Scotland launches fish farm challenge

The call for innovation is one of eight new public-sector challenges announced, with up to £650,000 in funding available for a successful solution.

Backed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the challenge aims to develop a scientifically robust, non-invasive method to monitor the impact of MPFFs on ecologically sensitive rocky seabeds and protected habitats.

Current sampling techniques are not suitable for these environments, prompting the need for a more sustainable, accurate and scalable monitoring tool.

“Innovation is the backbone of our economy and our society,” said Business Minister Richard Lochhead. “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 capitalising on rapidly-evolving technology such as AI.”

Launched in 2016, CivTech is the world’s first government-run tech accelerator for public services. It centres on a 15-week programme where selected participants receive funding totalling £5.5 million to build working prototypes alongside top-tier business development support.

With over 80% of solutions developed through CivTech still in use, the programme has become a proven engine for innovation in Scotland’s public sector.

Applications for Round 11 are now open to individuals, start-ups and established companies ready to bring transformative ideas to Scotland’s pressing public challenges.