A free, government-funded programme helping Scottish architecture, engineering and construction businesses unlock the value locked in their data — and build confidence with AI.
Each regional cohort follows a progressive three-session arc, with personalised consultancy before and after. No tech background required — we start from where you are.
Map your existing data assets — project records, procurement, compliance documents, design files — and identify where value is hidden, duplicated, or lost. Understand your data as an entrepreneurial asset, not an administrative burden.
Prototype no-code and low-code workflows that connect your data assets to real business outcomes. Use accessible AI tools for compliance queries, document intelligence, material traceability, and design data management.
Present your workflows to peers, identify what is ready to scale, and connect your data capabilities to broader market opportunities. Build partnerships with other Scottish AEC firms in the room.
The programme runs across four themes and four city cohorts. The themes run throughout — choose the city that works for you. Sessions run September–December 2026, hybrid format.
For urban AEC startups, modular construction ventures, and architecture and construction practices working with model-based BIM workflows. Commercial data products, investor readiness, and AI tool selection.
For practices working in heritage environments, public procurement, and regulatory compliance. Compliance data workflows, building regulations intelligence, and public contract competitiveness.
For rural contractors, retrofit specialists, and infrastructure firms, with full hybrid access for island-based participants. Remote project data and net-zero retrofit workflows.
For construction businesses serving offshore wind, hydrogen infrastructure, industrial retrofit, and energy transition projects. Multi-contractor data, supply chain integration, and AI for asset management.
Places are limited to 10–15 firms per cohort. You don't need a technology background — just a willingness to invest three days in your business.
Fully funded by the Scottish Government's Ecosystem Fund. No cost. No hidden charges. No subscription at the end.
Your business must be registered or operating in Scotland, in architecture, engineering, construction, or a related built environment discipline.
The programme is designed for SMEs and startups. Turnover between £50,000 and £5 million. Smaller firms often have the most to gain.
Businesses where data and AI adoption would generate meaningful impact — whether you're just starting out or actively scaling.
We work with your existing data — project records, emails, spreadsheets, BIM files. The programme starts from where you are.
Three half-day workshops, spaced four weeks apart. Hybrid delivery. Pre and post-programme surgeries scheduled around your calendar.
The construction industry is one of Scotland's least diverse sectors. We actively recruit women-led firms, minority ethnic-owned contractors, disabled practitioners, and rural businesses — particularly those in the Highlands, Islands, and Scottish Borders where digital support rarely reaches.
All sessions are hybrid. Timing is flexible. Materials are fully accessible.
Data Hard Hats is delivered by Adventurous Systems Ltd — a Scotland-based AEC data and AI consultancy building the next generation of tools for the construction industry.
Architect and engineer, researcher. Twenty years of experience in design and build across Europe and Asia.
Civil Engineer and Certified Ethereum Blockchain Developer. Decade of on-site AEC delivery across South Africa and Thailand. Web3 and AI product development specialist.
Senior experience at Innovate UK Business Connect and Connected Places Catapult Urban Innovation. Leads the commercial and entrepreneurial development dimensions of each cohort.
Data Hard Hats is delivered with HiPulse, with further delivery partners to be announced.
Places are limited to 10–15 businesses per cohort. Register your interest and we'll be in touch soon to confirm eligibility and next steps.