In 2020, Scotland’s seven Innovation Centres joined forces with The Herald Media Group to start a year of conversation, collaboration and most of all, action, that will help Scotland reach net-zero targets.

The Countdown to COP26 virtual conference held on 3 November 2020 discussed how to help Scotland to do two crucial things.

1. Maximise the collaboration opportunities emerging from the event

2. Help Scotland – and other nations – reach net-zero targets

This report distils the themes, messages, and highlights of that day, allowing us to set our course and stimulate activity towards November 2021 and beyond.

The day began with a plenary session looking at key opportunities. Six themed stages then ran concurrently to focus on specific sectors and areas of expertise and the day closed with all Innovation Centre Chief Executives and organisers discussing their next steps.

CENSIS, the Innovation Centre for sensing, imaging and Internet of Things, was the lead organisation for the conference.