Civil Servants across the UK are being invited to pitch their ideas for how artificial intelligence and data can transform government services, as the latest round of the Civil Service AI and Data Challenge opens for applications.
The competition, launched by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Government Digital Service, offers £50,000 of technical support for the winning idea. Inspired by a Dragons’ Den-style format, the challenge gives officials the chance to put forward bold solutions to some of government’s biggest challenges – from reducing NHS waiting times to tackling benefit fraud.
Previous rounds of the competition have shown how creative civil servants can be in applying digital tools to practical problems. A winning project from the first Data Challenge used aerial photography and AI to map England’s peatlands. Peat bogs act as vital carbon sinks, reduce flooding risk and provide habitats for wildlife, but many have been degraded. The AI solution built detailed maps of peatland features to monitor erosion and restoration efforts. It has since scaled into the England Peat Map, which is now available online.
Other past proposals have included optimising prison space and detecting signs of modern slavery. Hundreds of ideas have been submitted by officials from across departments and grades, showing how the challenge has become a platform for innovation within the Civil Service.
Technology Minister Ian Murray said the initiative reflects the government’s ambition to make better use of technology across the public sector: “Every corner of government can benefit from AI. We’re asking civil servants to put their brightest, boldest ideas forward so we can use tech to fix our broken public services as rapidly as possible,” he said. “Whether it’s cutting waiting times, tackling fraud or helping businesses grow, this challenge is about unlocking the full potential of data and AI as we continue innovating to boost productivity and deliver our Plan for Change.”
The winning team will not only receive £50,000 to develop their idea further but also hands-on support from technology firm NTT Data, which sponsors the challenge. Senior civil servants also lend their backing, helping ideas move from concept to implementation.
David Filmer, NTT Data UK&I’s Head of Public Sector, said the challenge creates the conditions for innovation to thrive: “Over the years, we’ve seen great ideas emerge from civil servants of all professions, roles and grades. You don’t need to bring your own idea to take part: anyone can join one of our project teams. This is about drawing on all the talent within the Civil Service to show how AI and data can make a real difference.”
Applications are open until Wednesday 5 November and are open to civil servants in any department, profession or grade. Entrants can submit original ideas for AI or data-led projects, or join teams working on proposals already in development.
For more information or to apply, participants can visit datachallenge.uk.