The Government Digital Service (GDS) has launched the third round of the GovTech Catalyst challenges.
It has put out call for public sector organisations to submit problems that could be solved by technology, with a commitment that they will buy the relevant solution if it is developed to the full.
As with earlier rounds, the process will involve the selection of five challenges that will be open to competition from technology providers. A shortlist of five will receive up to £50,000 for the development of a prototype, following which two will be selected to receive up to £500,000 for full development.
Any UK public sector body can submit a challenge, including those in devolved administrations and at the local level, with the deadline on 12 November. The competitions and first phase implementation are planned to run from 4 March.
Last month the GovTech Catalyst team picked five projects for prototype development under the second round. They included real time information on the location of fire fighters during operations, the use of data analysis, automation and AI to improve public sector audits, and finding new ways of detecting illicit goods at borders.
In July it announced a plan to invest up to £250,000 in projects to combat rural isolation.
The GovTech Catalyst is making £20 million available over three years to support the development of new tech solutions for public authorities.
Image from GOV.UK, Open Government Licence v3.0
