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RookieOven
Making a more vibrant tech community in Scotland. Blog, meetup and collections of useful resources for Scottish founders.
Fostering Innovation: The Journey of RookieOven from Blog to Tech Hub
In 2011, with the vision of enriching Scotland's startup ecosystem, Michael, co-founder of Add Jam, initiated RookieOven. What began as a humble blog and monthly meetup has evolved into a cornerstone of the tech community in Glasgow, providing a collaborative space and an innovative Academy programme. This transformation from a simple platform to a comprehensive hub for tech talent reflects a deep commitment to nurturing the next wave of software product developers.
Cultivating a Community with RookieOven
RookieOven has grown significantly, embodying the ethos of community and collaboration. It serves not just as a space for meetups but as a breeding ground for innovation, where ideas are shared, and startups are born. The essence of RookieOven's success lies in its focus on people — fostering an environment where tech talent can flourish and drive the industry forward.
The Role of Add Jam in Nurturing RookieOven
Add Jam has been instrumental in the development and continuous growth of RookieOven. Handling web development, marketing, training, and project management, Add Jam has ensured that RookieOven remains at the forefront of supporting startups in Glasgow. This partnership highlights a shared commitment to advancing the tech community and creating opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
Continuous Evolution and Expansion
The dynamic nature of the tech industry is mirrored in the ongoing development of RookieOven. Add Jam's dedication to updating and enhancing the platform has led to significant additions, such as a community job board. This feature, powered by a Rails API and Admin area, offers tangible value to the community, facilitating connections between startups and the talent needed to propel them to success.
Empowering the Next Generation
Beyond serving as a hub for current tech professionals and startups, RookieOven's Academy programme underscores a commitment to education and the empowerment of future innovators. By teaching modern software development practices, RookieOven is laying the groundwork for sustained growth and innovation in Scotland's tech sector.
Conclusion: A Beacon of Tech Innovation in Glasgow
RookieOven stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in fostering technological innovation and startup culture. Through the efforts of Add Jam and the broader RookieOven community, Glasgow has solidified its position as a vibrant center for tech talent and entrepreneurial spirit. As RookieOven continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to its mission of creating a better startup ecosystem in Scotland, encouraging collaboration, learning, and growth among its members.
Recent case studies
Here's a look at some of products we've brought to market recently
Simple ASO Keyword Tool - Free ASO Platform
We built a free, no-nonsense App Store Optimization tool that helps developers avoid common keyword mistakes and boost their app's visibility. What started as an afternoon project has evolved into a suite of free ASO tools helping app creators worldwide get their apps discovered.
PEM Diary - ME/CFS Crash Log
PEM Diary is a React Native mobile app designed to help individuals with ME/CFS track and document PEM episodes. Built from personal experience, this app serves as a handy tool to understand your condition
Latest post from the Add Jam blog
What We Learned doing Cyber Essentials Plus Certification (And Why It Matters in the AI Era)February 5th 2026 by Michael Hayes
Add Jam recently achieved Cyber Essentials Plus certification. Here's what the process involved, why compliance matters more than ever when AI writes your code and some tips for making the process easier.