CUTTING edge Artificial intelligence, contemporary design, new biodiversity tech, and photogrammetry are just some of the tech tools set to be showcased this week at CivTech 8 Demo Day when, for the first time, the Challenges for the next CivTech Accelerator will also be announced.
Seven teams across six challenges are showcasing their technology-based solutions to CivTech 8 Challenges which address issues in supporting vulnerable people with energy problems, digitising systems in the Scottish Government, and using tech to support Scotland’s wildlife and nature. Solutions to two additional challenges will also be unveiled.
CivTech Round 9 will also launch this afternoon, with an insight into brand new Challenges which focus on key Scottish Government priorities including economy, environment, health, net zero targets, and building sustainable public services. Challenges in CivTech Round 9 are worth potentially more than £10 million, collectively.
Solutions to four Challenges within CivTech 8 to be demonstrated come as part of the Accelerator’s first official partnership with NatureScot called ‘Innovate for Nature.’ These Challenges have a particular focus on how technology can be used to protect Scotland’s nature and environment.
Following on from the successful launch of the first group of Innovate for Nature Challenges as part of CivTech 8, CivTech Round 9 will include further Challenges for nature and the environment. These Challenges tie-in closely to the climate emergency, improving biodiversity, and better understanding the state of Scotland’s natural resources. They are sponsored by a range of Scottish public and third sector organisations who are seeking solutions to generational and national level challenges.
CivTech 8 Demo Day is an in-person only event, and offers attendees the opportunity to hear about the latest developments and opportunities from the CivTech Accelerator, including hearing from companies who have gone on to further success after the programme.
Richard Lochhead MSP, Minister for Small Business, Trade, and Innovation, said:
“The world-class CivTech programme is enabling the public sector to work with the most innovative businesses on solving the greatest problems we face.
“Today’s demonstrations will show how successful these ideas can be. This is exactly the kind of creative thinking we want to encourage through our National Innovation Strategy, which sets out our vision to become one of the most innovative small nations in the world over the next decade.
“I am looking forward to seeing the latest inspiring projects from CivTech 8, and help launch new challenges with £10 million Scottish Government support.”
More information about the CivTech Round 9 Challenges can be found here.
