The full events programme for this year’s iteration of DataFest, the Scottish data and AI conference, has been announced.

Hosted by Scotland’s Innovation Centre for data and AI, The Data Lab, DataFest 2025 is set to bring together Scotland’s data and AI community at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh from May 12-13, as part of The Data Lab’s 10th anniversary celebrations.

Featuring experts including OpenAI’s Colin Jarvis, BBC’s technology editor Zoe Kleinmann, and LEGO Group’s Orlando Machado, the conference aims to deliver a comprehensive programme with keynote speakers and panel sessions designed to provide delegates with insights into using AI for good, developing robust AI strategies, and enhancing entrepreneurship through AI.

Panellists include AI innovators with Scottish ties, such as:

• Ross McNairn, a lawyer turned tech entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Wordsmith, a Scotland-based legal tech company backed by Index Ventures.
• Rachel Curtis, a fintech founder aiming to reduce shame around debt. She is the co-founder and CEO of Inicio.AI, backed by the Edinburgh AI Accelerator Programme and Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Lab.
• Iain Mackie, a creator of custom-made AI solutions. He is the co-founder and CEO of Malted AI based in Edinburgh, which works with Fortune 100 enterprises to optimise complex business processes where general AI fails.

In the exhibition area, the event will showcase Scottish data and AI organisations including DeepMiner, Talan, Teradata, Elementz, EDINA, AFBE, the Scottish AI Alliance, Data for Children Collaborative, and fellow innovation centres BE-ST, IBioIC, and DHI. Scots AI startups will also have the opportunity to apply for a free exhibition space at DataFest.

On May 12, DataFest 2025 will also host a pre-conference event aimed at organisations and professionals focused on future-proofing skills in data and AI. Attendees will have the chance to network with potential employers and participate in focused sessions that explore the skills landscape in Scotland.

Recommended reading

• OpenAI’s Colin Jarvis to Speak at DataFest 2025
• The Data Lab Launches 10th Anniversary Programme of Events
• The Data Lab Community Celebrates 5000 Members

“DataFest is a celebration of Scotland’s dynamic data and AI community,” said Heather Thomson, chief executive officer at The Data Lab. “We’re thrilled to connect leaders from industry and academia to explore innovative solutions and drive meaningful impact across sectors.

“This year’s programme is designed to demonstrate how AI is transforming industries and to support individuals and organisations in navigating both the opportunities and the challenges. The event aims to inspire collaboration and skills development, ensuring that Scotland remains at the forefront of data and AI advancements.”