Scotland’s CivTech launches latest round of public sector digital challenges

The Scottish Government has officially launched CivTech 11, the latest round of its pioneering accelerator programme designed to bring cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurial thinking into the heart of public service reform.

Eight fresh challenges are now open to ambitious businesses, with this year's focus ranging from reducing teacher workload and enhancing the lives of people with musculoskeletal conditions, to unlocking the cultural and economic value of the Gaelic language.

CivTech invites start-ups, scale-ups and innovative entrepreneurs to collaborate directly with public sector organisations to rapidly develop solutions that can be turned into real-world products and services.

Since its inception in 2016, CivTech has supported over 100 companies through its intensive accelerator phase, generating more than 400 jobs and leveraging five times the value of every pound of public investment in private funding.

Business Minister Richard Lochhead praised the programme’s impact on both economic growth and public service transformation:

“Innovation is the backbone of our economy and our society. Where there are problems and challenges, there are solutions to be harnessed by tapping into the creativity and ingenuity of the start-up community and capitalising on rapidly-evolving technology such as AI.”

He highlighted CivTech’s strong track record, noting success stories such as a digital communications tool capable of saving taxpayers £100 million annually, and the programme’s 80% product adoption rate, well above industry benchmarks.

Businesses interested in responding to CivTech 11 challenges can learn more about the opportunities on offer by visiting the CivTech website.