Innovation Week 2026 brought together students, staff, researchers, alumni, founders and industry experts for five days of inspiring conversations, practical learning and entrepreneurial exploration across the University of St Andrews community. From keynote speakers and interactive workshops to networking events, competitions and community celebrations, the week highlighted the creativity, ambition and innovation that exists across our University.
Across ten events and activities, hundreds of participants engaged with opportunities to develop new skills, explore entrepreneurial thinking, expand their networks and gain insight from experienced founders, innovators and industry leaders. Whether attendees were taking their first steps towards developing an idea or already building ventures of their own, Innovation Week provided something for everyone.
Innovation Week forms part of the University of St Andrews Entrepreneurship Centre’s wider commitment to supporting students, staff and researchers to develop entrepreneurial skills, explore new ideas and create positive impact. Learn more about the Entrepreneurship Centre here.
Starting with Opportunity
The week began with our online Lunch & Learn Masterclass, delivered by Programme Manager Bonnie Hacking. Participants explored one of the most important foundations of entrepreneurship: recognising opportunities. Through practical exercises and real world examples, attendees learned how entrepreneurs identify problems, uncover unmet needs and transform observations into innovative solutions.
On Monday evening, audiences gathered at the Byre Theatre for our flagship keynote event featuring Lucy Pattinson and Kat Goldin, co-founders of Goat Rodeo Goods. Their honest and engaging discussion explored the realities of building a business, from unexpected beginnings and early challenges to national growth and success. Sharing lessons on resilience, funding, failure and scaling a business, the session offered valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators alike.
Innovation also marked the launch of this year’s What’s the Big Idea? competition, inviting students, staff and researchers to submit early stage ideas with the potential to solve problems, improve experiences or create something new. The competition reflects the Entrepreneurship Centre’s commitment to helping members of the University community transform ideas into impact.
Exploring New Career Pathways
Tuesday focused on career development, collaboration and community.
Our special Innovation Week edition of Professionalising Your PhD brought together experts from across the arts and humanities to help doctoral researchers explore opportunities beyond academia. Through discussions covering careers in publishing, policy, entrepreneurship and the creative industries, attendees gained practical advice on articulating their skills and exploring new professional pathways.
Later that evening, the EdenTay Founders Community welcomed students, founders and entrepreneurs from across the region for a games night featuring industry leaders Carol Clark and Brian Baglow. Combining insights from Scotland’s games sector with informal networking, the event demonstrated the value of community building and peer-to-peer learning within entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Innovation in Action
Wednesday’s Whopathon challenged participants to build and launch a digital business using AI-powered tools in just a few hours. Led by entrepreneur John Hill, the hands-on workshop showcased how emerging technologies are lowering barriers to entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for rapid experimentation. Throughout the afternoon, participants tested ideas, explored digital business models and gained first hand experience of building with AI.
Thursday featured two events highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation across sectors.
The Power of Partnerships brought together researchers, industry professionals and funding experts to discuss how successful collaborations can create impact, unlock funding opportunities and strengthen connections between academia and external organisations. Attendees benefited from practical insights, panel discussions and networking opportunities designed to foster future partnerships.
At From Startup to Stadium, University of St Andrews alumni Austin Hatch and John Grabowski explored how entrepreneurial thinking, technology and innovation are transforming the sports industry. Drawing on experiences across startups, software development, business growth and professional sport, the discussion highlighted how innovation can drive change within established industries.
Celebrating Community and Entrepreneurial Impact
Innovation Week concluded on Friday with a special live recording of the Entrepreneurship Centre’s podcast, Beyond StArtups. Broadcasting in the new Eden Mill Visitor Centre, the conversation with Euan Kinninmonth explored entrepreneurship, brand growth and the development of one of Scotland’s most recognised premium spirits businesses. The live audience had the opportunity to hear insights from behind the scenes of a growing Scottish success story and participate in audience questions.
The week finished with the Student Founders Community Dinner, bringing together student entrepreneurs to reflect on the week’s activities, celebrate achievements and strengthen connections across the University’s growing entrepreneurial community. The evening captured one of the central themes running throughout Innovation Week: innovation thrives when people come together to share ideas, experiences and ambitions.
Inspiring New Perspectives
One of the most rewarding outcomes of Innovation Week was seeing participants leave with renewed confidence, inspiration and a greater understanding of the opportunities available through entrepreneurship.
Mopelola (Mo) Ajegbile, a MSc Management student who attended several events throughout the week, reflected on how Innovation Week challenged the way she thinks about innovation, careers and creating impact. In particular, she highlighted the stories shared by Lucy Pattinon and Kat Goldin of Goat Rodeo Goods, describing how their journey demonstrated the importance of vision, resilience and taking action in the face of uncertainty.
Mo also reflected on the practical nature of many of the sessions, from discussions with industry experts at Games Night to the fast paced challenge of launching a digital business during the Whopathon. She noted that the experience reinforced the importance of ‘doing’ and helped break down some of the barriers that can prevent aspiring entrepreneurs from turning ideas into reality.
Perhaps most importantly, Innovation Week highlighted the value of community. Through networking opportunities, workshops and social events, participants were able to connect with founders, funders and fellow innovators, demonstrating that entrepreneurship thrives through collaboration and shared support.
Looking Ahead
Innovation Week 2026 showcased a breadth of entrepreneurial talent, curiosity and creativity that exists across the University of St Andrews. Throughout the week, participants explored new ideas, developed practical skills, connected with industry experts and discovered opportunities to turn innovation into action.
A huge thank you goes to all our speakers, partners, attendees and collaborators who helped make the week such a success. From inspiring keynote conversations and hands-on workshops to competitions, networking and community events, Innovation Week once again demonstrated the power of bringing people together to explore what’s possible.
We look forward to seeing where the ideas, conversations and connections sparked during Innovation Week 2026 lead next.