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Digital MiMinister visits Geovation Scotland

Posted: 15th November 2019

A government minister has praised two historic organisations for helping to drive Scotland’s digital revolution.

Kate Forbes, MSP, Scotland’s Minister for Public Finance and Digital Economy, visited Geovation Scotland today (Thursday, November 14) see for herself how the programme is supporting the digital economy and assert Scotland’s reputation as a nation of innovators.

Registers of Scotland (RoS), which manages the world’s oldest public land register, joined forces with mapping and data experts Ordnance Survey (OS), to launch Geovation Scotland and support some of the nation’s brightest entrepreneurs. The year-long programme delivers funding, expert advice, office space and access to high quality data that will help Scotland’s start-ups to fulfil their potential.

Ms Forbes said: “I had heard about Geovation Scotland but there is nothing like seeing it at first hand to understand how transformational it is to the business that are based here. It is fantastic for an organisation like Registers of Scotland, that is steeped in history and heritage, to be supporting new businesses to embrace the digital revolution and contribute towards the economy.

“Geovation Scotland is unique because it doesn’t just provide funding or expertise, it provides every form of support that an entrepreneur and a start-up might need. So from that perspective, as Minister for the Digital Economy, I am hugely supportive of the work that is happening here at Registers of Scotland, with the support of Ordnance Survey, to ensure that we have got a thriving digital economy in Scotland.”

The first group of Geovation Scotland start-ups presented their business plans to Ms Forbes. The minister heard how they are developing ideas that look to solve everything from helping residents manage their factoring costs, to protecting Scotland’s forests.

Ms Forbes added:“The entrepreneurs I met here are doing amazing things. They have got a vision to solve problems in both rural and urban Scotland that are incredibly varied and they are harnessing the wealth of digital and data expertise that sits within RoS and OS. It’s hugely exciting to see.”

Geovation Scotland is based at RoS’ headquarters in Meadowbank House, Edinburgh.

Jennifer Henderson, Keeper of the Registers of Scotland, said:

“We were delighted that the minister was able to take the time to come and see these start-ups at the beginning of their journey. We are looking forward to seeing them grow and how the wider Geovation Scotland ecosystem contributes to the nation’s economy.”

Business Comment

Business Comment is the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce’s bi-monthly magazine. It provides insight on Edinburgh’s vibrant business community, with features on the city’s key sectors, interviews with leading figures and news on new business developments in the capital.
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