麻豆精选

Kathleen Stewart, 麻豆精选鈥檚 area team leader for Innse Gall, recently returned from Innovation Week in Prague. There she joined fellow regional leaders and businesses exploring the transformational potential of artificial intelligence (AI).

In this blog, Kathleen reflects on the event, the key takeaways for Highlands and Islands businesses and why AI could be a game-changer for the region鈥檚 future.

We recently led a delegation of ambitious businesses from across the Highlands and Islands to Innovation Week in Prague. The city hosted Europe鈥檚 largest innovation and AI-focused event on 9-10 October, bringing entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers together for two days of practical workshops, networking, and forward-looking debates.  
 
With artificial intelligence (AI) as this year鈥檚 central theme, the event provided a timely and inspiring platform to explore how AI can drive innovation and deliver meaningful benefits to communities across our region. 

Why AI, why now? 

AI is no longer a future concept. It鈥檚 already transforming how we live, work, and connect. From intelligent energy systems and predictive healthcare to digital tourism and creative industries, it鈥檚 opening up exciting new possibilities for rural and island economies. For businesses in the Highlands and Islands, embracing these technologies is essential to remaining competitive, resilient, and future-ready. 

Insights from Prague 

Innovation Week delivered a vibrant mix of international keynote speakers, interactive panels, hands-on workshops and buzzing networking sessions.  
 
I was especially drawn to themes around climate resilience and energy efficiency as well as the thought-provoking conversations on transparency and governance in the evolving world of AI in creative and unexpected ways - from agriculture to education. The sessions sparked valuable conversations and fresh thinking around how AI can be applied in rural and island contexts.  
 
A real highlight for me was recognising just how far ahead the Highlands and Islands region is - already ahead of the game in innovation. Several workshops and discussions showcased themes and approaches that are already being pioneered.  
 
It was great to bring such a diverse and inspiring group of business leaders from across the region. We all came away with fantastic insights from the sessions, which sparked exciting new thinking and opportunities for working together.  

Why it matters 

Participation in events like Innovation Week is about more than technology - it鈥檚 about ensuring the Highlands and Islands is part of the global innovation landscape. AI isn鈥檛 just for urban centres or tech giants. It has the potential to transform how we deliver services, grow businesses, and support communities.  

The delegation included representatives from energy, creative industries and tourism sectors - Atlantic 58, Sandwick Bay Candles, Greenspace Live, Immerse Hebrides, Green Marine UK, Glen Mhor Hotel and G2 Outdoor.

Have you considered how AI could support your business, social enterprise or community enterprise to innovate and grow? Whether you're just starting out or ready to scale, have a look at the Innovation 麻豆精选 that's available.  

The future of AI is being shaped now and the Highlands and Islands is ready to play a meaningful role in that journey.