Events

SDS is undertaking a programme of stakeholder engagement on behalf of the Scottish Government to progress work on the next phase of Foundation Apprenticeships.   The first phase of this engagement is focused on employers and industry given the underpinning role they have with shaping and delivering FAs.

We are hosting a series of FA Consultation Workshops for employers.  Details on the workshops are below and please sign up to one of them to ensure your employer voice is captured.

AIMday is a free, hybrid event hosted at Bayes Centre, Edinburgh. Please register your questions by Friday 10 July 2026.

We welcome up to three questions from each participating company or organisation. When registering your question, please ensure that you can facilitate access to the necessary data or details to develop a solution to your challenge. Due to limited spaces we may ask you to merge related questions into one session.

Please note that workshops are in general open for other participating organisations to observe where relevant, but closed workshops can be requested if required.

Your question(s) and (organisation) name will be published on this website.

To ensure your AIMday workshop(s) are successful, we recommend that at least two company representatives are available to join the discussion of each your questions on 10 September 2026. The company representatives should be well versed in the topic of the question(s) submitted and be prepared to provide further context and background.

We are happy to help you come up with or phrase appropriate question(s), so please do get in touch with organisers at EPSRCIAA@ei.ed.ac.uk.

Please register your questions by Friday 10 July 2026. Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided for in-person attendees. Please indicate if you will participate in-person or online.

Join us for the launch of OEUK’s Economic Report 2026, presenting the latest analysis of the trends shaping the UK’s offshore energy future.

Drawing on new economic modelling and market intelligence, the report examines the implications of global energy market disruption, energy security, investment, competitiveness, domestic energy production and the impact of different policy choices on growth, government revenues and the wider economy.

This is a must-attend event for business leaders, policymakers and anyone looking to understand the opportunities and challenges facing the UK’s offshore energy sector.

Running since 2014, the Inform Prize gives Computer Science students a platform to present their software development projects to industry, compete for prizes, and connect with professionals looking for the next generation of talent. This year, we aim to expand the number of competing teams to be the biggest in the competition’s 12-year history.

Whether you are looking to recruit interns or graduates, stay connected with the university talent pipeline, or simply want to support students in your city, the Inform Prize events are worth your afternoon. Everyone is welcome, regardless of background or sector.

Scotland’s largest annual cyber security summit will host a sister event in Glasgow, Scot-Secure West, for the 4th year running. The event brings together senior InfoSec personnel, IT leaders, academics, security researchers and law enforcement, providing a unique forum for knowledge exchange, discussion and high-level networking.

The programme is focused on improving awareness and best practices through shared learning: highlighting emerging threats, new research and changing adversarial tactics, and examining practical ways to improve resilience, detection and response.

This event is geared towards InfoSec & IT personnel and C-suite leaders. Previous events have gone to a waiting list weeks in advance so we recommend registering early to avoid disappointment.

Join the Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation for our interactive workshop designed to help you navigate the complex trade sanctions landscape.

The Russian state is going to extraordinary lengths to circumvent sanctions via third countries – often without their knowledge. Businesses who trade across huge areas of the world – including the Caucasus, Middle East, Central and South East Asia – may unwittingly become the victim of these covert tactics. This could put your business at heightened risk of breaching UK Government sanctions – as well as helping Putin’s war effort.

Prevention is better than cure

Join officials from across Government for a vital event designed to equip businesses with the tools and information you need about the latest developments in sanctions enforcement and compliance.

Networking opportunity

The Trade Sanctions Workshop will give you the opportunity to network with other companies as well as engage directly with the UK Government and give feedback on the support you need. Help us to support you and other UK businesses.

Running since 2014, the Inform Prize gives Computer Science students a platform to present their software development projects to industry, compete for prizes, and connect with professionals looking for the next generation of talent. This year, we aim to expand the number of competing teams to be the biggest in the competition’s 12-year history.

Whether you are looking to recruit interns or graduates, stay connected with the university talent pipeline, or simply want to support students in your city, the Inform Prize events are worth your afternoon. Everyone is welcome, regardless of background or sector.

Scotland possess a rich source of start-ups, spin outs and companies wanting to grow.

Qodeo and leading law firm partner CMS invite you to join their discussion about building better access to capital at their free Edinburgh Democratizing Venture® Summit! on Wednesday 23rd September 2026 at the CMS office from 4-6 PM with light refreshments.

The common theme impacting entrepreneurs is the need to access capital.   Summit Edinburgh will discuss what help is available for entrepreneurs and demonstrate how to start their fundraising journey and get connected to the wider UK, European and global market.   Confirmed panellists include:

• Dame Anne Glover CEO of Amadeus Capital Partners & Board Member at Bank of England
• Vicky Pryce Chief Economic Adviser at Centre for Economics and Business Research and former Chief Economist at KPMG
• More panellists to be announced shortly.

Summit Delegates who attend will receive a free 1-year access pass to Qodeo.

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.

Stay tuned as more speakers and our evening’s entertainment act are revealed!

Click the ‘Learn More’ link below for more details.