Inverness conference draws global audience

Around 200 professionals from the UK and also from Argentina, Spain, Germany, Bolivia, China, Norway, and Switzerland will gather in Inverness this week (18 and 19 September) for the A3 life sciences conference.

Entitled ‘Transition to Digital – Fit for the Future’ the event is co-organised by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

It will focus on how to apply digital solutions to ensure the future growth of Scotland’s animal health, agricultural and aquaculture industries.

Delegates will include businesses representatives, investors, entrepreneurs, academics and policy makers. They will explore topics ranging from artificial intelligence and robotics to funding opportunities available both in Scotland and overseas.

Among the 50 speakers are Stuart MacLennan from Peacock Technologies, a robotics and artificial intelligence company that helps to automate dairy farms; Eve Hanks, CEO at MI:RNA, an innovative veterinary company that helps predict disease progression; and Caroline Argo, Dean of Veterinary Medicine and Head of School at SRUC.

Stuart Black, HIE chief executive, said:

“It’s great to be hosting this event in the Highlands. We have a thriving life sciences sector that has huge potential for further significant growth. It’s crucial that we work together to realise that potential and the A3 conference is part of that process.

“The event will create a great opportunity for networking, fostering strategic partnerships, and exploring collaboration and knowledge exchange opportunities linked to the use of new digital technologies. We look forward to welcoming local and international delegates to Inverness for what promises to be a very productive session.”