Scottish tech solutions programme recieves £10m funding for 2023

A Scottish programme to support companies proposing tech-based solutions to public and third sector problems will be supported by £10m from the government in Scotland through this year. 

CivTech is claimed as the ‘world’s first public-sector-focused innovation accelerator’ and sees private sector companies present digital solutions to challenges set each year by organisations including local councils, national charities and even parts of the Scottish government.

Funding for the year ahead, as well as a total commitment of £46m over the next four years, was announced by Scottish Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise Ivan McKee. He said: ‘Not only does this Accelerator demonstrate that the public and third sector can lead the way in solving problems, it shows we can also do it quickly. 

‘The tech companies creating the bespoke solutions for CivTech Challenges are often part of an ever growing community of digital innovators across Scotland, and we can take a lot of pride in the Scottish Government playing an active role in that community.’ 

Mr McKee announcement came during the organisation’s Demo Day event which sees the current cohort of companies reveal their solutions for the first time with this year marking the first time the event has been held in-person for three years. 

A total of 13 companies showcased their innovative technology at this year’s event covering a range of issues and solutions including a mobile app to connect British Sign Language users with an interpreter ‘when and where they are required’ and a virtual reality programme to prepare victims and witnesses to give evidence in court.  

The accelerator has also recently launched its eighth programme, named ‘Innovate for Nature’ in partnership with NatureScot with challenges posed including ‘How can technology help to create a nature network by 2030 across all of the different areas of Scotland?’ 

Alumni companies of CivTech have collectively secured more than £67m in investment and created over 320 jobs. 

Another recent collaboration between private and public sector organisations in Scotland saw the offshore wind industry provide funding for a University of the Highlands and Island STEM programme for primary school children.

Photo: Scottish Parliament building, Holyrood/Kim Traynor (CC BY-SA 3.0)