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 Education for Scotland Annual Conference 2025

Date and Time: 24th & 25th April 2025

Location: Online

Event Info:

Following on the growing success of the 2024 conference, NES is delighted to confirm that it will once again be hosting the conference online over two days in April 2025. This conference is for colleagues from all professional disciplines across health and social care with an interest in education and training, workforce development and digital solutions.

There will be a number of plenary and parallel sessions run by all professional groups and an opportunity for joint sessions highlighting interprofessional learning. The conference is sponsored by NHS Education for Scotland, and there will be no charge for participation.

Register here

3rd Annual EMH Conference: Mental Health Research in an Uncertain World

Date and Time: Friday, 25th April 2025

Location: South Hall, Pollock Halls Campus, University of Edinburgh, 18 Holyrood Park Road, EH16 5AY

Event Info:

Our annual conference brings together leading experts at the University of Edinburgh to discuss their latest research on mental health. The interdisciplinary event facilitates discussions on the latest advancements in mental health research, promotes cross-departmental collaboration, and provides valuable networking opportunities.

Our 2025 conference will take place on Friday 25 April at the South Hall Complex. The theme of this years conference is “Mental Health Research in an Uncertain World”.

Submissions are being accepted until Friday 07 March. Posters and papers may explore, but are not limited to, the following themes or topics:

  • The psychological impact of global changes, challenges, and crises (e.g., climate change, cost of living crisis, forced migration, housing crisis, pandemics, political instability, social media, technology changes)
  • The intersection of technology and mental health care delivery, access, and outcomes (e.g., digital tools, telehealth, AI)
  • Resilience, coping strategies, and mental health recovery in times of uncertainty
Register here

Digital Access Solutions in Primary Care: The Role of Technology

Date and Time: Tuesday, 29th April 2025, 10:00 – 11:00

Location: Online

Event Info:

Digital communication systems sit at the heart of primary care technology. Their aim is to improve the quality of care through enhancing the patient’s experience of services and enable GPs to become more efficient to cope with patient demand.

Technologies such as cloud-based telephony, AI tools, and the NHS app all contribute to reducing pressures on GP surgeries and improving communication between primary care professionals and patients.

This webinar will delve into the opportunities and challenges of digital technologies, with a particular focus on:

  • How we effectively manage capacity and demand
  • Where innovative technologies are being used successfully
  • Overcoming barriers to adoption, such as digital skills and funding
  • Empowering patients and facilitating access to the right care

This event is free to attend for those working in the public and third sectors.

Find out more

Aiming for better lifelong outcomes from birth through enhanced innovation

Date and Time: Wednesday, 30th April 2025, 12:00 – 12:45

Location: Online

Event Info:

Join us for our second educational webinar of 2025, entitled ‘Aiming for better lifelong outcomes from birth through enhanced innovation’, including a knowledgeable neonatal guest speaker offering useful insights.

This free to join session will encourage NHS forward-thinkers to think both progressively and inclusively in the drive for fresh health service ideas, ranging from new technology to simple adaptations in approach, for not only improving the short and long-term health of babies, but also to enhance families’ overall experience.

The educational session on Wednesday 30 April is entitled ‘Aiming for better lifelong outcomes from birth through enhanced innovation’ and will encourage NHS forward-thinkers to think both progressively and inclusively.

The webinar will be a great opportunity to:

  • Delve into the forefront of neonatal care in Scotland, exploring cutting-edge advancements, and best practices
  • Exchange knowledge and discuss the direction of travel for neonatology care
  • Take away practical calls to action that help attendees apply what they have learnt

It will be introduced and led by InnoScot Health’s Regulatory Project Manager, Paula Sweeten, who will be joined by Neil Patel, Consultant Neonatologist and Clinical Innovation Director at Glasgow’s Royal Hospital for Children.

The accessible, bitesize ‘lunch & learn’ sessions are hosted on Microsoft Teams, regularly providing a platform for inspiring guest speakers whilst allowing InnoScot Health staff to share their deep knowledge and insights on innovation.

Pre submit your questions for our panel discussion to info@innoscot.com.

Register here

Healthy homes, healthy kids: Building evidence-based solutions with data

Date and Time: Thursday, 1st May 2025, 13:00 – 18:00

Location: Usher Building, The University of Edinburgh, 5-7 Little France Road, Edinburgh BioQuarter ‒ Gate 3, Edinburgh EH16 4UX

Event Info:

Housing is the missing link in improving child health.

You are warmly invited to join us for an interdisciplinary event examining how cold, damp homes and the strategies to make them warmer affect children’s health. We will explore new opportunities for data-driven policy and encourage cross-sector collaboration. The programme will include expert speakers, panel discussions, and lived experience reflections.

The afternoon will:

  • Review how cold, damp homes affect child health
  • Examine potential health consequences of different retrofitting approaches
  • Outline how new health and housing data opportunities can help inform policy
  • Provide a unique cross-sectoral networking opportunity

Hosted by the Usher Institute on 01 May 2025 at the Usher Building, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh the event will start at 13.00 and close at 16.30 followed by a networking reception with food and drinks ending at 18:00.

Invitees will include public sector, policy, third sector and academic partners for an afternoon of expert speakers, panels, lived experience reflections and opportunities for networking.

Read more

Cloud, Data & AI – Transforming Public Services 2025

Date and Time: Thursday, 8th May 2025, 08:30 – 16:30

Location: University of Strathclyde, Technology & Innovation Centre, Glasgow

Event Info:

Government services are being redefined in the digital age. Legacy systems are increasingly being decommissioned, with scalable, flexible and secure cloud computing platforms providing the backbone delivering citizen services online. Coupled with new ways of managing and serving data, and the advent of mass-market AI, the move to intelligent automation and the eventual adoption of custom AI agents is very much on the horizon for public services.

Transforming Public Services – Cloud, Data & AI is a conference tailor made for public sector tech and policy leaders looking to tap into the latest on how these cutting-edge IT systems are reshaping the backbone of public services in the era of Web 3.0. Showcasing the latest in cloud technologies, data techniques and meaningful discussions on harnessing AI in ways that are trustworthy, ethical, and inclusive, the event is a must-attend for public technology leaders looking to ride the crest of the next wave of tech disruption – and improve the online experiences for their organisations and citizens alike.

Register now

DataFest 2025

Date and Time: Monday, 12 May 2025 14:30 – Tuesday, 13 May 2025 17:00

Location: Assembly Rooms, 54 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2LR

Event Info:

Hosted by The Data Lab, Scotland’s innovation centre for data and AI, DataFest is Scotland’s leading data & AI conference, where experts gather to discuss and shape the future of data & AI. We bring together participants from industry, academia, and beyond to discuss, engage and learn about the latest developments in data & AI.

The last few years have seen an unprecedented shift in the way AI technologies are viewed and used. AI has been thrown into the limelight and is permeating throughout industries from law to construction and everything in between.

At DataFest 2025 we will help you navigate the world of data & AI with expert guides as we seek to understand how we can leverage these technologies for maximum impact.

We are very excited to be returning to Edinburgh’s beautiful Assembly Rooms, the original home of DataFest, so register now to secure your spot with exclusive pre-launch pricing for The Data Lab Community members and subscribers to The Data Lab newsletter.

 

DataFest 2025 Schedule (Timings subject to change!)

Day one – Pre-conference (14:30 – 19:00): Join us for our pre-con day! Meet cutting-edge organisations working with data & AI and connect with potential employers. We’ll also have a small programme of intimate sessions and workshops throughout the afternoon.

Day two – Conference (08:30 – 17:00): Join us at DataFest 2025 for our full conference, with a world-class lineup of industry leading speakers, thought-provoking panels and opportunities to network with the data & AI community.

Register here

EIE25: Scotland's Tech Investor Showcase

Date and Time: Wednesday, 14th May 2025, 18:00 & Thursday, 15th May 2025, 08:30 – 19:30

Location: W Hotel and John McIntyre Conference Centre, Edinburgh

Event Info: 

Hosted by the University of Edinburgh, EIE25 presents the leading spinouts, startups, and scaleups from Scotland’s top universities, all focused on tackling global challenges.

Working with key ecosystem partners, we’ll also showcase startups and scaleups at the forefront of Scottish tech innovation.

Gain valuable insights into emerging technologies and connect with pioneering companies shaping the future.

Find out more

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
Read more

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 is 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

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.

Find out more

SAVE THE DATE - 2025 National Conference

Date and Time: Thursday, 23rd October 2025

Location: Edinburgh International Conference Centre

Event Info:

The 2025 National Conference hosted by the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) and NHS Research Scotland (NRS) will take place later this year – on 23rd October at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. Save the date in your diary and look out for more information coming soon!

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