Public Sector AI Hackathon Scotland 2026

Turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s solutions with Microsoft Copilot

8th October | Microsoft Offices, Waverley Gate, 2-4 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3EG

The pressure on public sector organisations has never been greater. Teams are being asked to deliver better services, improve citizen outcomes, reduce administrative burden, and do more with limited resources.

The question is no longer whether AI can help, but where it can make the biggest difference.

Join Kerv and Microsoft for an interactive, hands-on Public Sector AI Hackathon designed specifically for public sector professionals who want to explore practical ways to solve real-world challenges using Microsoft Copilot, AI Agents, Power Platform and the wider Microsoft ecosystem.

This is not a technical coding event.

Whether you’re involved in service delivery, operations, transformation or citizen / patient experience within healthcare, local or regional government this event will help you discover how AI can be applied to the challenges your organisation faces every day.

Why Attend?

Throughout the day, you’ll work alongside peers from across the public sector to:

✅ Explore current public sector challenges and opportunities

✅ Learn how AI Agents and Microsoft Copilot can support service improvement

✅ Collaborate with colleagues from across government, healthcare and public services

✅ Turn real business problems into practical solution concepts

✅ Gain hands-on experience regardless of technical background

✅ See what’s possible when business expertise and AI come together

Working in facilitated teams, you’ll focus on agreed challenge themes and develop innovative but achievable solutions that could help transform services, improve efficiency and deliver better outcomes for citizens and communities.

No Technical Experience Required

This event is designed for people who understand the problems, not necessarily the technology.

We’ll provide the tools, guidance and support needed throughout the day. Microsoft and Kerv specialists will be on hand to help teams explore ideas, build concepts and demonstrate what’s possible using modern AI capabilities.

If you can identify a challenge worth solving, you can contribute.

What You’ll Experience

• Inspiring Perspectives
• Hear how AI is already helping to enhance public services across Scotland and beyond, with insights into Agents, Dynamics, Copilot and the Microsoft Power Platform.
• Guided Learning
• A practical introduction to AI Agents, giving everyone the confidence to participate regardless of experience level.
• Collaborative Problem Solving
• Join sector-focused breakout sessions to identify, refine and prioritise real challenges facing public sector organisations today.
• Hands-On Innovation
• Work in teams to create practical solutions addressing issues such as service delivery, workforce productivity, citizen engagement, process optimisation and operational efficiency.
• Showcase & Judging

Present your solution to a judging panel and gain feedback from Microsoft and Kerv experts.

Agenda

09:00 – Arrivals & Coffee

09:30 – Welcome & Event Introduction

09:40 – Keynote: AI in the Public Sector Enhancing Scottish public service processes through AI, Agents, Dynamics and Power Platform.

10:15 – Agent Crash Course A beginner-friendly introduction to using and building AI Agents.

11:15 – Break

11:15 – The Hack Begins – Sector Roundtables & Challenge Definition Collaborative breakout discussions supported by Microsoft and Kerv specialists.

12:00 – Lunch

12:45 – Building Begins Teams develop practical solutions with support from Microsoft and Kerv experts throughout the afternoon.

15:30 – 16:30 – Solution Showcase & Judging Panel

16:30 – 16:45 – Wrap-Up & Closing Remarks

Who Should Attend?

Service and Operational Leaders
Transformation and Change Teams
Department Heads
Programme and Project Managers
Digital and Innovation Leads
Healthcare Leaders
Local & Regional Government Professionals
Public Sector Decision Makers
Anyone passionate about improving public services through innovation

Register your interest today

Come with a challenge. Leave with new skills, fresh ideas, valuable connections, and practical AI-driven solutions that could help shape the future of public services.

Places are limited. Secure your spot today and join Kerv and Microsoft in Edinburgh for a day of collaboration, innovation and real-world problem solving.