Edinburgh University will establish two new cutting-edge AI research hubs funded by UK Government
09 February 2024
Good afternoon and welcome to the weekly Futurescot Newsletter, keeping you up-to-date with news and analysis across the public technology and innovation sector.?
In our lead story today, we bring you news of two new AI research hubs launched at the University of Edinburgh - thanks to UK Government funding.?
Read the piece in full below as well the rest of our tech stories from the week. And don't forget to get in touch with your stories at [email protected]?or send a tweet or DM to?@futurescot_news, and please do share with your colleagues.
AI
Edinburgh University will establish two new AI research hubs funded by UK Government?
Edinburgh University will establish two new AI research hubs launched by the UK Government today in an ￡80 million funding round supporting advanced tech. The university will set up the AI Hub for Productive Research and Innovation in Electronics (APRIL) alongside the AI Hub for Causality in Healthcare AI with Real Data (CHAI). MORE?
CONFERENCES
Cyber Security: 27th February, Technology & Innovation Centre, Glasgow.
Futurescot’s annual Cyber Security conference will feature for the first time the new Head of Cyber Division at the Scottish Government, Alan Gray. There will also be a panel discussion with the UK's devolved nations to discuss building regional partnerships and clusters of excellence to boost cyber resilience, involving: Jonathan Ellison OBE from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC); Lorraine McCaffrey, Head of the Northern Ireland Cyber Security Centre; Jackie Wishart, Head of Cyber Resilience at N.I Civil Service; Paul Peters, Director of The Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales; and?Jude McCorry, CEO of the Cyber and Fraud Centre - Scotland. REGISTER NOW ?
Cloud, Data & AI - Transforming Public Services: 21st March, Technology & Innovation Centre, Glasgow
Cloud, Data & AI - Transforming Public Services is the leading public sector conference for cutting-edge service technologies, including artificial intelligence, data analytics and cloud. The conference brings together government officials, academic experts and technology solutions providers - showcasing the latest cloud technologies, public sector data techniques, and stimulating debate on how to harness AI in ways that are trustworthy, ethical and inclusive. The agenda was released this week - REGISTER NOW ?
Health & Care Transformation: 16th April, Technology & Innovation Centre, Glasgow
Health & Care Transformation is the annual conference bringing together the ‘triple helix’ of government, industry and academia to unlock the potential of technology and innovation to deliver better patient outcomes and move from an era of reactive to proactive care. REGISTER NOW ?
For all 2024 Futurescot Conferences, visit our Events Page here.
AI
Glasgow researchers pioneer AI-powered ‘robo guide dogs’ to help blind and partially sighted people
Glasgow researchers are pioneering the use of ‘robo guide dogs’ to help blind and partially sighted people navigate indoor spaces. RoboGuide is an AI-powered four-legged mechanical canine with onboard sensors to help map out indoor environments such as museums, shopping centres and hospitals.?MORE?
Underwater robot to reduce costs by autonomously cleaning ships’ hulls?
An underwater robot pioneered by Edinburgh scientists could be deployed to autonomously clean ships’ hulls – reducing costs and environmental damage. ScrubMarine will join Heriot-Watt university’s startup programme to commercialise its idea to use deep sea androids to tackle the shipping industry’s problem of ‘biofouling’. MORE?
Generative AI can solve skills gaps but tech leaders face ‘conundrum’ of ethical concerns
Half of the UK’s tech leaders are considering using generative AI technologies to plug digital skills gaps, according to new research. Tech leaders are however grappling with ethical concerns about replacing employees as well as implementing AI safely and securely in the workplace.?MORE?
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HEALTH
Housing association and care provider praised in report for technology adoption
A Scottish housing association and care provider has been praised in a report by an economic think tank for its adoption and use of technology. Blackwood Homes and Care was recognised for its use of technology in a major report published by Strathclyde University’s Fraser of Allander Institute.?MORE?
IOT
IoT sensors to help Highlands engineering firm reduce its carbon footprint
Internet of Things (IoT) sensors are set to help a Highlands engineering firm reduce its carbon footprint. Forres-based AJ Engineering will be able to save on electricity bills after remote monitoring equipment was installed to track energy usage. MORE?
BUSINESS
Business growth specialists to help Scottish startups navigate international tech markets
A business growth specialist has forged a strategic partnership with a Scottish startup mission to help founders realise ‘life changing’ ambitions in global tech markets. Thornton Solicitors will work with the grassroots ‘Foras’ movement to help support entrepreneurs as they navigate fundraising opportunities to scale up their businesses. MORE??
TRANSPORT
Ferry travellers go digital with island electronic voucher scheme
Ferry travel concessions for eligible passengers will be offered in the form of digital vouchers for the first time. The ferry vouchers, providing free passenger travel to and from the Scottish mainland or, will no longer be issued in paper form.?MORE?
BRIEFINGS
Tech sector warns over 22% tax burden putting off Scottish recruits
While much of the post-Scottish Budget focus was on a new income tax band for those on incomes between ￡75,000 and 125,000, some in the technology industry are warning a discrepancy in tax rates at a lower level is hitting their ability to recruit.?MORE?
3D model offers chance to come face-to-face with Mary Queen of Scots
To mark the anniversary of Mary Queen of Scots’ death, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has released a digital 3D model of her death mask. Today marks 437 years since Mary Queen of Scots was executed yet she remains a prominent figure in history. MORE?
Farmers remain unconvinced on move to digital grain passports
NFU Scotland has had its say on the introduction of digital grain passports (DGP) and says it remains unconvinced that moving to a digital system will be better than a paper system. MORE?
PUBLIC SECTOR IT CONTRACTS
Glasgow's Kelvin College awards contract for student records system
Glasgow's Kelvin College has awarded a ￡134,000 contract for a student records system to London-based Education Software Solutions Limited. MORE?
Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service issues contract for Safety App and Accident & Incident Management Software
Scottish Courts & Tribunals has issued a ￡94,950 contract for a Safety App and Accident & Incident Management Software to East Kilbride-based Evotix. MORE?
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