The Scottish Government-run CivTech programme has unveiled the first set of new challenges designed to “create solutions to public sector problems as quickly and effectively as possible”, and provide entrepreneurs the opportunity to win contracts for technologies that can also be sold worldwide.

The Scottish Anti-Illicit Trade Group, Glasgow City Council, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Housing Regulator, and Stirling Council are the challenge sponsors. They range from combatting the sale of illicit goods, to improving public transport, creating a ‘natural health service’, empowering tenants of social rented housing, and better understanding investment requirements for public buildings.

A second set of challenges as part of CivTech 3.0 will be released later this week.

[bctt tweet=”The Scottish Government-run CivTech programme has unveiled the first set of new challenges designed to “create solutions to public sector problems as quickly and effectively as possible”” username=”futurescot_news”]

“Across the country there are problems public sector organisations would like solved,” said CivTech in a statement. “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.

“The CivTech ‘Innovation Flow’ is designed to create solutions to public sector problems as quickly and effectively as possible. For you – 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.

[bctt tweet=”It’s an opportunity to take a challenge, solve it, and win contracts with a blue-chip public sector organisation.” username=”futurescot_news”]

“You’ll build a product, and a business to take it as far as possible. Because here’s the kicker: the challenges we issue aren’t ‘single organisation’ problems – most exist worldwide.

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.”

Details on how to apply can be found here.