New CivVic Labs Challenge takes aim at access to outdoor community spaces

Expressions of interest are now open via CivVic Labs, LaunchVic’s program that connects startups and the public sector to help solve real-world challenges.

For the latest challenge, LaunchVic will again team up with VicHealth to ask Victoria’s startup sector:

“How might we use technology to help Victorians better access and enjoy community or outdoor spaces?”

Ten startups will be selected for this challenge, each receiving $15,000 in equity-free funding to develop their solution in a six-week design sprint October-November 2023.

At the end of the experience, they’ll pitch for a further $35,000 to bring their solution to market.

The problem  

Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) CEO Dr Sandro Demaio said VicHealth is excited to collaborate with aspiring tech entrepreneurs, highlighting the invaluable opportunity partnering with LaunchVic and CivVic labs again presents.

“We all want to see people across Victoria living happy and healthy lives, with access to safe community spaces where they can be active and connect. However, this vision is not the case for many, especially in lower-income areas. When we consider how the environment in which we live, work and play can impact life expectancy, it’s clear that change is needed.”

“That’s why we’re working with LaunchVic and CivVic labs, exploring innovative ideas to improve outdoor spaces and community facilities and empower more Victorians to lead active and healthy lives. We can’t wait to see what groundbreaking solutions startups bring to the table as they work to dismantle both the physical and social barriers that stop Victorians from enjoying and accessing community spaces.”

These may include:

• Ensuring spaces are accessible for all Victorians, including people with diverse accessibility needs
• Supporting organisations to consult appropriately with their diverse communities in the creation of new spaces or upgrading of existing spaces.
• Enabling organisations that manage community or outdoor spaces to make their spaces more easily available for the community to use.
• Making public spaces safer.
• Providing organisations with data and insights that enable them to improve the development and usage of spaces.
• Improving the experience of using outdoor spaces and facilities.
• Any other digital solution that enables organisations to develop or manage recreational facilities and parks better.

About CivVic Labs

Since 2018, CivVic Labs has been a launch pad for more than 60 local startups.

LaunchVic GM, Startups Pete Goldsworthy said the program was a unique opportunity for founders to build with a potential customer in the room.

“CivVic Labs is the perfect sandbox for aspiring or early-stage founders to test and validate new ideas, and for government to connect with our $91 billion startup sector,” she said.

“We’re looking for ambitious idea or early-stage founders who recognise the value of CivVic Labs to help accelerate their startup journey.”

Get Involved 

Expressions of interest are open until 1pm July 31.

For more information, join our Information Session July 18 and read the program guidelines here.