£5.7 million innovation funding to boost public service challenges

8 Sep 2026 02:26 PM

CivTech round 12 launches.

Businesses and entrepreneurs are being invited to develop technology solutions to some of the country's most pressing public service challenges.

Scotland's world-leading public sector innovation programme, CivTech, yesterday launched its 12th round with six new challenges, supported by £5.7 million investment.

Improving patient transport for those receiving vital NHS treatment, strengthening child protection through better information sharing, and preventing fuel poverty are among the issues being tackled in the latest round of the programme.

As well as driving public service reform, CivTech helps innovative Scottish companies develop new products, secure commercial opportunities and create high-value jobs. To date, CivTech has driven the delivery of more than 100 highly innovative products and services to benefit the people of Scotland, including the ePass licensing system, the Forestry and Land Scotland Tape4Trees system and Scotland’s digital mailbox.

Minister for Public Services Reform Ivan McKee yesterday said:

“CivTech has an international reputation for demonstrating how public sector reform and economic growth can go hand in hand. Through the programme, we are harnessing innovation to help our public services become more efficient and responsive to people’s needs.

"The six challenges address issues that matter deeply to communities, from tackling substance use or improving patient transport to preventing fuel poverty and strengthening child protection.

"The programme continues to deliver impressive results, with more than 80% of CivTech Accelerator companies securing follow-on contracts.

“Private sector investment into CivTech alumni has also grown substantially, rising from approximately £4 million in March 2020 to more than £140 million today.

“CivTech is a strong example of how we are delivering reform while supporting Scotland’s economy and public services to thrive."

Background

Companies can find out more information about how to apply on the CivTech website. Applications are open until 12:00 noon Tuesday 20th October 2026.

The six Challenges in Round 12 are:

• Challenge 12.1: Supporting people affected by substance use to connect with trusted help and support when services are unavailable.
• Challenge 12.2: Developing scalable service management solutions for fast-growing digital public services.
• Challenge 12.3: Demonstrating the commercial value of circular economy business practices through technology.
• Challenge 12.4: Improving efficiency and patient experience in NHS transport services, initially focused on renal care.
• Challenge 12.5: Supporting multi-agency processes for the protection of children in Scotland through improved information sharing and decision-making.
• Challenge 12.6: Helping social housing providers proactively prevent the impacts of fuel poverty on residents.

The Round 12 Challenge Sponsors are:

• Challenge 12.1: Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre, Simon Community Scotland and WithYou.
• Challenge 12.2: Scottish Government Directorate for Digital.
• Challenge 12.3: Zero Waste Scotland.
• Challenge 12.4: Scottish Government Directorate for Health and Social Care Finance, Scottish Ambulance Service and NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde.
• Challenge 12.5: Scottish Government Child Protection Unit, Police Scotland and National Social Work Agency .
• Challenge 12.6: Cloch Housing Association.