From NHS scientist to AI trainer: Career Changer of the Year leads Scotland Women in Technology winners

A former NHS medical physicist who now trains businesses in generative AI has been named Career Changer of the Year at the Scotland Women in Technology (SWiT) Awards 2026. 

Clare Parry, Co-founder and Head of Operations at Falkirk headquartered, Head for Data, collected her award in front of more than 400 guests at the Glasgow Marriott Hotel. Judges praised her move from medical science into running a growing tech business, and her own upskilling in generative AI, which she now teaches through Business Gateway workshops.

The awards, now in their ninth year, celebrate people driving gender equality in Scottish tech, from those already in the sector to the next generation.

Silka Patel, Founder and Chair of Scotland Women in Technology said: “There’s a lot of anxiety about what AI means for people’s careers. Tonight’s winners show the opposite: talent is coming into the tech sector from classrooms, hospitals and everywhere in between. I’m especially inspired by those who make time to mentor and support others, both inside Scottish tech and on its edges.”

During the ceremony Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education Alyn Smith said: “I congratulate all the nominees and award winners who show a breadth of involvement in the technology sector, from the classroom to the boardroom. The inspirational stories we’ve heard at the SWiT Awards demonstrate why the Scottish Government champions gender equality across Scotland, recognising the vital contribution women make to our dynamic, innovative and forward-looking nation. Scotland’s National Innovation Strategy provides a clear roadmap to create the conditions for businesses, entrepreneurs and researchers to thrive, creating sustainable economic growth and strengthening our competitiveness on the global stage.”