THE University of Edinburgh has welcomed its first commercial tenant to the new Edinburgh Futures Institute in the capital’s historic Old Royal Infirmary in Lauriston Place.
Smart Data Foundry has moved from the nearby Bayes Centre to a state-of-the-art workspace in one of the converted Nightingale wards in the A-listed building, which dates back to 1879.
SDF’s move follows a period of sustained growth for the organisation which was founded in 2022 to unlock the power of financial data to tackle the major issues facing society. Over the past two years it has seen its workforce grow and mature and forged partnerships with clients like Sage, NatWest Group, and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
The data pioneer has moved into a purpose-built ward on the second floor of the historic building which housed the city’s main hospital until 2003. The Institute officially opened to the public on 3rd of June, following a multi-million-pound, seven-year refurbishment programme. Balfour Beatty was main contractor on the project, with AtkinsRéalis leading the design team alongside architects Bennetts Associates.
Professor Kev Dhaliwal, interim director of Edinburgh Futures Institute, said, “Edinburgh Futures Institute is delighted to welcome Smart Data Foundry. As one of the region’s Data Driven Innovation Hubs, we bring together staff, students and partners into an inspiring, collaborative and entrepreneurial environment. Co-location with our financial and public services sector hubs, alongside numerous industrial partners, researchers, and talented students, will accelerate data innovation and insights to help solve national and global challenges. We share the ambition to deliver positive social impact and build a better world using the power of data.”
The building includes teaching facilities, rooms for co-working with industry partners, business incubation areas, labs for innovation and prototyping, a public square, café, and exhibition and performance spaces.
Dame Julia Unwin, chair of Smart Data Foundry, added, “Edinburgh Futures Institute has an unrivalled range of facilities in the heart of Edinburgh, and this strategic relocation underscores our commitment to fostering greater collaboration, innovation and productivity in our mission to unlock the power of data for good. It’s our aim to cultivate a dynamic ecosystem where data scientists, researchers, and industry partners can collaborate seamlessly to unlock new insights and drive forward our purpose of creating positive impact across society, the economy and the environment. Our new home at the Edinburgh Futures Institute is the perfect base for this ecosystem to flourish.”
Dougie Robb, chief financial officer at Smart Data Foundry, commented, “The combination of modern design, restored historic architecture and beautiful grounds at Edinburgh Futures Institute will help us to showcase our services to clients and attract the best talent to the Smart Data Foundry team. It’s not just a new office; it’s a place where ideas will flourish and groundbreaking work will be done.”
