Barclays’ national network of Eagle Labs is set to host a series of free artificial intelligence (AI) themed Frenzy events across Scotland in the coming weeks to inspire entrepreneurs and businesses to consider the opportunities being presented by the increasingly high-profile technology.

The first of the AI Frenzys is being held in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde Business School. Leading financial institutions, innovative start-ups and academics will explore how artificial intelligence is affecting different industries and the world of business. Roma Maguire of University of Strathclyde, Lynn Mills of Microsoft and Alastair Andrew of Airts will be among the speakers.

The second event will highlight the benefits of artificial intelligence and technology within agriculture and includes a visit to the groundbreaking IGS vertical farm. Barclays Eagle Labs’ AgriTech Innovation team and industry speakers will encourage farming businesses to consider how technology might help them become more efficient and increase productivity. Industry speakers including Derek Stewart from the James Hutton Institute and Matthew Smith from Microsoft will focus on the benefits of adopting technology in the industry.

Questions around the ethics of AI are prevalent in discussions around the technology, and the third AI Frenzy event will focus on the future of ethical AI. It will feature demonstrations and case study projects to illustrate how artificial intelligence is integrating itself into all aspects of our lives.

Trish McClay, EcoSystem Manager, Eagle Lab Edinburgh said: “Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly widespread so it is crucial that businesses understand how it impacts them, as well as how it can help them to innovate and grow. Our AI Frenzys offer a forum for learning, discussion and showcasing best practice to open up these opportunities to Scotland’s business community. Nurturing digital skills and supporting growth is one of the core aims of Eagle Labs and we hope these events will do just that.”

Barclays’ first AI Frenzy is being held on Thursday 12 September between 17:30 – 20:30 at the University of Strathclyde Business School in Glasgow. The AI Frenzy focusing on artificial intelligence and agritech within agriculture is being held on Monday 23 September between 16:30 – 19:30 at the James Hutton Institute in Dundee. The Future of Ethical AI event is being held on Monday 7 October between 17:30 – 20:00 at CodeBase in Edinburgh.

Find out more about the events here: https://labs.uk.barclays/ai

In 2018, Barclays and CodeBase opened Scotland’s first Eagle Lab in Edinburgh, providing a space for businesses and communities to learn about innovative technologies and boost digital skills. The bank recently opened its second Scottish Eagle Lab in Aberdeen. As one of Barclays’ flagship Labs for Industry 4.0, it will help North East entrepreneurs build on and diversify from the area’s natural strength in oil and gas, as well as unlock the potential of emerging technologies – such as the Internet of Things, advanced manufacturing and robotics – associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution.