Public looks to push innovative technologies in public sector with accelerator programme

Startup support provider Public has selected 12 startups from 300 applications to take part in the latest version of its GovStart accelerator.

The six-month programme is geared towards helping participants secure public sector contracts by advising them on how to develop products tailored specifically to the needs of users in that market.

Public’s CEO, Daniel Korski, said “the companies selected will benefit from the most intensive, high-quality and successful growth programme for technology companies looking to scale in the public sector”.

The chosen startup features services and products including smart roads – devices to support the elderly and connect autonomous devices. 

Last year’s cohort ranged in size from being pre-seed to having series C funding, and the programme enabled them to earn a further £31m investment, over £8m in contracts and create viable products for the market.

Recent research has shown the UK tech startup landscape is thriving at the moment, with the country leading the rest of Europe for the number of registered new companies.

Alexander de Carvalho, Public’s chief investment officer, said startups have transformed the way people bank and purchase holidays, and could do the same for the public sector.

“The UK has an extraordinary opportunity to be the global leader in a new sector – technology aimed at transforming public services,” he said. “Now is the chance for innovators to improve services from midwifery and social care to road safety and healthcare.”

RT Hon Matt Hancock MP, secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport, hailed the potential for GovStart, and said “new technologies hold out the promise to transform the state, giving citizens new and better – but also cheaper – public services”.