Tech companies are being invited to tackle public sector challenges in a new round of the CivTech, the Scottish Government’s business accelerator.

Challenges this year include unlocking the cultural and economic potential of the Gaelic language, reducing teacher workload and improving living and working conditions for people living with musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis.

Entrepreneurs and companies that are selected to enter CivTech 11 will have the opportunity to develop their concepts on the accelerator and secure contracts to turn their solutions into full commercial products.

Since its launch in 2016, more than 100 companies have passed through. Every pound of public investment has leveraged five times as much in private funding.

Applications are open until 2 September.

Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Innovation is the backbone of our economy and our society. Where there are problems and challenges, there are solutions to be harnessed by tapping into the creativity and ingenuity of the start-up community and capitalising on rapidly-evolving technology such as AI.

“Now in its tenth year, CivTech has had a hugely positive impact on public sector services and beyond, with solutions ranging from a digital communication roll-out that could save the taxpayer £100 million a year, to products and services improving lives and prospects across healthcare, education and key front-line services.

“Success rates for the companies and products developed are very high with some 80% of the products created through the programme in use, far surpassing the average private sector accelerator rates. I look forward to another round of the programme continuing to revolutionise our public services while giving our brightest business minds the support and encouragement to develop their business ideas.”