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2025 has seen a flurry of activity around AI and more is to come, with the Scottish Government expected to publish its refreshed AI strategy later in the year. 

 Scotland has many strengths in this space, and this month saw Edinburgh City listed as the only AI leader in the UK in Deloitte’s AI Powered Cities of the Future report. This roundtable will therefore be a timely opportunity for techUK members and other key stakeholders to consider how Scotland more widely can lay the foundations for AI and capitalise on the opportunities it presents. 

Focus will be placed on the infrastructure and investment requirements necessary to advance AI in Scotland, with discussion expected around the required types and scales of data centres and other infrastructure enablers. Attendees will also be asked how they think data centres and infrastructure could be better leveraged in Scotland to support industry and academia use of AI.

Agenda

  • 10:00 - Refreshments and networking
  • 10:30 - Introduction from Matt Evans, COO and Director of Markets, techUK
  • 10:35 - Opening remarks from Heather Thomson, CEO, The Data Lab
  • 10:40 - Keynote address from Richard Lochhead MSP, Minister for Business, Scottish Government
  • 10:50 - Roundtable discussion guided by pre-written questions
  • 12:00 - Lunch, networking and photos

Matt Robinson

Matt Robinson

Head of Nations and Regions, techUK

Ileana Lupsa

Ileana Lupsa

Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK

Stephanie Barr

Programme Manager, SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK

Tracy Modha

Tracy Modha

Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK


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techUK champions the tech sector throughout the UK. We work with local authorities, devolved government, and local and national policy makers to advocate for the tech sector in strengthening economic growth and resilience across the nations and regions. Visit the programme page here

 

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Meet the team 

Matt Robinson

Matt Robinson

Head of Nations and Regions, techUK

Ileana Lupsa

Ileana Lupsa

Programme Manager, Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK

Stephanie Barr

Programme Manager, SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK

Tracy Modha

Tracy Modha

Programme Marketing Assistant for Public Sector Markets, techUK