People in Jersey are being invited to apply for a share of £30,000 to fund technology-based solutions to problems thrown up by the coronavirus crisis.
The Digital Jersey COVID-19 Community Challenge is making available grants to cover the cost of brand new initiatives, which could include apps, websites, bots, devices, games, digital content and services.
Digital Jersey CEO Tony Moretta said: “This is a new world for all of us, and new and unexpected problems are emerging on a daily basis. I am convinced Jersey’s talented and growing tech community will have some of the answers to those problems. It’s just that we don’t know what they are, as they haven’t yet been invented.”
“It’s why we’re making this process quick and simple, so we can move from idea to invention with speed, to work together to offer our island innovative solutions.”
Applicants will be asked to submit their proposals, from which those shortlisted will be invited to make a Dragons’ Den-style pitch to a panel of international health, technology, economics and business experts, via video conference.
Individuals, groups and businesses can apply, and those succeeding in being awarded a grant will also get access to knowledge and coaching from the Digital Jersey team and their industry partners including Tekek and Envestors.
While the current community challenge is focused on projects with a big positive local impact, Digital Jersey is also working on opening channels of further support and funding for big ideas which will help our economy recover in the months to come.
Mr Moretta added: “We know the tech sector is full of fleet-of-foot innovators and right now their island needs them. It’s rare we start with a blank sheet of paper and no idea of the sort of proposals we’re going to get, but these are truly unprecedented times. It’s also why we’re not messing about with long lead times and agonisingly slow processes. Now really is your time to step up and make a difference.”
Applications can be made via https://www.digital.je/connected-jersey/covid19-challenge/ and must be submitted by Wednesday 22 April 2020.
