Deadline: August 22, 2025
Are you part of a public sector organisation in Scotland with a bold vision for using artificial intelligence to improve service delivery? The Futurescot AI Challenge 2025 is now open for applications, offering public institutions the opportunity to transform ideas into working AI prototypes—with expert support and national recognition.
Launched by Futurescot in partnership with Storm ID, the Futurescot AI Challenge 2025 aims to uncover practical, ethical, and scalable AI solutions that can address real-world challenges across Scotland’s public sector.
About the Futurescot AI Challenge 2025
The Futurescot AI Challenge 2025 is a three-phase innovation programme designed to help public sector organisations turn their AI ideas into viable proof-of-concept (PoC) solutions. The challenge supports promising proposals with technical expertise, guided workshops, and a showcase opportunity at Digital Scotland 2025—Scotland’s leading public sector technology conference.
Organisations that impress the judges may even walk away with £20,000 worth of technical support to scale their AI solution.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to a wide range of public sector organisations in Scotland, including:
- Government departments and agencies
- Local government authorities
- Health and social care partnerships
- Non-departmental public bodies
- Arms-Length External Organisations (ALEOs)
If your organisation is facing a challenge that AI could help solve—this is your chance.
Key Benefits of Participating
Participants in the Futurescot AI Challenge 2025 will receive:
- A place in a collaborative AI workshop led by digital experts
- Fully-funded proof-of-concept development for shortlisted ideas
- Public exposure at Digital Scotland 2025, happening 19 November in Edinburgh
- One winner to receive £20,000 in technical development support from Storm ID
- The opportunity to demonstrate leadership in digital transformation and innovation
Application Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Launch of Challenge | 8 May 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 22 August 2025 |
| Shortlisted Teams Announced | Early September 2025 |
| AI Workshops & PoC Development | Sept – Nov 2025 |
| Final Showcase at Digital Scotland | 19 November 2025 |
How the Challenge Works
Phase 1 – Submit Your Idea
Applicants submit a brief proposal outlining their challenge and how AI might address it. No need for full technical specifications—just a clear use case and organisational context.
Phase 2 – Proof-of-Concept Support
Three organisations will be shortlisted to receive tailored support from Storm ID, including technical workshops and prototype development to bring their concept to life.
Phase 3 – Showcase & Win
All three shortlisted teams will present their AI solutions at Digital Scotland 2025, where one will be selected as the overall winner and awarded the £20,000 technical support package.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Public value – measurable improvements for citizens or services
- Responsibility – alignment with Scotland’s National AI Strategy and AI Ethics Playbook
- Scalability – potential to be adopted across wider public systems
- Innovation – creative, impactful and technically sound use of AI
- Feasibility – achievable within public sector constraints
- Sustainability – environmental considerations and alignment with net-zero goals
Get Help Before You Apply
If you want help refining your proposal or understanding the technical scope of AI solutions, you can book a free 30-minute AI clinic with Storm ID by emailing ai@stormid.com.
Ready to Apply?
👉 Apply Here for the Futurescot AI Challenge 2025
📖 Read more about the programme
Final Thoughts
The Futurescot AI Challenge 2025 is more than a competition—it’s a platform for transformative change. If your organisation has a real-world problem that artificial intelligence could help solve, don’t miss this chance to access expert support, showcase your innovation, and win development funding.
Submit your proposal before 22 August 2025 and be part of Scotland’s AI-powered public sector future.
Need assistance crafting a strong application? Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
