Geovation Programme 2018 open for applications

Startups using location, land and property data in their products and services can now apply to the Geovation Programme, which offers up to £20,000 funding.

If selected, the startups will each receive the government-backed funding and a range of resources and services, including access to experienced software developers, geospatial expertise from Ordnance Survey, property expertise from HM Land Registry, and mentoring to assist with business proposals and investor relationships.

Geovation has been specially designed to offer support to SMEs, startups and individuals that are using geospatial technology and data to create new products and services. In 2 years, the programme has supported 72 new startups, creating 152 new jobs and seeing the companies raise £17m in investment.

The programme includes businesses working in the property, mobility and transport, infrastructure, energy, health and connectivity sectors.

Head of Geovation, Alex Wrottesley, explains: “We offer a founder-friendly environment, great mentors, support from Ordnance Survey and HM Land Registry, high-quality workshop content and, almost uniquely, a dedicated software development team in house, who work hand in hand with our companies to build and release their first products. This is something very few accelerators can offer and it means the businesses joining us can move faster and further than they otherwise would have been able to.

“We’re very much future focused and are looking forward to meeting and working with next group of programme members, and being a part of their story and them ours. We can’t wait to meet them.”

Inside the Geovation Hub in Clerkenwell, London

Orla Shields is founder of GetRentr, a proptech company using Artificial Intelligence to track all UK property licensing regulations and consultations in real-time to ensure property portfolios are compliant. After a successful application, Orla’s company was selected to join the Geovation Programme last November. In the months that followed, Orla and GetRentr have raised more than £500,000 in funding and are currently working with letting agents and landlords via a partnership with the National Landlord Association. This week GetRentr announced a new partnership with ARLA, the largest association of lettings agents in the UK.

Orla commented: “Geovation has been life changing. The grant money has helped us do things we couldn’t have done while we were waiting to secure our investment. Free office space in Clerkenwell is a major benefit for any business – early stage or not. It’s great environment, with numerous other inspiring start-ups in a similar field.

“Geovation’s network and connections with major people in this industry and in the government is priceless to us. The team is very pro-active, and their support and experience is really helpful and always available. One of the best benefits has been the ability to use OS/HMLR data. This gives us the option to reach out to more people who are looking to invest and be strategic with their portfolios. It has also helped us predict where regulations will be implemented.”

Applications to the Programme close Mon 27 August. Applications can be made here.

See PlaceTech’s coverage of the 2017 Geovation Challenge winners here.