Ordance Survey offers funding for start-ups, wants next Pokémon Go

Applications have opened for Geovation, a programme that funds and supports start-ups run by Ordnance Survey.

The company programme began in July 2015 and helps tech firms create new products based on geospatial technology and OS’ map data for the United Kingdom. In addition to funding, it offers developers desk space, coachin and mentorship, access to software, legal and professional support and more.

Successful applicants receive £10,000 for the first six months. If a successful prototype is delivered after that time, they receive an additional £10,000 and the Geovation team helps to secure further funding and the support required to launch.

Given the smash hit success of Niantic Labs’ latest release, Ordnance Survey has openly said it “wants the next Pokémon Go”.

Geovation head Alex Wrottesley said: “Our goal is to establish GeoTech as a concept the same way people think of FinTech. So if you’re doing something where geospatial data is important to your location, or place, or you want to look at analysis of how things are presented well, you go to Geovation.”

The deadline for applications is Wednesday, August 17th. You can find out more about the process of applying here.