A full-day event for technical professionals and leaders in the sector. As one of Scotland’s biggest software conferences for over 25 years, ScotSoft allows you to connect, learn, and innovate while meeting new talent at the Young Software Engineer of the Year Awards.

This year, the event offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain invaluable insights from industry leaders, collaborate with peers, and explore the latest industry trends.

This year, the ScotSoft 2026 conference will incorporate a special ‘AI Scotland’ stream, as part of the Scottish Government’s AI Strategy, aiming to bring together the organisations that are building AI, implementing AI and using AI across Scotland.

The event will provide a practical forum for knowledge exchange, cross-sector collaboration and market development, with a strong focus on responsible adoption, productivity, skills and economic opportunity.

The speaker sessions will align with the key pillars of the AI Strategy: People and Skills, Companies and Innovation, Infrastructure, and Data and Regulation.

By attending ScotSoft 2026, you will be placing yourself at the forefront of the conversation, amongst the pioneers, innovators, public sector and investors collaborating in this space.

Heather Rattray of Interface will be attending this event.

Scaling Music Education Technology Through Academic Partnerships

Background

SymphoMe Ltd is an Edinburgh-based EdTech start-up transforming the way music is taught and learned. Much like Duolingo has done for language learning, SymphoMe is pioneering an AI-driven, gamified platform that makes music education measurable, affordable, and accessible.

Private music education is prohibitively expensive, where in the UK, over 50% of music education funding has been cut, further widening the accessibility gap. This is significant, given the well-documented social and psychological benefits of music education.

Its technology uses advanced AI, audio signal processing, and gamification to provide real-time feedback, personalised learning pathways, and exam preparation aligned with global standards

The Journey

Following an introduction via Edinburgh Innovations Student Enterprise team, Interface have helped them navigate and tap into the rich diversity of academic and student expertise.

These collaborations have allowed the start-up to tap into a vast array of skills, knowledge, and expertise across multiple disciplines—from computing and data science to psychology, marketing, animation, immersive technologies and sound design – supporting SymphoMe’s vision of becoming a leader in AI-driven, personalised music education.

University of Stirling – Data Analytics & Psychology

The flagship collaboration has been with the University of Stirling, where SymphoMe main challenge was to harness cutting-edge AI to measure knowledge gaps and automatically tailor learning journeys to support users’ unique needs. They worked with Dr. Sandy Brownlee on data analytics and machine learning and together they developed a data-driven engine to analyse user progress, identify knowledge gaps, and inform the creation of an AI-driven personalised recommendation system—the foundation of SymphoMe’s vision for a “Multimodal Music Teacher.”

This partnership also extended to Stirling’s Psychology students, who explored accessibility and inclusivity in EdTech. Their research provided insights into neurodivergent learners and strategies for ensuring the platform could engage diverse users. Additionally, Marketing students undertook a research on marketing plan and strategic market analysis for SymphoMe.

Impact:

• Groundwork laid for AI-driven personalised learning journeys and continued collaboration is being explored.
• Research outputs directly shaped product inclusivity.
• Stirling now uses SymphoMe’s journey as a live case study in teaching, and SymphoMe’s founder was invited to lecture on entrepreneurship and EdTech innovation.

Abertay University – Computing and Ethical Hacking

Students helped convert SymphoMe’s mobile prototype into a functional web version while integrating gamification features for content delivery, exercises and knowledge gap analysis. This additional technical support was crucial in helping develop the concept to a scalable product.

Edinburgh Napier University – Software, Animation & Sound Design

• Software engineering intern: supported code development and helped build an interactive mobile learning experience. Extended the summer placement, working alongside SymphoMe’s CTO to enhance the platform.
• Animation & graphic design students: created engaging animated tutorials and educational visuals, simplifying complex music concepts for younger learners. They also created multimedia content aligned with SymphoMe’s educational goals, created new ways of visual storytelling in the context of music education.
• Sound design students: contributed creative assets to enrich the platform’s immersive experience.

Glasgow School of Art – XR & Virtual Reality

Collaborations explored how VR could create immersive learning environments for music education, positioning SymphoMe at the forefront of next-generation learning experiences.

Company achievements

SymphoMe has:

• Secured its first angel round of investment.
• Grown its team from 1 to 6 and anticipate creation of 5 new jobs in AI development, digital learning design and sales within two years.
• Secured their first angel round of investment.
• Expected to enhance customer acquisition and retention, supporting a projected turnover of £1 million by year three post-launch.
• Developed an MVP and launched a pilot in UK schools laying the foundation for expansion into international markets, including North America and Asia, by 2026.
• Secured a licensing agreement with ABRSM (The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music), the world’s largest music education examination body, giving access to over 650,000 music students across 90 countries, accelerating global adoption
• Participated in the Black Founders Programme (with Digital Catapult, Sony Music UK, Sony Music Publishing UK).
• Reached the finals of Converge Awards (Creative Category) and the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards “Innovation of the Year” 2025.
• Awarded £100k SE SMART grant and £15k RTO funding from Innovate UK Business Connect to collaborate on a project with Digital Catapult.
• 1 of 5 finalists of GESAwards – Global EdTech Startup Awards special track for music education in partnership with Trinity College London

The Benefits

Company

• Academic collaborations bolster SymphoMe Ltd’s innovation capabilities and reinforce their reputation for cutting-edge research and development positioning them as a leader in music education technology.
• The integration of an AI-driven data analytics engine and personalised learning pathways strengthens the SymphoMe platform’s value proposition.
• SymphoMe allows access to high-quality music education, addressing gaps caused by funding cuts and promoting inclusivity for underserved communities.

Academic

• Ifeanyi, was invited back to the University of Stirling to deliver a guest lecture to final year and postgraduate psychology students on “The Psychology Behind Innovative Education Technology” sharing insights from his entrepreneurial journey.
• Provided a real-world test bed for cutting edge techniques in data analytics. 
• A new industry application of data analytics can feed into a future REF impact case study and lead to academic publication.

Scottish college and university education is in peril. Some challenges are the same: both have flagged being under-funded but face rising costs and student needs across the board, as well as unprecedented levels of change expected over the next 10-20 years. Universities face high volatility in international student markets and levels of research funding that challenge actual costs. Colleges face uncertain skills requirements and increased community demand. Difficult conversations about the meaning of tertiary education are all under the microscope. What’s the plan to future proof Scottish college and university education?

This event is part of the Festival of Politics and is in partnership with Universities Scotland and Colleges Scotland.

Panellists include:

Gavin Donoghue is the CEO of Colleges Scotland. Previously, he was director of the college sector employers’ organisation College Employers Scotland and has served in senior roles at the University of Edinburgh and Scottish Renewables.

Claire McPherson became Director of Universities Scotland in March 2024, joining from the Scottish Government. Claire has worked in various roles in over a decade of service in the Scottish Government, including Constitutional Policy and Engagement in the lead up to the 2014 Independence Referendum and Deputy Head of the First Minister’s Policy and Delivery Unit. Prior to working for the Scottish Government, Claire served as the Deputy Director of Policy at the Scottish Funding Council.

Garrett Stell is an education correspondent with The Herald newspaper. Originally from North Carolina, he has a special interest in rural education issues, higher education and further education.

Interface’s Heather Rattray and Suzy Powell will be attending.

Edinburgh Innovation’s Startup Summer Accelerator Showcase takes place on Thursday 27th August, 1–5pm at the Edinburgh Futures Institute.

Twelve of the University of Edinburgh’s most promising early-stage founders will take the stage to pitch the ventures they have spent the summer building. For some of them, the right connection made that afternoon could change the trajectory of their company, whether that’s a mentor, an early collaborator, an introduction, or simply someone willing to give them a few minutes of honest advice.

The cohort are working across a range of sectors including AI, medtech, edtech and more. They have taken part in a competitive 12-week programme supported this year by the CHAI Hub and Santander Universities.

Expect an afternoon of fast-paced pitches, insightful conversations and the chance to connect with others across Edinburgh’s vibrant startup and innovation community. There will be plenty of time to connect with fellow founders, investors and partners from across the ecosystem too.

Spaces are limited, please register.

SGSSS Collaboration and Impact Showcase 2026 at The Royal Society of Edinburgh is a day celebrating the research, exciting collaborations, and impactful projects of SGSSS PhD students.

The SGSSS annual Collaboration and Impact Showcase brings together University and external partners from across the network who support the work of the Scottish Graduate School and SGSSS students.

This year, keynote speaker Dr Fran Darlington-Pollok will share insights into ‘Making a difference with Social Science‘, exploring how social science research can inform interventions that address inequalities across sectors. Fran is the Executive Chief Adviser to the Vice Chancellor at the University of Salford, and has experience across academic and third-sector roles, including as CEO of the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity.

The event will also include a poster session showcasing SGSSS students’ impact work, a panel discussion with students and collaborative partners and the presentation of the annual Impact Award to students who, through their research impact, have made a demonstrable contribution to society and the economy. There will also be a chance to meet informally with other SGSSS partners, students, and the SGSSS directorate.

The afternoon will finish with the presentation of our Impact Competition Winners and closing remarks from Prof Sarah Skerrett, RSE Chief Executive.

At DataFest, industry leaders, innovators, and practitioners come together to explore how data and AI are redefining our world – from the way we work and live, to how we connect and create.

Expect world-class speakers, thought-provoking discussions, and opportunities to connect with peers across sectors and industries.

For 2026 the theme ‘Intelligent Futures’ will explore how data and AI are transforming the systems, industries, and societies of tomorrow – with a focus on long-term impact, trust, and responsible scale.

Improving gut health through scientifically validated products such as ió Gut Health Drinks (formerly ió fibrewater).

“Interface has been a true catalyst in our journey. Their support helped us secure a pivotal academic partnership that not only validated our product but also opened doors to further studies and global growth. The credibility gained through these collaborations has directly led to investment, award recognition, and market expansion. For any company looking to scale through innovation and evidence, Interface is a game-changer.”

Alyssa Reid, Co-founder, The Prebiotic Company Ltd

Advancement of Product and Technology

Since the successful Asda launch in March 2024, ió fibrewater has evolved into the broader ió Gut Health Drinks brand. The rebrand better reflects the comprehensive health benefits beyond fibre intake, emphasising gut and overall wellbeing.

Building on this, The Prebiotic Company has:

• Reformulated its drinks to feature cleaner labels and fewer ingredients, ensuring optimal efficacy and transparency.
• Developed ió sachets, launching in early 2026, delivering the same scientifically proven gut health benefits in a convenient, portable, sustainable format.
• Secured international growth opportunities, expanding distribution into the EU and US markets.

The Journey

2022-2023 Initial Collaboration – Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU)

Facilitated by Interface, the collaboration with GCU provided the crucial first step in validating the efficacy of their core product, ió fibrewater, and lay the groundwork for future product development. They sought to understand how ió fibrewater impacted different probiotics. As prebiotics feed beneficial microbes (probiotics), the company needed to know exactly how, and what probiotics responded to the core ió fibrewater recipe which would be crucial for expanding their product range.

The project yielded significant findings, released in November 2022 promoting Food Science, academia and industry collaboration. The findings also bolstered investor interest for The Prebiotic Company and paved the way for further collaborations with academic and healthcare institutions.

This collaboration not only provided funding for research but also enriched the academic portfolios of the researchers involved, providing an interdisciplinary project in the fields of microbiology and prebiotic food science.  Additionally, it provided valuable experience for an undergraduate BSc Food Science student to generate preliminary work as part of their final year research project. 

The collaboration also benefited academia through new laboratory methods, expanded bacterial culture collections, and public engagement in food science outreach. These outcomes continue to support ongoing teaching and research initiatives at GCU.

2024-2025 – University of Roehampton, London

Building on the GCU results, The Prebiotic Company partnered with the University of Roehampton to investigate the broader health implications of ió products, specifically their influence on blood glucose regulation, weight management, mood, and sleep. Early results have strengthened scientific credibility and the findings will be published in 2026.

2026 – University of Roehampton, London

A third academic collaboration will begin in January 2026, again with the University of Roehampton, London, focusing on how ió Gut Health Drinks may help reduce the risk of glucose intolerance and Type 2 diabetes in post-menopausal women. This targeted research further demonstrates the company’s commitment to evidence-based innovation and public health impact.

Impact of Academic Collaboration

The Prebiotic Company’s academic collaborations have become a cornerstone of its success having:

• Validated scientific claims, establishing the credibility of ió products in both retail and healthcare markets.
• Accelerated innovation, guiding new product development such as ió sachets and future healthcare applications.
• Enhanced investor confidence, resulting in sustained funding and global growth.
• Strengthened consumer trust, differentiating the brand in a crowded wellness market.
• Provided mutual benefits for academics and students through real-world research, skills development, and public engagement in Food Science.
• Contributed to winning Scottish EDGE funding and the World Best Drink Innovation Award
• Played a direct role in attracting new investment and securing international distribution agreements.
• Together, these achievements position The Prebiotic Company as a leader in the functional drinks and gut health market.

Interface’s Role

Interface has been instrumental throughout The Prebiotic Company’s innovation journey. From the initial introduction to GCU in 2022 to continued advisory support connecting the company with further academic partners.

 Interface has:

• Facilitated access to expertise and facilities essential for scientific validation.
• Supported the translation of research into commercial outcomes, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
• Enabled multi-institution collaborations that underpin ongoing product development and health research.
• Helped raise the company’s profile within Scotland’s innovation ecosystem, contributing to award recognition and funding success.

Looking Ahead

The personal health journeys of the company’s founders Mohsin Laginaf, Alyssa Reid and Jay Curthan continue to drive their commitment to improving gut health for consumers through innovative products.

The Prebiotic Company continues to expand its product range and research base, driven by its founders’ shared mission to improve gut health and wellbeing through evidence-based innovation. With new studies, product formats, and markets on the horizon, the company is poised for sustained impact, supported by a collaborative model that integrates academic excellence, entrepreneurial drive, and Interface’s facilitative expertise.

Over the course of this two-day conference, participants will meet, talk, and connect with people who are creating and nurturing ecosystems where new and growing businesses can thrive.

Ecosystem Exchange 2025 will discuss and challenge three key areas of ecosystem building:

Ecosystem Builders & the Future of UK Tech

AI powers 85% of today’s innovation, but the UK’s tech future depends on more than AI alone. We’ll explore how to support AI-native startups, update outdated frameworks, and strengthen the wider ecosystem.

Universities as Engines of Innovation

From research labs to venture builders, are universities evolving fast enough? This session looks at how academia can drive talent, policy, and commercial impact while making limited resources go further.

Building a Cohesive National Tech Strategy

Are the UK’s innovation goals fit for reality? This session will compare the national agenda against what’s happening on the ground and explore how to align funding, talent, and governance for long-term success, while keeping an eye internationally.

Speakers shaping the 2025 conversations include:

• Adam French – Partner, Antler – England
• Ana Stewart – Chief Entrepreneur, Scottish Government – Scotland
• Andrea Taylor – CEO, Edinburgh Innovations – Scotland
• Andrew Elphick – Director of Business Clinic & Senior Lecturer, Anglia Ruskin University – England
• Chris Neumann – Associate, Creative Destruction Lab – Canada
• Claire Cockerton – Managing Director, Cockerton & Co – England
• David Herbada – Founding Partner, Fikra Ventures – England
• Dex Hunter-Torrike – Head of Global Communications & Marketing, Google DeepMind – England
• Elizabeth Scott – Chief Executive Director, Turing Innovation Catalyst Manchester – England
• Emilio Cuevas – Ecosystem Innovation & Growth Specialist, Innovate UK – England
• Henry Whorwood – Managing Director – Research & Consultancy, Beauhurst – England
• Jane Kennedy – Chief Business Officer, Discovery Park – Scotland
• Jennifer Craw – Chief Executive, Opportunity North East – Scotland
• Jennifer Forbes Iannolo – VP Business Acceleration, CodeBase – Scotland
• Michael Rovatsos – Dean of Research & Innovation, University of Edinburgh – Scotland
• Mike Jackson – Head of Venture Cafe UK, Venture Cafe – England
• Nadine “Noodles” Groves – Co-founder & COO, Natural Velocity – Australia
• Rob Kenedi – Founder, Decelerator with Rob Kenedi – Canada
• Rose Luckin – Founder & CEO, EDUCATE Ventures – England
• Sarita Runeberg – CEO, Maria 01 – Finland
• Siobhan Clarke – Chair, Supercritical – England
• Stephen Brown – Head of Barclays Eagle Labs, Barclays – England

Ecosystem Exchange 2025 is an exclusive event featuring thought-provoking panels, curated networking, and an evening mixer designed to spark new connections and fresh ideas across the UK’s evolving business ecosystem.

Scotland Beyond Net Zero is a new research collective across Scottish Universities whose goals are to encourage and support University members to work with each other and with external partners to address environmental challenges through research, and to showcase sector-wide leadership and expertise on climate and net zero across Scottish higher education.

One of their focus areas this year is food in relation to climate and net zero. How can food systems be made more sustainable and contribute to Scotland’s climate change goals?

Join their two academic theme leads for food, Prof Rachel Norman and Prof Baukje de Roos at a networking event where you can find out more about Scotland Beyond Net Zero and connect with fellow food researchers to shape and address climate research challenges. This event is aimed at researchers from the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier University, and Heriot-Watt University.

Louise Arnold of Interface will be attending this event.