26 November 2026
Scotland's Industrial Future: From Challenge to Opportunity
Organised by:
SCI Scotland Group
Scottish Enterprise, Glasgow, UK
Synopsis
Join us for the relaunch of the SCI Scotland Group, delivered in collaboration with BBIA and IBioIC. Bringing together industry, academia, government, investors and innovation organisations, the event builds on SCI Scotland's heritage since 1888 of fostering collaboration through lectures, networking, industry visits and careers initiatives, including the Day of Science and Careers, the prestigious SCI Lister Medal and Lecture, whose recipients have included Sir Patrick Vallance and the Scotland Postgraduate Researcher Competition.The event will focus on the role of collaboration in building a thriving bioeconomy, accelerating innovation and strengthening Scotland's position in sustainable manufacturing and science-based industries.
SCI's role is to connect partners, facilitate discussion and help turn ideas into action. Through keynote speakers, panel discussions and networking, participants will explore strategic opportunities for Scotland and identify ways in which the SCI Scotland Group, BBIA and IBioIC can support collaboration, investment and innovation across the country.
The event will also help shape the future priorities of the SCI Scotland Group, creating a platform for individuals and organisations who want to work together to address challenges, develop new opportunities and support Scotland's innovation ecosystem.
Programme
Thursday 26 November 2026
- 12:30
- Registration and refreshments
- Chair: Val Hughes-White, Director of Roslin Innovation Centre
- 13.00
- Welcome to SCI Scotland: introduction to SCI Scotland event objectives
Caro Newton, Director of External Communications, SCI - 13.15
- Scottish Government perspective: the challenges and opportunities facing Scotland
Suresh Kumar, Deputy Director for Innovation and Industrial Transformation, DG, The Scottish Government - 13.35
- Scottish Enterprise insights: supporting Scotland's industrial future
Speakers to be confirmed - 13.55
- Panel session: What Scotland is doing well today: building the bioeconomy
Reuben Carr, Technology Commercialisation Manager, NCIMB; Susan Brench, Commercial Lead, RIPCELL; Scott Kennedy, Co-found Director, Revive Eco Ltd and Jolanta Beinarovica, Senior Consultant, Optimat - Chair: Jen Vanderhoven, CEO, BBIA
- 14.40
- Refreshment break
- 14.55
- Panel session: What Scotland is doing well today: place-based growth and industrial clusters
Sarah Murray, CEO, Forth Greenport; Jude Huggan, Business Development Manager, CPI; Alli Vass, Head of Skills, Innovation and Sustainability, Inverness and Cromarty Freeport and Jolanta Beinarovica, Senior Consultant, Optimat - Chair: Mark Bustard, CEO, IBioIC
- 15:40
- Shaping the Scotland conversation: what should Scotland do next?
Nick Challoner, CEO, Ingenza - 16.25
- Closing reflections: key themes, priorities and next steps
Kirstie Cochrane, Director of Stakeholder Engagement, SCI - 16.30
- Networking reception
Accessibility Grants
SCI accessibility grants are available to support SCI members with disabilities, long term health conditions, those who require a carer, and members who are nursing parents to attend SCI events. Download an application form to apply for a grant.
Venue and Contact
Booking Process/Deadlines
CPD Info
All delegates attending this meeting are able to claim CPD points.
Partners
