The Scottish Government is seeking an innovative solution to the problems faced by people with long term health problems, such as musculoskeletal conditions, so they can engage with life and work as fully as possible. This is just one of eight new Challenges set as part of the CivTech Scotland Round 11 Accelerator.
Up to £650,000 is available to develop a solution to the Challenge, which is being sponsored by the Scottish Government, Directorate for Jobs and Wellbeing Economy, Glasgow City Council, and Dumfries and Galloway Council. Anyone – an individual, team, start-up or established business, big or small – can apply.
Long-term health conditions can have a significant impact on the lives of people living with musculoskeletal conditions. Osteoarthritis and chronic back pain – are some of the most common conditions and their impact ranges from pain management and limited mobility to sleeping problems and social isolation. These conditions can affect long-term health outcomes. In addition, these people are more likely to experience poverty as a result of difficulties engaging with work. Being economically inactive as a result of ill health can impact health outcomes further, even reducing life expectancy.
This Challenge seeks innovative technological solutions that can help people with musculoskeletal conditions overcome these barriers, enabling them to participate more fully in both their personal lives and the workforce.
The Government and public sector sponsors are offering a total possible fund of £5.5 million for solutions to a range of generational and national level challenges.
Solutions are also being sought to address other challenges including how to unlock the cultural and economic potential of the Gaelic language, how to manage the impact of marine pen fish farms more sustainably, and how to reduce the environmental and social impact of litter at Arrochar, designated a ‘litter sink’ by the Scottish Government in 2017.
CivTech is the world’s first Government-run accelerator for digital public services. It was launched in 2016 to inject innovation into how the public sector uses technology to improve the lives of Scotland’s citizens. At the heart of the programme is the Innovation Flow, which centres around an intense 15- week Accelerator. Innovative and ambitious teams or individuals, selected through an open and straightforward process, are paid to build working prototypes — and receive world-class business growth support.
Business Minister Richard Lochhead said:
“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.
“Now in its tenth year, CivTech has had a hugely positive impact on public sector services and beyond, with solutions ranging from a digital communication roll-out that could save the taxpayer £100 million a year, to products and services improving lives and prospects across healthcare, education and key front-line services.
“Success rates for the companies and products developed are very high with some 80% of the products created through the programme in use, far surpassing the average private sector accelerator rates. I look forward to another round of the programme continuing to revolutionise our public services while giving our brightest business minds the support and encouragement to develop their business ideas.”
More information about all eight CivTech Round 11 Challenges can be found here.
