The first grant programme forming part of the new Digital Jersey-run Impact Jersey scheme is now open to local companies and individuals looking to develop tech-driven solutions to some of Jersey’s biggest challenges.
Through the programme, local innovators can be awarded up to £75,000 to enable them to create solutions that address one or more of eight strategic priorities: skills, climate change, housing, transport, health, and supply chain resilience as well as productivity in existing and new economic sectors.
This first Programme is intentionally broad and inclusive so that a diverse range of solutions to Jersey’s challenges can be supported, through smaller allocations of funding that can help stimulate the implementation of technologies that meet the island’s strategic priorities. The intention is to create a series of small grant programmes, with the next set to launch early next year.
The application process has been designed to be as easy as possible, with applicants having up until the closing date of Thursday 31st August 2023 to submit an entry. All applications will then be subject to a robust selection process and analysed by an independent judging panel who will assess a range of criteria.
Impact Jersey, which was formally launched earlier this month, aims to accelerate and strengthen Jersey’s technology ecosystem to support the Island’s future economy, environmental ambitions and community goals. Through a coordinated series of open grant and challenge programmes, Impact Jersey will over the coming years award up to a total of £20 million, funded by the Government of Jersey, to address the island’s biggest challenges through the use and adoption of technology.
Digital Jersey CEO Tony Moretta said: “We believe that Jersey has an immense wealth of digital talent capable of transformative innovation and we want to do our utmost to see those big ideas and the people behind them thrive. This is an exciting, open approach to funding the development of new technologies for Jersey, harnessing the energy, ingenuity, and resources of local people to create solutions to issues that affect us all.
“Whether you are a student, inventor, entrepreneur or corporate innovator, we would like to encourage you to get involved so that we can support your creative ideas and help you make a positive difference in the island and to how we live now, and in the future.”
Deputy Alex Curtis, Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, added: “The launch of the first Open Programme through Impact Jersey reflects our ambition to help solve the island’s biggest challenges through technology, creative thinking and by developing a research and development sector in the Island. I hope by providing a unique platform for experimentation and innovation, we can encourage islanders to step up and help solve Island challenges, so we can create a better future in the long-term.”
More information on the programme, including how to apply, can be found here.
Pictured: Mariota Smutz, Head of Strategy at Digital Jersey, speaking at a public briefing at the Digital Jersey Hub about the launch of the programme.
