Calling health tech start-ups – venture firm PUBLIC wants to hear from you

Are you a health tech start up focusing on remote monitoring and mental health? Recruitment is now open for a new government programme to help start-ups drive transformation.

GovTech venture firm PUBLIC is seeking start-ups for the latest GovStart programme, aimed at using technology to deliver healthcare amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lockdown demonstrated the need for remote care and monitoring, particularly for those in isolation or shielding, the firm said.

With authorities anticipating further lockdown situations and many individuals still required to shield, GovStart 2020 is focusing on helping to grow start-ups developing solutions to the challenges this presents for healthcare.

These include:

• Heath tech: solutions for remote monitoring and self-management of Covid-19 and related conditions
• Mental health: Digital interventions to support young people and adults’ mental health

Daniel Korski, chief executive of PUBLIC, said: “This crisis has shown significant new challenges that will require the public sector to further embrace digital in order to provide solutions that are both efficient and which meet the requirements of the modern citizen.

“For years, the UK’s start-ups have been the lifeblood of our economy – now, for the first time, they are the key drivers of public sector transformation.”

GovStart, now in its fourth year, has supported 36 innovative companies to expand in the public sector, helping entrepreneurs to negotiate 36 pilots and secure over £11 million.

Korski added: “We know there is still a huge well of tech talent that has struggled to engage with the public sector – we look forward to working with this talent to ensure that public services continue to serve society as effectively as they must.”

The value of technology for use in public sector applications is expected to be worth £25bn to the UK economy by 2025. This provides opportunities for innovative new companies to play a role in public service transformation.

During the Covid-19 crisis, the SME share of Government’s supply chain has increased to 31%.

GovStart is open to applications from providers of digital health solutions, including ones that differ from health tech and mental health.