Ambition and Innovation to Protect Scotland’s Marine Ecosystems

Scotland’s commitment to sustainable marine management has received a boost with the announcement of £5.5 million in funding as part of CivTech Round 11.

The Challenge of Marine Pen Fish Farming

The Scottish Government aims to develop innovative solutions for sustainably managing the impact of marine pen fish farms (MPFF). This is one of eight Challenges announced in the CivTech Scotland Round 11 Accelerator.

Sponsored by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), this Challenge offers up to £650,000 for creative proposals. It invites applications from a diverse range of individuals, teams, start-ups, and established businesses.

Focus of the Challenge

The primary goal is to devise a non-invasive, preferably quantitative method to assess the ecological impacts of MPFF on rocky seabeds and other protected marine habitats. The proposed solution must be scientifically robust and should effectively monitor whether MPFF operations remain within environmental limits, thereby supporting sustainable aquaculture practices while safeguarding sensitive marine ecosystems.

Exploring Diverse Solutions

In addition to the marine sustainability challenge, the Scottish Government is seeking solutions to various pressing issues, including:

• Reducing teacher workload
• Unlocking the cultural and economic potential of the Gaelic language
• Minimizing the environmental and social impact of litter, particularly in Arrochar, identified as a ‘litter sink’ since 2017

About CivTech

CivTech, established in 2016, is the world’s first Government-run accelerator dedicated to enhancing digital public services. The program focuses on fostering innovation in the public sector by helping teams develop working prototypes within an intense 15-week Accelerator period. This initiative supports participants not only in technological development but also in business growth.

Positive Impact and Success Rates

According to Business Minister Richard Lochhead, “Innovation is the backbone of our economy and our society.” CivTech has significantly impacted public services, with products developed through the program shown to improve healthcare, education, and various key front-line services. Notably, around 80% of products created by participating teams are currently in use, far exceeding typical private sector rates.

Moreover, upwards of 90% of participating companies have secured follow-up contracts with their Challenge Sponsors. CivTech has created over 400 well-paid jobs, with average salaries ranging from £35,000 to £47,106.

Get Involved

The cluster of funding and support available through CivTech fosters a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem poised to tackle pressing societal challenges. For more details about all eight CivTech Round 11 Challenges, visit this link.

Conclusion

CivTech’s ongoing mission is to revolutionize public services while encouraging innovative thinkers to develop tools that not only elevate the economy but also aim for a sustainable future.

For more information about CivTech and its initiatives, check out www.civtech.scot.