THE Scottish Government has added 10 new projects to its CivTech Accelerator programme, including an initiative to develop technology that will allow anyone carrying a mobile phone to measure and reduce their impact on climate change.
Another project is aiming to build a digital assessment tool for people living with dementia to help them find the best technology to maintain their independence.
The scheme, which was launched in 2016, has already helped to create 94 jobs and led to participants winning more than £8.5 million in contracts.
It is designed to harnesses entrepreneurial tech innovation – typically from start-ups and SMEs – to solve identified public sector challenges.
Speaking as he announced the latest round of projects benefitting from the programme, Economy Secretary Derek Mackay said: “Scotland is highly regarded around the world for supporting ambitious businesses to innovate and grow.
“I am delighted to announce the latest successful companies who will now work to create solutions to public sector challenges. These include looking at new ways to tackle the climate emergency, as well as ways in which we can improve the wellbeing of people across Scotland.
“I look forward to seeing the results of CivTech 4.0 and the positive impact that these new projects will make.”
Among the companies added to the accelerator programme is Edinburgh-based Reshape Technology, which is leading a scheme sponsored by Glasgow City Council based around the concept of using mobile data to help people to reduce their carbon footprint.
Another Edinburgh-based firm, Wallet.Services, is to be sponsored by Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) to explore how technology be used to provide better access to SAAS funding opportunities and reduce drop-out rates for disadvantaged groups.
Several companies, meanwhile, have been tasked with using technology to make better use of Scotland’s valuable but limited supply of high-quality tree seed. Elsoms Seeds, Silvibio, Cumbria Tree Growers, Forest Research and Forestart will be sponsored by Forestry Land Scotland.
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