Funding for Digital Solutions to Business Challenges

 

 

Are you a creative, digital, or tech SME with an interest in developing digital solutions that create a social impact? Then we’re looking to hear from you. As part of the North East Social Tech Pilot Fund, Digital Catapult NETV have worked with regional charities and community interest companies who are now looking for organisations that can develop digital solutions to address key challenges within their organisations. That means it’s up to you; the creative, digital or tech companies, to develop a tailored prototype solution or minimum viable product (MVP). Budgets of up to £10,000 (per organisation) have been made available. The summaries and briefs for all the organisations can be found below.

 

To apply for any of the challenges, please complete our online form (the form will ask you which organisation you’re applying for): https://airtable.com/shrZWbmjf2isVnac6.

 


Citizens Advice Northumberland provides free, confidential and impartial advice to residents within Northumberland, focusing on a range of issues including money, benefits, housing and employment. One of Citizens Advice Northumberland’s biggest challenges is the volume of phone calls that remain diverted or unanswered, which can negatively impact well-being and leave a person in distress. Citizens Advice Northumberland is looking for a digital solution that will enable them to better respond to phone calls and ensure that those in need receive appropriate, localised support in a timely manner. Download the full business challenge here.

 


Kielder Observatory is a public outreach astronomical facility located in Kielder Forest. They have several ideas for future growth and are looking for a digital solution which may support these ideas. A budget of £10,000 is made available for a prototype, through support from the North East Social Tech Pilot Fund. Download the full business challenge here.

 



Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust (KWFPDT)
 has identified a need to diversify the Trust’s income base to increase its future resilience. It is looking to drive greater revenue by offering new engaging paid for experiences. It is also looking to engage new visitors to build a more diverse audience.

A budget of £10,000 is made available for a prototype, through support from the North East Social Tech Pilot Fund. Download the full business challenge here.

 



ManHealth CIC
 support the mental health of men through peer-to-peer support groups and communities. ManHealth CIC are now looking for a developer to help them digitise their communities and create more positive impact among the mental health of men. A budget of £10,000 is made available for a prototype, through support from the North East Social Tech Pilot Fund. Download the full business challenge here.

 



The Road to Recovery Trust
 supports people suffering from addiction through peer support and a 12-step abstinence based programme. The Trust delivers these activities from its own building – George Street Social – which features a café and activity spaces. The Trust is looking for a way to increase its income from the café, while enabling those in need to discreetly gain access to discounted food and drink without negatively affecting feelings of pride and dignity.

A budget of £10,000 is made available for a prototype, through support from the North East Social Tech Pilot Fund. Download the full business challenge here.

 


As part of the Everything in Place Project, St Cuthbert’s Hospice has developed a course focused on supporting those affected by life-limiting conditions through dealing with difficult topics such as death, grief and loss. St Cuthbert’s Hospice is now looking for a digital solution to scale its course, increase accessibility, and impact more users without straining the organisation’s limited resources.

A budget of £10,000 is made available for a prototype, through support from the North East Social Tech Pilot Fund. Download the full business challenge here.

 


ESCAPE provide a specialist support service for families and carers of substance users in Northumberland. The organisation is looking for a better way to collect, control, access and share data. A budget of £10,000 is made available for a prototype, through support from the North East Social Tech Pilot Fund. Download the full business challenge here.

 


The North East Young Dads and Lads Project (NEYDL) and Women’s Health in South Tyneside (WHiST) both support a range of individuals with their health and well-being. For this challenge, the organisations have teamed up to explore the development of improved data management systems.

A budget of £15,000 is made available for a prototype, through support from the North East Social Tech Pilot Fund. Download the full business challenge here.