GeoVation Challenge looks to revolutionise British transport

Ordnance Survey calls for ideas on how to make travel more environmentally sustainable and improve public transport services.

The GeoVation Challenge is inviting budding innovators and entrepreneurs to contribute ideas to revolutionise transport in Britain.

The competition, run by mapping agency Ordnance Survey, is seeking ideas on how the use of geographic data could make travel more environmentally sustainable and improve public transport services, and offers a ￡25,000 prize fund.

The challenge is also being supported by the Ideas in TransitProject, Business in the Community and the National Business Travel Network.

Since January, a range of datasets have been made available for free commercial reuse by public bodies, including a raft of central government information through Data.gov.uk, including routing and timetabling information from the Department for Transport.

Also, mapping via Ordnance Survey’s OS OpenData portal and a host data collected by local authorities. Transport for London also recently released some data, including live traffic jam information.

Possible ideas include simple, local solutions such as the use of geography to bring together potential lift-share partners based on their location, interests and availability of public transport, thereby helping to reduce congestion and carbon emissions or could even be more technologically advanced.

The best entries will be invited to further develop their ideas at a GeoVation Camp before going on to pitch head to head for funding at a showcase next year.

This GeoVation Challenge runs from 28 September–26 November.

Dr Chris Parker, one of the initiative’s organisers, said: "There are huge and exciting opportunities for geography to be harnessed to help us all travel in a smarter, more sustainable way."

Further information:
GeoVation Challenge