The Scottish Government is seeking innovative solutions to the problem of litter at Arrochar and its environmental and social impact, just one of eight new Challenges set as part of the CivTech Scotland Round 11 Accelerator.
Image Credit: CivTech
Up to £650,000 is available to develop a solution to the Challenge, which is being sponsored by The GRAB Trust, a charitable social enterprise based in Argyll and Bute, dedicated to waste reduction, recycling, litter management, and reuse. Anyone - an individual, team, start-up or established business, big or small - can apply.
Arrochar, a Scottish beauty spot at Loch Long, was designated a 'litter sink' by the Scottish Government in 2017. The problem of litter gathering at the head of the Loch has been getting worse over decades and has reached a point where it creates a damaging effect on the area, its environment, wildlife, visitors, and on the local community.
Arrochar is perhaps the most publicised but far from the only litter sink in Scotland. Manual mechanical methods are challenging and costly, and this Challenge seeks to develop new, sustainable ways of tackling this national issue, starting with Arrochar.
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 reduce teacher workload, how to unlock the cultural and economic potential of the Gaelic language, and how to manage the impact of marine pen fish farms more sustainably.
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 program is the Innovation Flow, which centers 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 capitalizing 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 program in use, far surpassing the average private sector accelerator rates. I look forward to another round of the program continuing to revolutionize our public services while giving our brightest business minds the support and encouragement to develop their business ideas.”