Scotland has a world-class research base, but turning academic talent into commercial ventures, especially in AI and healthcare, can be tough. That’s where AI Discovery comes in.
Delivered by CodeBase through the Techscaler programme, AI Discovery is a nine-week programme designed to help postgraduate researchers in Scotland become startup founders. Backed by the University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, and NHS Scotland, the programme connects some of the brightest minds with the tools, mentors, and networks they need to turn research into real-world impact.
Why Now?
Healthcare systems are under pressure, and AI offers massive potential to improve outcomes and efficiency. Across Europe, healthtech is still playing catch-up when it comes to adopting scalable AI solutions.
Meanwhile, investment in AI healthtech is booming and Scotland is ready to lead.
Turning Research into Real-World Solutions
The first AI Discovery cohort includes up to 30 postgraduate researchers from across medicine, computer science, microbiology, and engineering. Over nine weeks, participants get access to:
- Startup fundamentals like lean product development and go-to-market strategy
- Hands-on hackathons with a focus around market research and insights, data analysis and pitching
- Mentorship from startup operators, academics, and healthcare professionals
- Connections to global investors and innovation networks
This programme is about more than training, it’s about building companies that solve real NHS challenges using artificial intelligence.
A New Type of Founder
Steven Drost, Chief Strategy Officer at CodeBase said “We have some of the world’s best universities, and there is a real opportunity to point some of the brightest minds at some of society’s biggest challenges. The plan is to connect NHS data to AI startups who can help bring about significant productivity and efficiency gains.” *
“The world is changing, and we need to build new things. From an investment perspective, AI represents a seismic opportunity. Globally, one of the greatest bottlenecks is finding deeptech AI founders. Unlike pure software founders, whose mythology included dropping out from college and coding from their couch, deeptech founders need a degree and connections to the latest research.”
“We are trying to help the rise of the ‘academic founder’, by supporting them with best-in-class startup playbooks delivered by a mix of specialist academics and CodeBase network operators. We are excited to see a mix of maths, computer science, medicine, and microbiology postgrads on this programme. We hope we can convert some of them into founders and connect them with international investors.”
AI Discovery participants aren’t just learning to pitch, they’re building companies. And with Scotland’s universities producing world-class talent every year, the opportunity is enormous.
University & NHS Backing
Alessandro Rosiello, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at University of Edinburgh Business School and Director of Innovation of Edinburgh Futures Institute, said that AI Discovery is a “critical step in the direction of changing the University's mindset and building a more entrepreneurial campus.”
David Lowe, Director of Clinical Innovation at the University of Glasgow and Clinical Lead Health CSO at The Scottish Government, said: “AI Discovery has the potential to be a true game changer for healthcare, particularly within the NHS. Through this opportunity, we are committed to fostering an environment that will nurture the next generation of bioentrepreneurs.”
“We believe that by empowering innovative minds with the tools, resources, and support they need, we can accelerate the development of transformative technologies that will address some of the most pressing challenges facing the NHS and global healthcare systems today.”
With Scotland’s health system facing growing demand, the ability to scale AI innovation is more important than ever.
Real-World Impact Already Happening
The Techscaler network already includes AI-driven healthtech startups like Infix Support, a Glasgow-based company led by Dr. Matthew Freer. Their AI-powered platform is improving operating theatre efficiency across every NHS Scotland Health Board.
Yaheya Shafti, a University of Glasgow research assistant working on radar and machine learning for healthcare applications, said: “AI is unlocking new possibilities that will transform healthcare. In my work, I see researchers developing a wide range of AI-driven innovations, each with unique potential to improve healthcare delivery. Our team, for example, is developing AI-powered contactless health monitoring technology to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and convenience.”
“The AI Discovery programme is already proving to be invaluable to my entrepreneurial journey. And coming from an engineering background, gaining business insights from experts has been eye-opening, helping bridge the gap between research and real-world impact.”
With AI Discovery, the goal is to help more companies like this emerge and scale.
The Bigger Picture
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Artificial intelligence is already proving itself to be a force for good in our health and social care service, providing a range of solutions that are transforming services for the better and in a number of cases, saving lives.”
“Tapping into the talent and innovation across Scotland’s Techscaler start-up community, the AI Discovery initiative presents a hugely exciting platform for business, academia and public sector to come together to create new startups that accelerate and scale up AI solutions. I look forward to seeing the results of this valuable collaboration.”
Looking Ahead
AI Discovery is just one example of how Techscaler is helping founders in Scotland take their ideas global. Whether you’re building games, climate tech, or AI for healthcare, we’re here to help you scale.
*This article is based on the official Press Release from Business Wire and quotes are attributed to them.
