- Applications open today for new ideas to use AI and data to transform how the
government works, from tackling benefit fraud to speeding up
doctor's appointments and accelerating net zero
- Previous winners pitched the use of AI and aerial images to map
peatlands, helping preserve vital carbon stores and habitats,
with the tech now used across England
- Winners receive £50,000 in tech support to take their idea
further, as government drives ahead in delivering Plan for Change and making
£45 billion productivity savings from the use of AI and tech
From cutting waitlists for doctor's appointments to helping
businesses boost exports and slashing benefit fraud, applications
open today for a new challenge inviting civil servants to trial
AI and data ideas
that could improve how the government works and tackles major
challenges.
A previous winner proposed using aerial photographs and
AI to create
detailed maps of the surface features of peatlands – waterlogged
lands where dead plants don't fully decompose, forming layers of
peat. These are crucial in helping to store carbon, hold water to
prevent flooding and support wildlife across the country.
However, many have been damaged over time by drainage and
erosion.
The plan was to build a detailed picture of these features so
policymakers could see whether they were managing to stop
erosion, and if efforts to restore peatlands were successful.
After winning the first Data Challenge, the technology is now
being used to map all peatland surface features across England,
with findings published online as part of the England Peat
Map.
Technology Minister said:
Every corner of government can benefit from AI. We're asking civil servants
to put their brightest, boldest ideas forward so we can use tech
to fix our broken public services as rapidly as possible.
Whether it's cutting waiting times, tackling fraud or helping
businesses grow, this challenge is about unlocking the full
potential of data and AI as we continue innovating to
boost productivity and deliver our Plan for Change.
Previous rounds of the Civil Service Data Challenge have
attracted hundreds of applications from across government
departments, with officials putting forward ideas to use
technology to optimise prison space and detect modern slavery.
Applications to the competition open today and close on Wednesday
5 November.
To take their project forward, the winner will receive £50,000
funding and technical support from NTT Data, a technology company
that sponsors the event, as well as backing from the senior civil
servants who judge the competition.
David Filmer, NTT DATA UK&I's Head of Public
Sector, said:
Innovation in government thrives when civil servants are given
the time, support and guidance to develop their ideas – and
that's exactly what the Civil Service AI and Data Challenge, supported
by NTT DATA, is all about. Over the years, we've seen great ideas
emerge from civil servants of all professions, roles and grades.
And you don't need to bring your own idea to take
part: anyone can join one of our project teams.
This government is serious about unlocking the potential of data
and AI, and it
recognises the value of drawing on all the talent within the
Civil Service. So if you have an idea for how these technologies
could make a difference, share it with us and we'll work to bring
it to life.
Notes to editors
The competition is open to all civil servants across any
department, profession and grade. Applications can be submitted at
datachallenge.uk.
Participants can submit data or AI-led project ideas or join
teams to solve technical issues within the Civil Service or
broader societal challenges.
