Businesses and entrepreneurs are being invited to develop technology solutions to six public-service challenges through a new £5.7 million round of Scotland’s CivTech programme.
Applications for Round 12 close at noon on 20 October 2026, with challenges ranging from NHS patient transport and digital service management to fuel-poverty prevention.
The Scottish Government programme brings together public-service needs and business innovation, helping companies develop products and pursue commercial opportunities.
One challenge seeks scalable service management solutions for fast-growing digital public services, sponsored by the Scottish Government’s Directorate for Digital. Another, backed by Zero Waste Scotland, asks how technology can demonstrate the commercial value of circular-economy business practices.
The patient transport challenge will initially focus on renal care, seeking improvements in efficiency and patient experience. Its sponsors include the Scottish Ambulance Service and NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
Other challenges address access to trusted support for people affected by substance use when services are unavailable; information sharing and decision-making between agencies protecting children; and ways for social housing providers to prevent the impacts of fuel poverty.
Public services reform minister Ivan McKee said: “CivTech has an international reputation for demonstrating how public sector reform and economic growth can go hand in hand. Through the programme, we are harnessing innovation to help our public services become more efficient and responsive to people’s needs.”
McKee said more than 80% of CivTech Accelerator companies had secured follow-on contracts. He also said private-sector investment in programme alumni had grown from approximately £4 million in March 2020 to more than £140 million.
The government says CivTech has supported the delivery of more than 100 products and services, including Scotland’s digital mailbox and the Forestry and Land Scotland Tape4Trees system.
Businesses can find application information on the CivTech website.
