Inverness Chamber member Alan White, a director of Interactive Health and Wristbud.com Ltd, joined the HIE contingent on a learning journey supported by the HIE Innovation programme at the recent World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Cannes.
The Inverness-based company is developing a specialised AI-powered wearable ‘Wristbud”, designed to manage mental health.
He describes the learning journey as one of the most relevant events he has attended, citing practical insights and valuable collaboration with other delegates from across Scotland.
The delegation brought together representatives from Scotland’s enterprise agencies. Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and South of Scotland Enterprise (SoSE) are all partners in the national AI adoption Programme.
With artificial intelligence often described as advancing at the “speed of light,” the conference offered an important reframing: one keynote speaker urged delegates to view AI as developing at the “speed of life” — grounded in human needs, values, and trust. This message resonated strongly, particularly in discussions focused on health and social care, where responsible adoption, transparency, and confidence in new technologies are essential.
Beyond the formal programme, the conference was marked by high-quality networking and a notably open — and at times frank — exchange of ideas among peers from across Scotland.
Alan noted that the event delivered timely learning that will be taken back to inform conversations with colleagues and support future planning, especially around practical implementation and building trust in AI-enabled services.
Alan said, ““The conference’s emphasis on AI evolving at the “speed of life” — with humanity and trust at its core — felt directly relevant. The discussions around responsible, transparent AI in health and social care reinforced the approach we’re taking to ensure technology supports people in practical, meaningful ways. We’re bringing back timely insights and new connections to help shape how Wristbud.com scales impact safely and collaboratively.”
Special recognition was also given to Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Enterprise advisors, whose guidance and on-the-ground support helped ensure the delegation gained maximum value from participating in the conference.
Headline Image (from left to right): Dr. Angus Perry (GeneralPractice.AI), April Conroy (HIE), Deborah Tait (HIE), David Macdonald (Atlantic 58), Alan White (Wristbud.com)