Technology is arguably the most powerful tool at our disposal when it comes to effecting change in business, welfare and indeed society at large. There can be no doubt that Tech for Good is now a movement, and one that’s rapidly gathering pace.
This momentum can in part be attributed to an increase in social solidarity in response to the Covid pandemic, which has led to a surge in innovation from many entrepreneurs in a bid to help solve some of the UK’s most pressing challenges. An increasingly remote delivery of services, processes and interactions as a result of the series of nationwide lockdowns has also led to the acceleration of technology adoption as a way of meeting arising complications.
We have seen examples of technology being put to incredible use in a bid to create positive social outcomes in a number of areas including health, education, environmental sustainability, equal opportunities and living standards.
In response to the increase of Tech for Good initiatives, recruiting experts Hays Technology and global super connectors Empact Ventures last year launched a nationwide ‘Super Connect For Good competition, in a bid to uncover the best emerging tech start-ups and scale-ups that make a positive impact on people’s lives through technology.
The competition was opened up to tech start-ups and scale-ups that were shown to create positive social change in any part of society, including education, healthcare, local communities, public services and more. Hundreds of entries came in from all over the UK and Ireland to compete in both regional and industry categories, with the winner in our Virtual Final in November 2020 announced in front of attendants from 38 countries worldwide as Beam, a London-based social enterprise that helps fund and support homeless people into training; enabling them to acquire skills, forge a career and make their future prospects brighter.
As a result of the competition’s success in its pilot year, Hays Technology has again partnered with Empact Ventures to relaunch Super Connect For Good, and this time we have widened entries to capture applications from ten regions across the UK, Ireland and Europe.
Overall, there will be ten regional winners, ten industry vertical winners (for AI for Good, FinTech for Good, CleanTech, EdTech, MedTech, HealthTech, Smart Cities, AgriTech, GovTech and General Tech for Good), and an overall national winner, giving tech start-ups and scale-ups multiple opportunities for recognition.
Applications will be judged by an expert panel of regional experts, entrepreneurs, funders, and professionals. Alongside Hays Technology and Empact Ventures, the competition is backed by partners including Microsoft for Startups, the National Institute for Health Research, (NIHR) Surgical MedTech Co-operative, the OVHcloud Startup Programme and others.
Before the announcement of the ten overall industry winners in our Virtual Final, we will be showcasing the top ten in each industry category in our Top 100 Innovation Showcase. You do not have to have enter the competition to attend this, and attendees will have the opportunity to see start-ups/scale-ups in each innovation area compete in front of judges and our live virtual audience, super connect with Tech for Good start-ups and scale-ups, and be virtually super connected to three companies/start-ups based on their interests within eight weeks of the event.
One thing we have observed, and part of the reason we have created Super Connect For Good, is not only the potential for growth that the Tech for Good movement has, but the importance of collaboration when it comes to growing and supporting the overall ecosystem. Sharing networks and resources provides infinite opportunities for Tech for Good start-ups to continue to innovate in a range of areas, including, but not limited to sustainability, housing, equality healthcare and education, thereby improving the welfare of societal groups everywhere.
If you are a tech start-up or a scale-up founder and would like to apply to the competition, make sure you submit your application by 6pm on 16th July 2021.
If you would like to attend the Top 100 Innovation Showcase Event on 30th September, register your place today.
James Hallahan Director, Hays Technology, UK & Ireland
James Hallahan, Director of Hays Technology and James Harvard, our professional services business, has over 20 years’ experience in technology and digital recruitment, and solutions that deliver outcomes for customer success. James is responsible for delivering strategic growth across both the private and public sectors, through scaling existing products and services and innovating with new solutions to both existing and new markets within which we operate.
