Data Science and Innovation Accelerator

Description

The Data Science and Innovation Accelerator is a free, 12‑week programme that gives you protected time, expert support, and the space to explore an early‑stage data idea that could make a real difference to your organisation. You’ll work one day a week on your project, supported by a mentor who brings both technical know‑how and strategic guidance. During this time you’ll shape your idea, build a prototype, and learn new skills that you can take back into your team.

What does a typical Accelerator project look like?

There’s no single ‘right’ kind of project – past ideas have been wide‑ranging. But strong projects tend to have:

• A clear user need, business challenge, or opportunity.
• Access to data you can safely use and share
• Potential to produce a  prototype process, tool or model in 12 weeks.
• A manager who supports your participation and protects your project time.
• Leaders who see the value of data and are open to adopting new approaches.
• Participants who are curious, motivated, willing to experiment and keen to learn from others.
• A willingness within the organisation to adopt the learning and continue working on the innovation beyond the programme.

How might I benefit from the programme?

Participants tell us they join to improve their technical skills but they also gain much more:

• Confidence in starting and planning a project from scratch.
• Stronger project‑management skills.
• Clearer communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• The satisfaction of bringing an idea to life.

How might my organisation benefit from the programme?

The Accelerator offers organisations a low‑risk way to test new ideas, build capability, and explore approaches that create long‑term value.

“This has been a fantastic opportunity with significant benefits for both the individuals who participated in the course and my wider service. At a time when public sector training funding is extremely limited, this opportunity has been particularly valuable.” Manager – 2025 Accelerator

Insights gained from Accelerator projects can help organisations better assess their data maturity and identify steps for improvement. Managers gain evidence to initiate discussions with senior leaders, and strengthening the case for change.

“We will be taking the findings from our project to discuss if this can help improve processes. Speaking to managers we have highlighted how data access needs to be improved to facilitate projects like ours. We will be taking the framework we developed from this project to other teams to improve the process further and ensure a consistent approach.” Manager – 2025 Accelerator

Who can apply?

You should be permanently employed by a Scottish public sector organisation in a role that requires strong data or analytical skills. Typically, this might include data analyst, statisticians, data scientist, economists, researchers, data, or information managers.

You can apply as an individual or as a pair. Being part of a pair can mean that your project progresses more quickly. It also means that the learning from the programme is shared amongst more people in your organisation.

What data can I use?

We recommend developing your project with data that you can already access and share easily and safely. Previous projects have had impressive results using pre-published, open data and then used that learning to develop approaches for use on more sensitive data. 

If you cannot use data already in the public domain, you would be responsible for obtaining the necessary permissions to access, use and potentially share the data required before the start of the programme. Please consider that you may need to share data with your mentor as well as reporting on your project in the final presentation.

If your project proposes to process information which is personal or personal sensitive, as defined under data protection legislation, you’ll need to have the permission of the Data Controller to process that data.  You’ll also need to have a Data Protection Impact Assessment or Privacy Impact Assessment in place by the start of the Accelerator.

What is my commitment to the programme?

If you are selected for the programme and matched with a suitable mentor, you’ll have 1 protected day each week for 12 weeks on your project. Each week you’ll have a one-hour meeting with your mentor. All participants are invited to attend 2 in-person events in Edinburgh – one in September and another in December and there are opportunities for further learning throughout the programme.

You’ll also draft a short blog about your project with our support.

What languages or tools can I use?

Most projects use open-source programming languages such as R or Python.  You are encouraged to use tools that are already available in your organisation as that will help make the longer-term adoption of your project more likely. Version control (Git) and GitHub are recommended where appropriate.

We offer access to an analytical workbench virtual machine. The analytical workbench has a wide range of tools available, and you can download other software as required.

Fees and funding

There is no cost to take part.

How to apply

The first step is to register with the Scottish Digital Academy (see ‘Register’ button at the top of the page). You’ll then receive a link to the online application form.

What public sector organisations have taken part?

Here are some of the organisations that have previously taken part:

Additional information

Key dates

• Project applications close: 30 April 2026
• Selection and feedback: By 30 June 2026
• Mentor matched: July / August 2026
• Programme begins: 3 September 2026
• Programme ends: 3 December 2026