CivTech companies share in £420,000 to develop concepts.
Twelve start-up companies have each been awarded £35,000 to fast
track high-tech solutions to help improve people's lives and
public services.
Projects include finding new ways to improve support for people
with long term health conditions, systems to help tackle teacher
workload and the creation of a portal to gather the authentic
language data required for building Gaelic digital technology
such as voice recognition software.
The companies will enter a 15-week Accelerator phase of CivTech,
the Scottish Government business incubator, working with their
public sector sponsors to produce a Minimum Viable Product for
use and further development.
At the end of the programme, the companies could secure
significant contracts and the opportunity to share major public
investment of up to £7.7 million.
Deputy First Minister visited the University of
Edinburgh, one of the sponsors of the project being led by
Community Enterprise to develop a portal that will address the
scarcity of available Gaelic language data.
The Deputy First Minister said:
“CivTech is a unique programme that not only provides critical
support to some of Scotland's most promising and growing tech
start-ups and SMEs, but at the same time harnesses their creative
talent and innovation to improve public services.
“CivTech 11 has once again delivered hugely promising proposals
to tackle a wide range of challenges. I look forward to the
Accelerator helping to deliver more game-changing products and
services that can continue improving the public services that
matter to people across the country.”
Provost of the University of Edinburgh Professor Kim Graham said:
“Turning bold ideas into solutions that improve people's lives is
at the heart of what we do at the University of Edinburgh. This
programme offers significant support to pioneering start-up
companies, including developing their expertise in Gaelic
technologies that are fit for a digital world.
“As part of the University's commitment to Gaelic language and
culture, the funding will support our work to overcome barriers
to accessible speech and language data, providing a blueprint for
other minority languages worldwide.”
Digital Lead at Community Enterprise Jane Mackinnon said:
“We're excited to join the CivTech Round 11 Accelerator, bringing
our community focused approach together with creative and
technical expertise, in partnership with Fèisean nan Gàidheal, to
support the future of the Gaelic language.
“By creating a safe, simple way for communities to contribute
authentic Gaelic data, we aim to protect cultural heritage and
open new digital opportunities for speakers and learners.”
Background
Details about CivTech 11, including the 12 companies entering the
Accelerator phase, are available on the CivTech website.
