AI Hype to AI Action: How NE Scotland can lead AI innovation

While AI discussions are often centred on chatbots and Large Language Models (LLMs)—enhancing creativity, streamlining workflows, and transforming communication—the true revolution is unfolding quietly, right here in Scotland. In industries that power, feed, and heal the world, AI is not just supporting decisions—it’s executing them, fundamentally reshaping how energy, food & drink, manufacturing, and life sciences operate.

Last week, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reinforced the government’s commitment to AI, pushing for improved digital infrastructure, billions in investment, and better access to technology talent for businesses across the UK. Yet, while London commands the spotlight, the north east Scotland is quietly leading the charge in AI innovation.

Karen O'Hanlon, Director of Digital Tech at Opportunity North East (ONE), shares her insights into AI innovation in the north east:

Aberdeen has long been known for its energy sector, where applied AI is already transforming operations—from real-time PPE compliance detection to autonomous wind turbine adjustments. AI agents are modelling carbon impacts, optimising battery storage, and streamlining supply and demand balancing.

But energy is just the beginning.

Across food & drink, life sciences, and manufacturing, AI is evolving beyond analysis—it is acting. AI-powered robotics are revolutionising food packaging, predictive IoT systems enhance animal welfare, and agentic AI-led production flows dynamically adapt to real-world conditions. Manufacturing digital twins are shifting from static dashboards to AI-driven decision-making systems. Life sciences applications are pushing the boundaries of personalised healthcare, where AI adjusts treatments in real time.

Amid this transformation, a new wave of AI startups is emerging in the north east. SolasOS is transforming how organisation identify, develop and retain top talent through advanced AI and machine learning and Clairvynt an energy sector engineering company designing powerful AI tools to address the complex challenges customers encounter daily.

Kenny Steele, Founder at Clairvynt commented, “The north east is a great place to capitalise on the AI wave, as we have a wealth of experience and capabilities in a traditionally very technical challenging industry, and together we have the tools and vision to deliver world leading generative AI solutions.”

But for north east Scotland to truly lead in this space, we must focus on AI that delivers clear actions, earns trust, and solves industry problems with tangible impact. A thriving AI ecosystem demands investment in talent, data infrastructure, and entrepreneurial education, backed by strong partnerships and collaboration—a focus championed by Opportunity North East (ONE).

The real economic value of AI doesn’t lie in chasing hype—it’s in applied and agentic AI. While the world debates chatbots, Scotland’s AI innovators are quietly, iteratively, and relentlessly building the future—sector by sector.

If you’re a digital tech founder, investor or industry leader – now is the time to plug into the north east’s AI cluster. Explore partnerships in energy, life sciences, food & drink and manufacturing, connect with local startups driving change and engage with ONE.