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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Edinburgh Futures Institute
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260514T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260514T170000
DTSTAMP:20260510T160353
CREATED:20260324T115814Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T115816Z
UID:10000350-1778749200-1778778000@efi.ed.ac.uk
SUMMARY:CreativeTech Scotland Gathering 2026
DESCRIPTION:Join us on the 14th of May at CreativeTech Scotland Gathering 2026 for an exciting day of cutting edge creative tech talks and workshop. \n\n\n\nOur aim is to bring people together from across the creative and cultural sector in every discipline to meet\, connect\, share know-how\, be inspired by new innovations and be amazed by how we each use creative technology to deliver our services\, products and audience experiences. \n\n\n\nThe Programme will be added shortly but to give you a flavour of the day\, there will be a range of industry spotlights\, hands-on workshop\, and a showcase of creative tech demonstrations and lightning talks\, with a closing reception in partnership with Venture Café 5pm to 8pm. \n\n\n\nSpeaker Biographies\n\n\n\n\n\nOpening Keynote: Jane Harris\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDirector of the University of the Arts London\, Fashion\, Textiles and Technology Institute (UAL\, FTTI) with over £25m investment to date\, Professor Harris was Director / PI of the Business of Fashion\, Textiles and Technology (BFTT\, £6m) one of nine Creative R&D Partnerships funded by the AHRC Creative Industries Clusters Programme (£80m\, CICP\, 2018-24) – and is Co-I on an EPSRC Digital Economy Network+ (2022-27) establishing a UK wide Virtual Production Network led by the University of York\, and led DREEm: Digital\, Regeneration and Experience Economy modelling (www.dreem.org.uk)\, funded by AHRC. \n\n\n\nProfessor Harris will talk about the UAL XR Research Lab in Textiles and Dress\, a specialist research facility\, which aims to advance research in the digital rendition of textiles and dress for integration into screen and real-time environments spanning wide ranging performance\, gaming\, cultural heritage\, and live experiences. This specialist research facility is part of the UAL Fashion\, Textiles and Technology Institute (UAL FTTI). Creating capacity for innovative\, transdisciplinary practice-led research in VP/XR textiles and dress\, partners include the Victoria and Albert Museum\, Royal Shakespeare Company\, Numerion Software and SONY. \n\n\n\nTo find out more visit arts.ac.uk \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nClosing Keynote: Trevor Jones\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTrevor Jones is a Scottish-based artist and creative technologist whose work examines how blockchain and artificial intelligence are reshaping authorship and creative agency. He holds a Master of Fine Art from Edinburgh College of Art. \n\n\n\nHe first gained international recognition for his pioneering augmented reality interventions in national institutions and later became an early leader in blockchain-based art\, with landmark works such as Bitcoin Angel. His practice spans traditional painting\, digitally native systems\, and immersive\, interactive installations. \n\n\n\nJones’ work explores faith\, technology and the changing role of the artist as digital tools alter how art is made\, owned and experienced. Through hybrid physical and digital participatory projects\, he examines how authorship shifts when creative control is shared between artist\, audience and machine. \n\n\n\nTo find out more visit trevorjonesart.com
URL:https://efi.ed.ac.uk/event/creativetech-scotland-gathering-2026/
LOCATION:Edinburgh Futures Institute\, 1 Lauriston Place\, Edinburgh\, EH3 9EF\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Conference,Creative Industries
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://efi.ed.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CTSG_EventBrite_banner_2160x1080_202349-2_Maddy-Burgoyne.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260514T170000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260514T200000
DTSTAMP:20260510T160353
CREATED:20260507T075624Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T075626Z
UID:10000359-1778778000-1778788800@efi.ed.ac.uk
SUMMARY:After Party: Creative Tech Scotland Gathering
DESCRIPTION:To Be (the CEO) or Not to Be? That is the Founder’s Question\n\n\n\nVenture Cafe Edinburgh is partnering with CreativeTech Scotland Gathering to host a special reception and networking event after their annual event. Expect panels\, exhibitions\, and hands-on activities.
URL:https://efi.ed.ac.uk/event/after-party-creative-tech-scotland-gathering/
LOCATION:Edinburgh Futures Institute\, 1 Lauriston Place\, Edinburgh\, EH3 9EF\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Venture Cafe Edinburgh Thursday Gatherings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efi.ed.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/169-VCE-Photo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260520T170000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260520T190000
DTSTAMP:20260510T160353
CREATED:20260506T145605Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260508T082436Z
UID:10000357-1779296400-1779303600@efi.ed.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Traveltech Meet Up
DESCRIPTION:We’re excited to announce our next TravelTech meetup on 20th May\, featuring an interactive session in collaboration with 80 Days. \n\n\n\n​Following the hugely popular session on Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) last year\, this session will explore how the AI search landscape has continued to evolve and what that means for travel and tourism businesses looking to stay visible. \n\n\n\n​From AI Overviews and search agents to the increasingly non-linear traveller journey\, we’ll cut through the noise and focus on what really matters. Expect practical\, actionable strategies to help you get found in the age of AI-driven search\, along with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and take part in the discussion. \n\n\n\n​Whether you joined us last time or are completely new to the topic\, this session is designed to give you clear insights you can apply straight away.
URL:https://efi.ed.ac.uk/event/traveltech-meet-up-5/
LOCATION:Room 2.55\, Edinburgh Futures Institute\, 1 Lauriston Place\, Edinburgh\, EH3 9EF
CATEGORIES:Mixer,Tourism & Festivals,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efi.ed.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Traveltech-Meet-up-12_Maddy-Burgoyne.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260521T170000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260521T200000
DTSTAMP:20260510T160353
CREATED:20260507T080400Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T080752Z
UID:10000360-1779382800-1779393600@efi.ed.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Venture Café Edinburgh Thursday Gathering
DESCRIPTION:From Research to Reality: The Future of AI in Scotland\n\n\n\nWhat happens when brilliant research meets the right support? \n\n\n\nFor researchers\, the path from lab to impact isn’t always clear. Future Worlds works with university researchers of all levels\, helping them explore what’s possible long before a company exists. This event\, in collaboration with Future Worlds\, is for anyone in Scotland working with AI\, whether it’s your core focus or a tool you’re using to push boundaries. \n\n\n\nFor this Thursday Gathering\, we’re bringing together researchers\, founders\, and ecosystem connectors for an evening built around inspiration and possibility. Expect lightning talks\, showcases\, and a welcoming space to ask: what if? \n\n\n\nWhether you’re a PhD student\, a postdoc\, or a professor – if you’re building something with AI and want to explore where it could lead\, come along and be part of the conversation.
URL:https://efi.ed.ac.uk/event/venture-cafe-edinburgh-thursday-gathering-4/
LOCATION:Edinburgh Futures Institute\, 1 Lauriston Place\, Edinburgh\, EH3 9EF\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Venture Cafe Edinburgh Thursday Gatherings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efi.ed.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/169-VCE-Photo.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260527T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260527T130000
DTSTAMP:20260510T160353
CREATED:20260422T130032Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260422T130102Z
UID:10000355-1779876000-1779886800@efi.ed.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Bridging Communities: Creating the Change You Want to See in the World
DESCRIPTION:What does it really take to create meaningful change? \n\n\n\nJoin us for the first Bridging Communities event of 2026\, hosted by The Melting Pot in collaboration with the Edinburgh Futures Institute\, as we explore what it means to turn bold ideas into real-world action. \n\n\n\nThis event is for people who want to make a difference in their organisations\, communities and wider society. We know that meaningful change rarely happens by accident. It takes imagination\, persistence\, collaboration and the courage to try something new. It’s felt across all sectors and shapes and sizes of organisations. \n\n\n\nThrough the stories of two inspiring speakers\, we’ll hear firsthand how new initiatives have been created that have gone on to influence Scottish society\, from changing the world of grant making to reshaping thinking and practice in the public sector. These are stories of creating something truly new\, navigating uncertainty and building momentum for change in a sustainable way. \n\n\n\nAfter each speaker\, there will be time to reflect on what you’ve heard and connect it with your own context. This period of individual reflection will allow you to questions like: what change do you want to see\, what stands in the way\, and what practical steps could help move your ideas forward? \n\n\n\nWhether you’re leading change inside an organisation\, supporting communities\, developing new ideas\, or simply looking for inspiration and connection\, this event is designed to help you think bigger\, act more deliberately\, and learn with others who care about creating a better future. \n\n\n\nWhat to expect\n\n\n\n\nLight refreshments on arrival\n\n\n\nTwo inspiring speakers sharing their experience of creating meaningful change\n\n\n\nFacilitated reflection and conversation after each speaker\n\n\n\nNetworking with people from across sectors who are working to make a positive difference\n\n\n\nA warm and welcoming event — whether you love networking or usually avoid it\, you’ll leave with fresh perspectives and new connections\n\n\n\n\nWho’s it for?\n\n\n\nThis event is open to all sectors\, inviting as many different perspectives in the room as possible. Whether you work in the public\, private or third sector or are part of a community initiative or social enterprise\, Bridging Communities is designed to help you step outside your usual circles\, connect with others and spark new possibilities for action. \n\n\n\nWhat We Need From You:\n\n\n\n\nTo reflect on what new initiatives have inspired you in the past \n\n\n\nTo consider what new concepts get you excited in 2026\n\n\n\nTo bring one belief that you feel accelerates change \n\n\n\n\nMeet Our Speakers\n\n\n\nTwo speakers will share their experiences of creating truly new initiatives that have changed the worlds of grant making and the public sector. \n\n\n\n\nLeah Black\, Co-director of Regenerative Futures Fund \n\n\n\nCatherine Rose\, Co-Director of Scottish Policy & Research Exchange\n\n\n\nAdam Underwood\, Business Development Lead at St Columba’s Hospice\n\n\n\n\nMore speaker details to be announced soon. \n\n\n\nTickets\n\n\n\nHosted in collaboration with Edinburgh Futures Institute\, this event is free and open to all. \n\n\n\nHowever if you are able we would welcome a donation to help The Melting Pot cover their costs to run the event (this includes marketing\, staff time and event facilitation).
URL:https://efi.ed.ac.uk/event/bridging-communities-creating-the-change-you-want-to-see-in-the-world/
LOCATION:Room 2.55\, Edinburgh Futures Institute\, 1 Lauriston Place\, Edinburgh\, EH3 9EF
CATEGORIES:Talk/Discussion
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efi.ed.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Melting-Pot.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260528T170000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260528T200000
DTSTAMP:20260510T160353
CREATED:20260507T080618Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T080827Z
UID:10000361-1779987600-1779998400@efi.ed.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Venture Café Edinburgh Thursday Gathering
DESCRIPTION:Funding That Fits: A Night for Female Founders\, Funders & Investors\n\n\n\nEvery business needs the right support to grow\, but female-led businesses often face a narrower view of what that support looks like. Equity investment is a powerful route\, but it’s not the only option. From crowdfunding to IP-backed lending\, many businesses thrive on a mix of funding sources\, yet these options often lack visibility\, leaving founders unsure what’s available or right for their stage and sector. \n\n\n\nThis special Thursday Gathering\, in partnership with Pathways Forward and Scottish EDGE\, is designed to make connections that matter and focus on practical actions\, not just another diagnosis of the problem. \n\n\n\nWho is this for?\n\n\n\n\nFounders looking for the right kind of finance at the right time.\n\n\n\nInvestors and funders who are serious about backing women-led businesses.\n\n\n\nAnyone who wants to shift from talking about the issues to making progress.\n\n\n\n\nWhat to expect?\n\n\n\nYou’ll leave with a clear view of what different funders and supporters are looking for\, along with actionable takeaways on the funding mix that could work for you. \n\n\n\nCome ready to ask questions\, make connections\, and leave with a clearer sense of your next step.
URL:https://efi.ed.ac.uk/event/venture-cafe-edinburgh-thursday-gathering-5/
LOCATION:Edinburgh Futures Institute\, 1 Lauriston Place\, Edinburgh\, EH3 9EF\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Venture Cafe Edinburgh Thursday Gatherings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efi.ed.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/169-VCE-Photo.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260602T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260602T191500
DTSTAMP:20260510T160353
CREATED:20260409T134034Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260423T172728Z
UID:10000353-1780423200-1780427700@efi.ed.ac.uk
SUMMARY:Beth Simone Noveck: Civic University – Democracy\, AI\, and the Public Imagination
DESCRIPTION:Join Beth Simone Noveck in conversation with Oliver Escobar for a timely exploration of the civic role of the university in an age of democratic uncertainty and rapid technological change. This event will examine how universities can act as democratic institutions – harnessing AI not just as a tool for innovation\, but to strengthen participation\, trust\, and public problem-solving. At a moment when democracy feels increasingly fragile\, what responsibilities do universities hold as civic actors embedded in society? And how can they help design and deploy technologies that serve the public good rather than concentrate power? This conversation invites us to reimagine the university not only as a site of knowledge\, but as a vital partner in renewing democratic life. \n\n\n\nPart of the Future University programme\, this event looks beyond immediate sector challenges to ask what kind of institutions we need for the future – and how universities can rise to meet that moment. \n\n\n\nImage credit: Elise Racine & The Bigger Picture / https://betterimagesofai.org / https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ \n\n\n\nSpeaker Biographies\n\n\n\n\n\nBeth Simone Noveck\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBeth Simone Noveck is a professor and director of the Burnes Center for Social Change at Northeastern University. She leads The Governance Lab and its InnovateUS initiative. Former U.S. deputy chief technology officer and the first state chief AI strategist\, she founded AI for Impact\, which builds democratic AI with communities. She is the author of Solving Public Problems: A Practical Guide to Fix Our Government and Change Our World and writes on AI and democracy at rebootdemocracy.ai. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChair: Oliver Escobar\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProfessor Oliver Escobar is the Chair of Public Policy and Democratic Innovation at the University of Edinburgh. He works on participatory and deliberative democracy\, with a focus on public participation\, policy work\, the commons\, political inequalities\, and the governance of the future. Oliver combines research and practice to develop social and democratic innovations across various policy and community contexts. He was Academic Lead on Democratic Innovation at Edinburgh Futures Institute (2019-2023)\, and Co-director of CRITIQUE  (2021-2023). Read more about Oliver: https://www.sps.ed.ac.uk/staff/oliver-escobar
URL:https://efi.ed.ac.uk/event/beth-simone-noveck-civic-university-democracy-ai-and-the-public-imagination/
LOCATION:Edinburgh Futures Institute\, Level 0 Event Space\, 1 Lauriston Place\, Edinburgh\, EH3 9EF\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Future University
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://efi.ed.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/web-of-influence_elise-recine_the-bigger-picture_5430x3705.jpg
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