Ordnance Survey is challenging developers and entrepreneurs to submit their business ideas, which use location information, to be in with a chance of winning a complete new business start-up package, including desk space at one of the country’s innovative TechHub centres and a full mentorship programme for twelve months.
The Developer Challenge 2014 is designed for developers creating the next business idea for a geo-app or a geo-location product that is innovative, profitable or cost saving and uses Ordnance Survey data at its core.
The challenge is easy to enter and the winners will get access to the most detailed geospatial data available for Great Britain to help make their venture ideas a reality. The winners will receive regular access to technical guidance, support and advice from Ordnance Survey on how to unlock the full potential of the full range of datasets.
Ordnance Survey has teamed up with TechHub, one of the leading technology co-working communities, for the challenge to provide winners with access to TechHub’s network of experts for mentoring and guidance to bring their ideas to fruition. As part of the winning package, the winners will be awarded with desk space and annual flex membership with TechHub. The fully tailored mentorship programme utilises both Ordnance Survey and TechHub, opening up a wealth of opportunities for the winners, including legal advice, sales and marketing support, product expertise and advice on future funding options.
TechHub provides technology start-ups with a place to work, meet, collaborate, network, learn and have fun. By utilising such a unique environment at one of its three hubs in London, Manchester or Swansea, the winning ideas from Developer Challenge 2014 will have everything at their fingertips without the overheads.
Peter ter Haar, Director of Products and Innovation at Ordnance Survey, said: “Many businesses now recognise the important role which location data plays; however, we believe that there are many more business opportunities to make use of the most accurate, highly-detailed and up-to-date data and we’re challenging you to unlock the potential!”
Claudia Arney, Chair of the Government’s Public Data Group said: “We’re already seeing the benefits of location data but we know that we have only just scratched the surface. This is a fantastic prize for budding entrepreneurs and developers so I’d encourage them to get involved. Ordnance Survey and the other members of the Public Data Group are leading the way in maximising the value and accessibility of data. This will deliver improvements in public services and open up new revenue streams for business.”
Location data is already used in business for transport routing and mapping assets, as well as in gaming apps and for integration with social media.
TechHub CEO and co-founder Elizabeth Varley said: “We are very excited to be working closely with Ordnance Survey on this new partnership. Selected start-up teams working on geo-location products will be given valuable time, expertise and, importantly, incredibly rich location data only available from Ordnance Survey. They’ll also be the first to go through a new tailored programme from TechHub, giving them guidance and mentoring over their next six months. We’re expecting some innovative things!”
Ordnance Survey will provide up to four winners with the facilities needed to help them develop their idea, including a fully-tailored mentorship program by awarding annual Flex memberships at TechHub. See the full terms and conditions for further information. This unique prize will allow the winners to develop their business ventures within a vibrant network of like-minded people, who are likely to have similar goals, challenges and motivations. During the year, Ordnance Survey will continue communication with the winner and work with them to meet certain business goals.
Entries are now open and will be accepted until midday on 28 February 2014; winners will then be shortlisted and asked to pitch their ideas in front of a panel of judges on 28 March 2014.
For more information about the Ordnance Survey Developer Challenge 2014 and full terms and conditions, please visit: www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/devchallenge
