Unlock AI’s Potential – Discover how AI can enhance public sector efficiency, from automating routine tasks to improving decision-making processes.
Cloud Infrastructure – Learn about scalable and secure cloud solutions tailored for public sector needs, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
Navigate the AI & Cloud Landscape – Understand policy, governance, and ethical considerations shaping the future of AI and cloud adoption.
Engage with Experts – Hear from leading voices in Scottish Government, technology, and industry, with keynote speakers, panel discussions, and interactive sessions.
Shape the Future – Be part of discussions on the next phase of digital transformation in the public sector.
Read more
ROSCon UK 2025
Date and Time: 15th – 17th September 2025
Location: University of Edinburgh, Informatics Forum, 10 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9AB
Event Info:
ROSCon UK 2025 will be held at the University of Edinburgh, Informatics Forum on 15th – 17th September, 2025. ROSCon UK 2025 is a chance for ROS developers of all levels, beginner to expert, to spend an extraordinary 3 days learning from and networking with the ROS community of the UK in Edinburgh. Get tips and tricks from experts and meet and share ideas with fellow developers.
ROSCon UK is a developers’ conference. The program will comprise a mixture of networking and social events, workshops, technical talks, and tutorials that will introduce you to new tools and libraries, as well as teach you more about the ones you already know. The bulk of the program will be focusing on UK-centered contributions.
We aim for ROSCon UK to represent the entire ROS community in the UK. Whoever you are, whatever you do, and wherever you do it, if you’re interested in ROS, then we want you to join us at ROSCon UK. We encourage women, members of minority groups, and members of other under-represented groups to attend ROSCon UK.
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Digital Glasgow 2025
Date and Time: Tuesday, 7th October 2025, 08:30 – 16:30
Location: University of Strathclyde, Technology & Innovation Centre, Glasgow
Event Info:
Stimulating local tech ecosystems has never been more critical. With flagship national programmes designed to widen the funnel for startups and scale-up tech companies, Futurescot’s Glasgow Tech Ecosystem conference brings together industry, government, and academic expertise poised to turn that ambition into a reality.
As we move into the critical delivery phase for Glasgow’s digital economy, local and national government funders will join with the regional agencies whose job it is to support and strengthen the tech sector and, of course, the tech companies looking to transform industries old and new across the Glasgow City Region.
By bringing together all the key players, Futurescot will help supercharge the tech ecosystem in 2025, setting the stage for a future where tech drives societal and economic growth for all.
Register now
Health Data Research UK Conference
Date and Time: 15-16 October 2025
Location: Scottish Event Campus (SEC), Exhibition Way, Glasgow G3 8YW
Event Info:
This year’s hybrid conference will feature world-class keynote speakers and opportunities to share your science through submitted talks and posters. With leading exhibitors and a variety of networking events, this is an event to add to your calendar now. We expect to open registration in February 2025 with full details of tickets and prices. You can download the ‘Save the Date’ calendar hold and find out more here.
Why you should join us
Health Data Research UK’s annual conference will be a two-day, hybrid event to celebrate progress and bring people together to accelerate the trustworthy use of health data for public benefit. This is an event dedicated to celebrating how health data science can improve people’s lives.
What to expect
The UK is in a unique position to realise the potential of health data, thanks to the NHS and its cradle-to-grave records for a population of over 65 million people. The last few years have demonstrated the enormous power of data to advance medical knowledge and deliver radical improvements to people’s lives. But there is much more that can be done through large-scale data, advanced analytics and innovative developments in data governance.
Health Data Research UK’s annual conference will be a two-day, hybrid event to celebrate this progress and allow us to come together and continue to build momentum in the health data research revolution.
How to attend
The conference will be hosted in person in Glasgow, UK, or you can join online and access all the sessions as live streams. Register here for a conference ticket.

SAVE THE DATE - 2025 National Conference
Date and Time: Thursday, 23rd October 2025
Location: Edinburgh International Conference Centre
Event Info:
Scotland’s Health Research and Innovation Conference will take place on Thursday 23 October at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) under the theme of ‘Research Enabled Health Innovation’.
Hosted by the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) of Scottish Government and NHS Research Scotland (NRS), the event will be a premier meeting point and knowledge exchange forum for researchers, scientists, innovators, healthcare staff, policymakers, industry, and the public. The conference will encompass everything from the development, adoption, and implementation of next generation treatments, therapies, and technologies to the vital role of Scotland’s forward-thinking, dedicated healthcare workforce.
The conference will celebrate the country’s research and innovation strengths, showcase powerful multi-sector collaboration, and present exciting advancements in how we collectively prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases, ultimately improving health and well-being across Scotland.
Read more

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

SAVE THE DATE - Usher Institute Annual Lecture & Showcase 2025
Date and Time: TBC
Location:McEwan Hall, Bristo Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG
Event Info:
In 2025, we have the privilege of welcoming Dr David B. Nash from Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia as our guest key speaker.
Save the date in your diary – more details and registration information will be shared soon.