Geovation announces Benchmark Initiative exploring ethical application of location data

11 Oct 2019 12:53 PM

The new year-long Geovation Benchmark Initiative will link the geospatial community with businesses, public bodies, researchers, media and the public to promote a better, wider understanding of the power and influence of location data.

The Benchmark Initiative, made possible with support from Omidyar Network, includes a funded entrepreneur-in-residence programme that supports the ethical application of location data for the benefit of citizens, businesses, entrepreneurs and government.

The initiative also comprises of a series of talks and keynote lectures featuring global thought leaders and innovators.

Benchmark Lecture Series

The Geovation Benchmark Lecture Series combines keynote lectures, fireside conversations and panel discussions on the ethical considerations raised by the use of location data. The speakers are global thought leaders, each with a unique insight into the growth of location data and its ethical application.

They will discuss topics ranging from privacy and security challenges to the unintended consequences of geospatial innovation and what the future holds for the industry.

The first event in the Lecture Series will be held on 23rd October 2019  at Geovation, and features Caroline Bellamy, Chief Data Officer, Ordnance Survey in conversation with Chris Tucker, Chairman, American Geographical Society.

Entrepreneur-in-Residence Programme

The Geovation Benchmark Entrepreneur-in-Residence Programme supports leading innovators to explore and develop solutions related to geospatial data ethics. Entrepreneurs are funded to deliver practical and real-world applications and services to illustrate the risks, opportunities and ethical considerations in using location data. Up to 10 grants will be awarded, ranging from £10,000 to £50,000.

By taking part in the Programme, entrepreneurs, corporate innovators and creative technologists will help advance global understanding of data ethics issues.

The Entrepreneur-in-Residence Programme is open for applications until 30th November 2019.

For more information about the Benchmark Initiative, please visit: www.benchmarkinitiative.com.

About Geovation

Geovation is an Ordnance Survey initiative in association with HM Land Registry, which is dedicated to supporting open innovation and collaboration using location and property data. Location is at the heart of many of the most successful digital products and services. Land and property is the foundation of our national economy. https://geovation.uk

About Omidyar Network

Omidyar Network is a philanthropic investment firm dedicated to harnessing the power of markets to create opportunity for people to improve their lives. Established in 2004 by philanthropists Pam and Pierre Omidyar, the founder of eBay, the organization has committed more than $1 billion to innovative for-profit companies and non-profit organizations to catalyze economic and social change. To learn more, visit www.omidyar.com and follow on Twitter @omidyarnetwork