New EdTech innovation hub launches with aim of enhancing Scottish post-16 education sector
In partnership with the University of Stirling, Jisc has launched the Innovation Hub - a facility designed to support the advancement of digital technologies across Scotland’s post-16 education sector.
This provides a dedicated space for educators, researchers, and technology specialists to explore emerging tools and practices that are reshaping teaching, learning, and institutional operations. The University of Stirling, selected for its central location and strong existing partnership with Jisc, has provided space for the hub.
Jason Miles-Campbell, Director for Scotland and Northern Ireland at Jisc, says: "Technology is transforming the way we teach, learn and collaborate - and the Jisc Innovation Hub ensures that Scotland’s tertiary education institutions are equipped to lead that transformation. The partnership with the University of Stirling represents a shared vision to drive innovation, build digital capability, and connect institutions across the country with the latest in educational technology."
Dr David Telford, Executive Director of Information Services at the University of Stirling, says: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with Jisc to host this important facility, a first for Scotland and an important resource for our tertiary education sector. As we all adapt to changes in technology, the hub demonstrates what is possible in digital teaching and learning and connects our institutions, as well as adding to our state-of-the-art facilities here at Stirling."
Since its soft launch in October 2024, the hub has hosted a series of events, including meetings with the Scottish Moodle Users Group and HEIDS (Higher Education IT Directors Scotland).
An upcoming event with the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) Research & Innovation Directorate will also feature live holographic presentations. These offer hands-on demonstrations of technologies such as virtual and hybrid classrooms, augmented and virtual reality, gesture recognition, holographic projection, and AI enabled robotics.
The facility has been supported through SFC funding and the plan is for it to evolve with new technologies. In the coming year, Jisc aims to host 12 institutional visits and 12 sector wide group visits, each offering tailored sessions on best practice, innovation priorities, and practical integration of digital tools.
The Innovation Hub is open to Scottish tertiary institutions and sector agencies looking to explore new technologies, improve digital strategies, and collaborate on the future of education.
RTIH AI in Retail Awards
Our sister title, RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries.
As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.
With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.
Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.
Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.
This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.
Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com
Key 2025 dates
Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline
Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed
Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days
Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.
