AI Challenge

The Futurescot AI Challenge 2024 is a competition to bring together Scottish public sector organisations to solve problems through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Apply now Join our webinar

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About the challenge

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help the public sector to increase productivity, save money, and improve services, if harnessed effectively, responsibly and ethically. This competition invites public sector organisations to use AI to solve real-world problems.

It is open to all public sector organisations in Scotland, including the Scottish Government and its agencies and non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs), Local Government, Health and Social Care and arms-length organisations (ALEOs). The winner will receive the equivalent of £20,000 in technical support from Storm ID to further develop their proof of concept.

The Futurescot AI Challenge was conceived by Futurescot and our technology partner, Storm ID - two organisations bound by their mutual dedication to Scotland's digital technology sector.

Why take part?

The challenge offers multiple benefits for participants

Gain insight into the application of AI
Explore and accelerate AI use cases with no financial and minimal resource commitment
Shortlisted organisations will receive a workshop and proof of concept to bring their idea to life, as well as a chance to showcase their idea at the biggest annual public sector digital transformation conference in Scotland
The winner will receive £20,000 in technical support from Storm ID, helping them make progress towards future adoption

Webinar

Join us for an informative webinar about the Futurescot AI Challenge 2024

Wednesday 17 Jul 2024
11:30 to 12:15pm

This session will provide further information about the challenge, share guidance on how to identify and develop your idea for the application and allow an opportunity for a Q&A. This webinar is designed specifically for public sector organisations that want to solve problems through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and enter the Futurescot AI Challenge 2024.

Reserve a spot

How it works

Stage1

Apply online

Your organisation submits an idea via the online application form. Illustrating how your concept uses AI to improve outcomes for citizens in Scotland. Submissions close on the 23rd August 2024.

Stage2

Develop and
present

A panel of experts shortlists three applicants, based on a set of core criteria.

Shortlisted organisations are invited to attend a workshop. At the workshop, Storm ID will help you to assess the viability of your idea; Storm ID will then develop your AI into a 'proof of concept' (POC).

This process culminates with the Digital Scotland 2024 conference on the 26th November 2024 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. There, your team will have the chance to showcase their idea in an AI leadership session.

Stage3

Winner

This competition closes with an overall winner chosen. They will receive £20,000 of technical support to further develop their project.

Judging criteria

The core criteria for short listing and winning entry will be as follows

Social impact

Potential to improve your organisation and the services it provides

Trustworthy, Ethical and Inclusive

Alignment with core principles and practices outlined in Scotland's National AI Strategy, AI Register and AI Playbook

Scalability

Ability to scale the application across other parts of the organisation or wider public sector

Innovation

How creatively the idea uses data and AI technology

Feasibility

The practicality and cost-effectiveness of implementation

Sustainability

Ensuring the application of AI is compliant with key Net Zero and Carbon Emissions Reduction targets

Timeline

14thJune
Launch of applications
23rdAugust
Applications close and short-listing process takes place
6thSeptember
Short listed organisations contacted and invited to take part in process for generation of 'proof of concept' (POC)
26thNovember
Opportunity to showcase AI Proof of concept at Futurescot Digital Scotland event at Edinburgh International Conference Centre
Winner announced and contacted

Apply now

Contact details

Name of organisation(s)

Name of lead individual

Job title

Email address

Contact phone numberOptional

Idea description

Limit: 800 words

Describe the idea. Include the objectives, the service improvement initiative or the organisational problem you wish to address, and how you think AI can help.

Please provide as much detail as you can to support your application. We may also contact you during the shortlisting process for more information, or if we have any questions that will help the judging panel.

You should consider:

Innovative application of AI to solve a problem or enhance a service
Responsibility and ethics in the use of AI, specifically how well your idea aligns with the principles set out in the Scottish Government's AI Playbook and the mitigation of risks around AI development and use
Feasibility and scalability of the idea and its potential future adoption
The types of data that the organisation plans to use, and how you will obtain this data
Ways in which you could apply your idea across government
Any assumptions that are being made about the application of AI technology. For example, would the idea involve pre-trained machine learning models, Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), or Custom AI Models
Opportunities for collaboration with other organisations
Consideration of how the application of AI could be compliant with environmental and sustainability targets

800 words remaining

Impact and benefits

Limit: 400 words

Please outline the expected benefits if your idea could be brought to fruition, including practical examples if possible. Include specifics on how it will enhance or improve the day-to-day work of your teams, or services for citizens/businesses. Providing an indication of any measurable efficiency improvement or cost savings, if available.

400 words remaining

Do you consent to providing the information in this form?

Yes, I consent

Data Privacy Statement for the Futurescot AI Challenge

We value your privacy and are committed to ensuring the confidentiality and protection of your personal data. This Data Privacy Statement outlines how we will handle and process the information you provide in your application for the Futurescot AI Challenge.

Purpose of Data CollectionThe personal data collected through the application form will be used solely for the purpose of administering the Futurescot AI Challenge. This includes evaluating submissions, communicating with applicants, and facilitating the judging process.

Data Sharing

The application form and any personal data contained within it will be shared with StormID, our AI Challenge partner, for administrative and operational purposes.
Additionally, the information will be shared with the independent judging panel responsible for evaluating the submissions.

Types of Personal Data Collected

We may collect the following types of personal data:

Name
Contact information (email address, phone number)
Professional details (job title, organisation)
Any other information provided in your application form

Legal Basis for Processing

The legal basis for processing your personal data is your consent, which you provide by submitting your application for the Futurescot AI Challenge.Your Rights

You have the right to:

Access your personal data and request a copy
Rectify any inaccuracies in your personal data
Request the deletion of your personal data
Withdraw your consent at any time

By submitting your application for the Futurescot AI Challenge, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Data Privacy Statement and consent to the processing of your personal data as described herein.