NOTE: This event will be held at The Bayes Centre.
Technology gives us the what, but it’s people that give us the how. Join us for an evening exploring the messy yet essential human work that turns ambitious ideas into reality, and why it matters more than ever in a world of powerful new tools and technologies.
Powered by Advanced Research + Invention Agency
Grab a drink, and join the conversation! Whether you're looking to meet potential collaborators, exchange ideas, grow your network, or simply continue the conversation, this is a great opportunity to connect with fellow innovators, entrepreneurs, and members of the community. You never know where a conversation might lead!
Come and meet The Data Lab, Scotland's innovation centre for data and AI. Their mission is to create the world’s most impactful data community: a thriving, connected society powered by data – one where cross-sector conversations, creativity, and collaboration ignite and sustain the sparks of ground-breaking ideas, products and societal advances. They help companies, organisations, and individuals capitalise on opportunities within the data science field.
Meet someone new, grab a pen, and draw each other!
This relaxed, drop-in session is all about creativity, connection, and the joy of meeting people face-to-face. Inspired by the energy and spontaneity of the Fringe, come along, pair up with a new connection, and get creative - no artistic experience needed!
Come and celebrate what makes human connection uniquely human!
AI can be a game changer for your start-up, but the same tools that save you hours can quietly land you in legal and commercial trouble. This relaxed conversation (not a lecture!) will be on how to get the most out of AI while keeping your business protected. In plain English, we'll unpack the risks founders most often overlook – from drafting mistakes to data protection – with examples of the pitfalls to steer clear of. No technical or legal know-how required, just bring your questions.
Take a seat and hear from Venture Café Edinburgh Director, Claudia Cavalluzzo who will go through how to make the most of a Thursday Gathering and give you a quick preview of what's in line for this week's event.
Tech alone won't fix our cities. Most net-zero and urban transition projects don't fail because of bad technology. Heat pumps, solar panels, and EV chargers exist. Projects stall because of messy real-world bottlenecks: outdated funding models, bureaucratic friction, and teams burnt out by working in old silos.
In this fireside chat, Adam Purvis from Dark Matter Labs and Professor Ruth Crick (Founder of WILD) bring together two missing pieces of the puzzle: modern governance design and human learning.
What We'll Cover:
- Fixing the Plumbing: How Dark Matter Labs helps cities redesign funding, contracts, and municipal governance so big climate goals don't die in committee.
- Building Capability on the Ground: How WILD helps municipal teams, civic leaders, and local communities build the skills, confidence, and practical agency needed to run these complex projects.
- Real-World Lessons: Using practical examples from major European urban transition initiatives, we’ll look at what actually works when trying to unblock stalled city projects.
Want a free ticket to Turing Fest? Now’s your chance! If you’re a founder, you’ll have an opportunity to jump on the mic and give your best elevator pitch - all within 60 seconds. We’ll let the audience vote and one lucky winner will leave with a 'Startups' pass to Turing Fest, happening on the 22 - 23 September 2026 in Edinburgh.
A special thank you to Fraser Macdonald and the Edinburgh Futures Institute for offering this ticket to the Venture Café Edinburgh community.
How do new ideas become engaging experiences? Professor Richard Wiseman explores the relationship between innovation, creativity and performance, drawing on his experience as a psychologist and performer in the Fringe
NOTE: This event will be held at The Bayes Centre.
Technology gives us the what, but it’s people that give us the how. Join us for an evening exploring the messy yet essential human work that turns ambitious ideas into reality, and why it matters more than ever in a world of powerful new tools and technologies.
Powered by Advanced Research + Invention Agency
Grab a drink, and join the conversation! Whether you're looking to meet potential collaborators, exchange ideas, grow your network, or simply continue the conversation, this is a great opportunity to connect with fellow innovators, entrepreneurs, and members of the community. You never know where a conversation might lead!
Come and meet The Data Lab, Scotland's innovation centre for data and AI. Their mission is to create the world’s most impactful data community: a thriving, connected society powered by data – one where cross-sector conversations, creativity, and collaboration ignite and sustain the sparks of ground-breaking ideas, products and societal advances. They help companies, organisations, and individuals capitalise on opportunities within the data science field.
Meet someone new, grab a pen, and draw each other!
This relaxed, drop-in session is all about creativity, connection, and the joy of meeting people face-to-face. Inspired by the energy and spontaneity of the Fringe, come along, pair up with a new connection, and get creative - no artistic experience needed!
Come and celebrate what makes human connection uniquely human!
AI can be a game changer for your start-up, but the same tools that save you hours can quietly land you in legal and commercial trouble. This relaxed conversation (not a lecture!) will be on how to get the most out of AI while keeping your business protected. In plain English, we'll unpack the risks founders most often overlook – from drafting mistakes to data protection – with examples of the pitfalls to steer clear of. No technical or legal know-how required, just bring your questions.
Take a seat and hear from Venture Café Edinburgh Director, Claudia Cavalluzzo who will go through how to make the most of a Thursday Gathering and give you a quick preview of what's in line for this week's event.
Tech alone won't fix our cities. Most net-zero and urban transition projects don't fail because of bad technology. Heat pumps, solar panels, and EV chargers exist. Projects stall because of messy real-world bottlenecks: outdated funding models, bureaucratic friction, and teams burnt out by working in old silos.
In this fireside chat, Adam Purvis from Dark Matter Labs and Professor Ruth Crick (Founder of WILD) bring together two missing pieces of the puzzle: modern governance design and human learning.
What We'll Cover:
- Fixing the Plumbing: How Dark Matter Labs helps cities redesign funding, contracts, and municipal governance so big climate goals don't die in committee.
- Building Capability on the Ground: How WILD helps municipal teams, civic leaders, and local communities build the skills, confidence, and practical agency needed to run these complex projects.
- Real-World Lessons: Using practical examples from major European urban transition initiatives, we’ll look at what actually works when trying to unblock stalled city projects.
Want a free ticket to Turing Fest? Now’s your chance! If you’re a founder, you’ll have an opportunity to jump on the mic and give your best elevator pitch - all within 60 seconds. We’ll let the audience vote and one lucky winner will leave with a 'Startups' pass to Turing Fest, happening on the 22 - 23 September 2026 in Edinburgh.
A special thank you to Fraser Macdonald and the Edinburgh Futures Institute for offering this ticket to the Venture Café Edinburgh community.
How do new ideas become engaging experiences? Professor Richard Wiseman explores the relationship between innovation, creativity and performance, drawing on his experience as a psychologist and performer in the Fringe