A new series of Tech Talks, focussing on Artificial Intelligence launches in Stromness this month, looking to bring Orcadians together to discuss what it is, what it changes and what it could mean for us. The series is sponsored by Aquatera.
Mei Fong is the Chief Storyteller for the Windfall Trust, a research organisation convening technologists, economists and policymakers to plan for the economic disruption AI may bring.
The event takes place at the ICNZ Hub, Stromness, on Tuesday 29 September 2026, 6pm–8pm, The Charles Clouston Building, Orkney Research and Innovation Campus (ORIC), Back Road Stromness . (Old Academy)
Calling in from the US, she will address a question about the technology: why is this one different from what has come before it? Her talk will look at how the Trust is stress-testing the potential impact on jobs, income and communities and what an honest set of choices looks like for the people who absorb the costs as well as those who capture the gains.
Mei Fong is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who spent more than a decade at the Wall Street Journal, reporting on China’s economic transformation. She also has served as the Chief Communications Officer at Human Rights Watch and is the author of One Child: The Story of China’s Most Radical Experiment.
The evening begins at 6pm with informal drinks and networking, followed by Mei’s talk. Sacha Wright and Finn Macleod will then introduce the series and the thinking behind it: a forum for knowledge sharing on AI and technology across the islands.
Finn Macleod said;
“We want to create a bridge between Orkney and the rest of the world; as well as providing an opportunity for remote workers to get out of the (home) office, meet and share expertise. “
Running through the winter months, each Tech Talk will pair a broad discussion piece on AI with a deeper dive into the technology itself, alongside an open AI forum where attendees can share their own experience and concerns. The series is aimed at anyone who wants to learn more about AI – no technical background required. As we are all learning, the only requirement is an interest.
Sacha Wright commented:
“After a hiatus, we wanted to bring back the Tech Talks with a bang. What better way than starting with the big fears around jobs and the economy
“But we wanted this to go beyond just talks and open up a forum to talk across businesses and anyone who is interested about AI, sharing how they are using it and the opportunities and concerns they have.”
Event details
Date: Tuesday 29 September 2026
Time: 6pm–8pm (drinks and networking from 6pm)
Venue: ICNZ Hub, The Charles Clouston Building, Orkney Research and Innovation Campus (ORIC), Back Road Stromness KW16 3AW
Cost: Free
Booking: http://www.practest.io/events
“AI is already changing how we work across Orkney’s industries, from renewables to agriculture, and we wanted to back an event that lets people talk about that honestly,” said Liam Valentine, Data & AI Consultant at Aquatera.
“We’re proud to sponsor the venue and drinks for the first Tech Talk, and we’re looking forward to seeing what conversations come out of it as the series continues through the winter.”
Leave a Reply