• Innovation
• Government

Written by Helena Larsen, Digital Leaders

CivTech 4.0, will be launching their fourth cycle of public sector challenges, which means more challenges and more opportunities for talented tech entrepreneurs to solve a problem and build a business! The CivTech Innovation Flow is designed to create solutions to public sector problems as quickly and effectively as possible. Whether you’re an individual, team or company – it’s an opportunity to take a Challenge, solve it, and win contracts with a blue-chip public sector organisation. This year they are doing a staggered launch, with the first five Challenges published on July 15th 2019, and the second phase to follow on July 24th 2019.

Already now they have a host of first time sponsors, including: Skills Development Scotland, Alzheimer Scotland, Student Awards Agency Scotland, City of Edinburgh Council, West Dunbartonshire Council and Forestry & Land Scotland.

To view all the challenges, visit wiki.

Next steps:

1. Click on a challenge and it will take you straight to the Challenge page, where you can view the Challenge in more detail.
2. The Challenges are open on Public Contracts Scotland (PCS).
3. Register your interest on PCS to stay up to date with the latest news and have access to the the Q&A system, and the electronic postbox where you’ll submit your application.
4. Deadline for Phase 1 challenges is Monday 12th August 12 noon
5. Deadline for Phase 2 challenges is Wednesday 21st August 12 noon

Engagement Events:

As part of the launch of the CivTech 4.0 Challenges they will be hosting a series of engagement events. So, if you are interested in any of the challenges, or have any questions or just want to speak to like minded people join them for their events in:

• Edinburgh: 25 July CivTech Studio 6-8pm
• Glasgow event: 30 July Tontine 6-8pm
• Dundee event: 31 July and The Circle, Dundee – office hours format 11-2pm.

Background to The CivTech® Programme

Across the country there are problems public sector organisations would like solved. With budgets under pressure and increasing demand, the need for smart, efficient and effective products is ever greater. And the public sector is increasingly aware that innovation is a good way to create them. The Scottish Government is also committed to ensuring that a large part of its tech spend goes to smaller, innovative businesses. This is where CivTech comes in.

In short, open Challenges are set. Any organisation, team or individual can respond to them. Applications are assessed, and shortlisted proposals go into an Exploration Stage where they’re developed further. The best go through to the Accelerator – four months of intensive work to create the solution. And through CivTech’s unique business workshop system, a business capable of taking the emerging product to the world is created.

Good luck to all!

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