Data and artificial intelligence has played an increasingly prominent role in elections in recent years. 2024 is packed with democratic elections, in countries including the UK, United States and India, but what impact will data and AI have – both positive and negative?
How are rogue actors spreading disinformation and deploying plausible deepfakes to influence elections – and undermine our trust in democracy more generally?
How can democratic societies counter those threats – and more importantly, how can we build better future democracies by regulating and controlling AI and data effectively?
Hear from experts on these and a range of other issues around the complex interplay between artificial intelligence, data and democracy.
Back as the headline event of Glasgow Tech Week, Glasgow Tech Fest is a must-attend event for the tech, digital, and creative communities in Glasgow and beyond. Glasgow Tech Fest will bring together visionary founders, seasoned leaders, insightful investors, ecosystem champions, and experts to connect, network, and share ideas and learnings in a day of keynotes, panels, and fireside chats.
Learn from industry experts and gain practical knowledge with this year’s themes:
- Investing in the future
- Developing inclusive and collaborative ecosystems
- Scale and Growth
- Entrepreneurial journeys
- Breaking barriers
Opening keynote launching Glasgow Tech Fest is the incredible Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock from BBC’s The Sky at Night! Stay tuned as more additions to the agenda are announced, guaranteed to be the ultimate tech event in Scotland!
The Bayes Centre Forum series is intended to create the opportunity for Members & Partners of the Bayes Centre, the wider University community and external business guests to interact, share experiences and explore multi-disciplinary AI and data science research collaboration opportunities.
November’s Forum will provide a quarterly overview of the University of Edinburgh activities in data science and AI and how the Bayes Centre supports the adoption and translation of data science and AI technologies for businesses and organisations.
Speakers include:
- Ruth King, Director of the Bayes Centre
- Emily Lekkas, Business Development Manager, Bayes Centre
- Anne Robertson, Head of Business Development & Sales, EDINA Services
- Sohan Seth, Lead Data Scientist, School of Informatics
- Chris Dent, Director of the Statistics Consultancy Unit
- Julien Sindt, Commercial Manager, EPCC
- Simon Chapple, Head of Data Technology, DDI IoT Programme
Please note, this event will be online only, a Zoom link will be sent to your email prior to the event.
Background
Smartify is a tech company originally based out of London. It has developed an online platform serving the arts, culture and heritage sector, connecting destinations with their visitors. It provides cultural institutions with cutting-edge digital capabilities to manage the visitor experience; and at the same time, it acts as a platform to help them reach a broader audience. Smartify currently has a reach of over 4 million users as of June 2023.
The Challenge
Smartify was looking to develop its XR (Extended Reality) infrastructure to allow the company to develop experiences which could be easily scaled in a cost-effective manner and across multiple platforms (iOS, Android and Web). Smartify were needing to develop a novel XR platform to be integrated within the Smartify app. They were looking for academic expertise in AR/VR/XR but also an understanding of the tourism and heritage sector.
The Solution
Smartify were already an active member of the Travel Tech for Scotland (TTfS) community with a strong customer base including Scottish National Galleries, Kelvingrove, National Museums of Scotland, Blair Castle, Highlife Highland, and National Trust for Scotland.
Lesley Judge of TTfS referred Smartify to Interface who made them aware of the *Inward Investment Catalyst Fund. Through Interface’s search and matchmaking services, Smartify were introduced to Dr Marco Gilardi from the Division of Computing at the University of the West of Scotland, who has a wealth of experience in AR/VR/XR and has been part of an academic group providing knowledge exchange on this subject for the tourism and heritage sector.
The project aimed to support the company in developing XR applications using web technologies and, in the process, help them develop their market presence in Scotland. The objective of the project was to develop proof of concepts and test them with the market which was achieved successfully with a commercial project delivered as result.
*The Inward Investment Catalyst Fund has been set up by Interface and the Scottish Government to attract and support businesses, not yet located in Scotland to collaborate with academic institutions on their research and development activity to strengthen the case for developing a base in Scotland.
The Benefits
For the Company
- Development of prototype IP leading to continued building of tech infrastructure and creative pipeline
- Helped Smartify create a clear tech capabilities roadmap and strategy through a better understanding of the existing technology landscape, capabilities, limitations and opportunities
- Enabled a pipeline of projects and helped secure a further contract with major Scottish National cultural institutions.
For the University
- Established a sustained and strategic partnership with an innovative tech company
- Supported a PhD student to gain hands-on industry experience
- Has led to further knowledge transfer activity namely an Accelerated Knowledge Transfer to Innovate Project and a further Knowledge Transfer Partnership
For Scotland
- Smartify have set up a Scottish division, creating two new jobs and they have projected that this will double annually over the next three years
Calling all Scottish tech innovators and entrepreneurs! Attend an event, where the worlds of venture capital and tech startups collide. This event is designed to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and connections needed to take your startup to new heights.
A distinguished panel of experts, comprising seasoned venture capitalists and experts, including Chris Neumann, Marvin Liao, Monique Woodard, Casey Lau, and Mike Sigal, will take the stage to share their invaluable insights on what it takes to become investor ready. From securing seed funding to scaling your business, these experts have witnessed and supported countless success stories.
Prepare to be inspired as we dive into dynamic panel discussions featuring local tech founders who have successfully attracted investments and scaled their ventures. Learn from their experiences, challenges, and strategies for achieving investor readiness in the fiercely competitive landscape of Scottish tech startups.
Amidst the thought-provoking discussions, you’ll have the opportunity to network with fellow entrepreneurs, industry experts, and, of course, our esteemed panellists. Forge meaningful connections, foster collaborations, and uncover exciting opportunities during the networking refreshments that conclude the event.
Don’t miss out on this pivotal event that promises to unlock new pathways to success for your tech startup. Secure your spot today and embark on a transformative journey toward investment readiness and accelerated growth in the vibrant Scottish startup ecosystem.
Who is this event for?
This event is specifically designed for Scottish tech innovators and entrepreneurs who are eager to attract investments, scale their startups, and take their businesses to new heights. Whether you’re an early-stage founder seeking seed funding or an established startup looking to secure additional investments for growth, this event offers valuable resources and guidance for tech entrepreneurs at all stages.
The CENSIS Technology Summit, taking place on 2 November 2023 at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow, is Scotland’s leading sensing, imaging and IoT event – a free day of top class speakers, exhibitors, debates and networking. This is a fully in-person event and will not be streamed live.
- Hear about challenges, solutions and innovation across the sectors from presenters and panellists
- Meet exhibitors from industry and academia showcasing new technologies and products
- Understand how businesses are delivering sensing, imaging and IoT solutions across a range of markets
- Network and connect with key business people, policy makers and researchers
Who should attend
You’ll get the most from the day if you are a business developing sensing, imaging and/or IoT products or services or a company or organisation of any size and in any sector interested in using, sensing, imaging and/or IoT to improve or grow your business. Academics and researchers will also find the day interesting, as will anyone working in knowledge exchange or business development in this space.
Find out more about this year’s CENSIS Technology Summit 2023.
Registration is now open.
The 2023 Creative Informatics Innovation Showcase will explore and celebrate a host of inspiring data-driven projects taking place across the creative industries in Edinburgh and South East Scotland.
Come along to this free event to find out more about the innovative products, services and experiences that have been developed by creative individuals and organisations with funding and support from Creative Informatics.
Early registration is open now! There are 2-day tickets, 1-day tickets and online tickets available. Full programme details will be announced soon.
The Scotsman Data Conference 2023 is bringing together key decision makers, data sciences business leaders, media and thought provoking influencers – this hybrid conference is a must attend event for those who want to be part of the discussion and influence Scotland’s Data community.
Hosted with the University of Edinburgh, this year the conversation evolves from the 2022 conference and will feature a range of virtual and in person panel discussions and keynote presentations. Join the conference for a day of industry keynote speakers, informative breakouts and panel discussions and extensive networking opportunities.
DigitalScotland: Tayside, supported by The Times Scotland, will bring together policy makers, business leaders, educators and community stakeholders to explore the opportunities and challenges of economic growth and digital transformation in Tayside.
Like many parts of Scotland and the UK, the region is remaking itself in a new era. The digital age is disrupting industries old and new, with Tayside seeking its own place in the firmament of global digital pioneers. With government support through city region deal funding, civic leaders are determined to bring to bear new skills and press their economic advantages to become more productive, competitive and ambitious to connect to global markets.
We will be joined at the conference by the Estonian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Viljar Lubi who will highlight the policy and local government levers that have inspired and led enormous growth in the Estonian life sciences, gaming and cyber industries, and will share how Tayside, and the rest of Scotland, can learn from these experiences.
The full day conference will also provide:
• An update on the progress of the Tay Cities Region Deal
• A focus on key sectors, skills and infrastructure investment to stimulate the region’s digital economy
• An insight into locally funded programmes that are helping to boost jobs, productivity and innovation
• An insight into the local tech ecosystem, start-ups and funding opportunities for growth
• Understanding how regions can learn from one another, work together and partner with local and national agencies
• Networking opportunities and sharing best practice