CivTech is the Scottish Government's flagship tech accelerator, where we take real problems faced by the public sector and fund anyone with a great idea to build the solution.
Whether you're an individual, a startup, an established business, a social enterprise or a charity, you're invited to propose a solution to one of our Challenges. You'll retain full ownership of your business and intellectual property — and could win a six figure contract to keep developing your product.
Get paid to build a new product for a real customer
This is a unique business opportunity, with the potential to make a significant impact
By starting with a genuine problem, CivTech is a brilliant opportunity to identify a real need and take a new product to market — one that could have a profound impact on society, and the way our public services work.
🎬 Watch Bayile, who took part in CivTech in 2024, talk about her experience
How it works
1.
We work with people in the public sector to turn their real problems into CivTech Challenges.
2.
Take a look at our Challenges, find one you can solve, submit a simple application then attend an online interview.
3.
If selected, you’ll join a three-week Exploration Stage, and get paid £5,000 to refine your proposal then pitch again.
4.
Then there’s a fifteen-week Accelerator, with £40,000 to build a Minimum Viable Product and develop a business plan.
5.
Pitch your MVP and plans to potential customers and investors Demo Day.
6.
Work towards further CivTech funding, to fully develop and roll out the finished product.
Work directly with the problem owner and get your solution in users’ hands quickly
Our proven process puts you together with those experiencing the problem, to build the solution and roll it out hand-in-hand — at breakneck speed.
🎬 Watch Andrzej and Hannah describe how they worked closely together to fix nursery and school admissions in West Lothian
World-class workshops that help you build a viable business around your product
Our fifteen-week Accelerator includes more than 40 workshops and one-to-one sessions, delivered by real experts in their field. So you won’t just leave with a great product — you’ll have the knowledge and tools to start building a successful business too.
Get paid to build a solution, and keep full ownership of your company and product
Applicants selected for the Exploration and Accelerator Stages are paid £45,000 to build a Minimum Viable Product. The Pre-Commercial Stage follows the Accelerator with potential contracts of up to £1,000,000.
🎬 Watch James, who took part in CivTech in 2024, talk about his journey.