Futurescot AI Challenge now open!
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). Three short listed organisations will receive an AI Proof of Concept developed by Storm ID. 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.
Read the guide to developing a strong AI use case.
WHY TAKE PART
– Gain insight into the application of AI
Find out how the technology could be applied within your organisation, discovering the best and most relevant use cases.
– Explore and accelerate AI use cases with no financial and minimal resource commitment
Think of it as a ‘sprint’ process, trying to quickly identify where and how AI can be applied – without the need for big project teams or cost centres.
– Shortlisted organisations will receive a workshop and proof of concept to bring their idea to life
Successful candidates will get the chance to showcase their idea at Futurescot’s flagship Digital Scotland public sector transformation conference.
HOW IT WORKS
- 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 22nd August 2025. - 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 2025 conference on the 19th November 2025 at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre. There, your team will have the chance to showcase their idea in an AI leadership session. - Winner
This competition closes with an overall winner chosen at the Digital Scotland conference in November 2025.
TIMELINE
– 8th May – Launch of applications
– 22nd August – Applications close and short-listing process takes place
– 5th September – Short listed organisations contacted and invited to take part in process for generation of ‘proof of concept’ (POC)
– 19th November – Opportunity to showcase AI Proof of concept at Futurescot Digital Scotland event at Edinburgh International Conference Centre. Winner announced and contacted.