Edinburgh: Opening the AI Stack

Overview

SOOCon26 On The Road in Edinburgh presents a focused session titled Edinburgh: Opening the AI Stack. This one-day event gathers technology, policy, and business leaders to explore open AI, AI governance, and the ethical, social, and economic implications of deploying AI systems in public and private sectors. Attendees include executives, researchers, policymakers, engineers, and open technology advocates who are interested in practical strategies for balancing innovation with openness and accountability. The venue is The Royal Bank of Scotland Gogarburn Conference Centre in Edinburgh, a notable hub for industry events, with a program designed to provoke discussion, case studies, and actionable takeaways for attendees implementing AI initiatives in organizations of varying sizes.

Date and Format

The Edinburgh session takes place on 5 June 2026, from 09:30 to 18:00. The format combines keynote talks, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, offering time for questions, networking, and hands-on demonstrations. Sessions are organized into tracks that cover policy, ethics, governance, technical architectures, and industry use cases. The event emphasizes openness, collaboration, and practical guidance for organizations navigating the AI landscape while aligning with OpenUK and related open technology communities.

Agenda and Tracks

• Opening remarks and keynote insights into the AI stack and openness
• Plenaries on AI governance, policy, and risk management for responsible AI deployment
• Technical tracks on AI architectures, data provenance, model transparency, and reproducibility
• Case studies from industry leaders showcasing real-world AI deployments and lessons learned
• Interactive workshops and demos focusing on open source tooling, governance frameworks, and compliance considerations
• Networking and Q&A sessions to engage with speakers and peers

Speakers and Program Details

The Edinburgh program features a roster of industry leaders and researchers from organizations focused on AI, open standards, and policy. Speakers include Amanda Brock, CEO of OpenUK and OpenHQ, along with other notable figures from academia, industry, and open-source communities. Presenters discuss topics such as AI ethics, policy implications, and the role of open standards in accelerating responsible AI adoption. Read bios and schedule details for individual speakers are available on the event page. The program is designed to deliver practical takeaways for attendees and to facilitate discussions around governance, accountability, and openness in AI.

Target Audience and Benefits

This event is intended for digital and AI leaders, policy makers, developers, and professionals involved in AI strategy, governance, and implementation. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how to design AI systems with openness at the core, learn from real-world case studies, and network with peers who are navigating similar challenges in the UK and beyond. The conference emphasizes actionable insights, resources for ongoing learning, and opportunities to engage with open technology initiatives and industry partners.

Venue, Travel, and Logistics

The session is hosted at The Royal Bank of Scotland Gogarburn Conference Centre, 175 Glasgow Rd, Edinburgh EH12 9SB. The Edinburgh venue provides accessible facilities and supports interactive formats, enabling participants to engage with speakers, peers, and exhibitors. Details about travel, accommodation, and local logistics are available on the event page and accompanying travel information sections. Sponsors and partners include OpenUK, Arm, Microsoft, NatWest, and other technology and open source organizations, reflecting a collaborative ecosystem for open and responsible AI innovation.

FAQs

• Who should attend? Digital and AI leaders, policymakers, developers, and practitioners interested in open AI, governance, and responsible deployment.
• Is the event online or on-site? On-site in Edinburgh with in-person sessions and possible remote components for some content.
• What will I learn? Practical frameworks for openness, governance, and technical considerations to support responsible AI adoption.
• How can I engage? Attend talks, participate in workshops, and network with speakers and peers.

This description reflects the content available from the Edinburgh SOOCon26 On The Road page, including session topics, speaker bios, and logistical details relevant to attendees seeking an in-depth, open, and professional AI conference experience in Scotland.