Thursday 27th August 2026, 5:00pm to 8:00pm
The Bayes Centre, The University of Edinburgh 47 Potterrow, Edinburgh, EH8 9BT
Venture Cafe Edinburgh is hosting a special Thursday Gathering, with the UK’s Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) to discuss how they are funding scientific and technological breakthroughs at the edge of what’s possible.
ARIA was built on a high-risk, high-reward premise: backing unconventional ideas, scientists, and impact-led founders that traditional funding frameworks tend to miss.
Given Scotland's density of breakthrough research across life sciences, cybersecurity, climate tech, and beyond, this session explores where ARIA’s approach intersects with the local ecosystem, featuring a live showcase of Scotland’s deep tech innovators translating hard science into global impact.
With applications open (17th August) for ARIA’s 3rd cohort of Programme Directors, this event also offers a direct look into one of the most high-impact roles in UK R&D. ARIA Programme Directors are empowered with ~£50M budgets to design and lead ambitious, multi-year programmes selecting, funding, and actively steering diverse project portfolios across disciplines to unleash transformative change.
Whether you are a deeply technical leader seeing opportunity where others don't, a founder or researcher aligned with ARIA’s mission, or an ecosystem builder, join this event to connect directly with the ARIA team and experience the cutting-edge companies commercialising research on the front lines.
Venture Café connects creators, entrepreneurs, investors, coworkers, students and visionaries to build strong, inclusive, equitable innovation ecosystems in cities throughout the world at Thursday Gatherings, part of the flagship programme.
Roslin Innovation Centre
The University of Edinburgh
Easter Bush Campus
Midlothian EH25 9RG
