The GovTech Meetup series is an initiative between the new GDS GovTech Catalyst team and Digital Leaders to regularly bring together innovators in the public and private sectors to get an update on the latest challenges, network cross-sector and share their innovations and challenges.

This event will be an opportunity to meet two winners from round two of the GovTech Catalyst challenge.

We will hear from the winning teams looking for solutions to:

• Improve firefighter safety and operational response
• Detect and quickly identify more illicit goods at the border

There will be speeches and structured networking and some hand-picked start-ups. Those attending will be from: GDS; Central Government; Local Government; tech suppliers to Government; and innovative start-ups in the GovTech space.

The Meetup is taking place in Gateshead’s brand new “PROTO” Innovation Centre and will be accompanied by drinks and nibbles.