Ordnance Survey launches Developer Challenge 2014 as a platform for budding entrepreneurs

The initiative is designed for developers creating the next business idea for a product, service or application that is innovative, profitable or cost saving and uses Ordnance Survey geospatial data at its core. Ordnance Survey has teamed up with TechHub, one of the leading technology co-working communities, to award the winning ideas with desk space and annual membership to bring their ideas to fruition.

The fully tailored mentorship programme utilises both Ordnance Survey and TechHub’s network of experts for mentoring and guidance, as well as giving winners a chance to jump the waiting list and be given Flex membership. It will open up a wealth of opportunities for the winners, including legal advice, sales and marketing support, product expertise and advice on future funding options.

TechHub provides technology start-ups with a place to work, meet, collaborate, network, learn and have fun. By utilising such a unique environment at one of its three hubs in London, Manchester or Swansea, the winning ideas from Developer Challenge 2014 will have everything at their fingertips without the overheads.

Peter ter Haar, Director of Products and Innovation at Ordnance Survey, said:

“Over the last decade we have seen more and more developers creating innovative consumer and business products, services and applications using digital map data. In more recent years, developers and business customers have demanded location information with added detail.

“Ordnance Survey produces the most detailed mapping of Great Britain and over a third of our data is free to access via OS OpenData. In addition, we have a free API called OS OpenSpace and a range of developer licences, which allow developers to experiment with our premium large-scale datasets.

“Many businesses now recognise the important role which location data plays; however, we believe that there are many more business opportunities to make use of the most accurate, highly-detailed and up-to-date data and we’re challenging you to unlock the potential!”

Location data is already used in business for transport routing and mapping assets, as well as in gaming apps and for integration with social media. The Developer Challenge 2014 has partnered with TechHub to provide the winner with a distinctive offering of support, a full tailored mentoring and publicity program, allowing the winning applicant(s) to develop their business idea further.

TechHub CEO and co-founder Elizabeth Varley said: “We are very excited to be working closely with Ordnance Survey on this new partnership. Selected start-up teams working on geo-location products will be given valuable time, expertise and, importantly, incredibly rich location data only available from Ordnance Survey. They’ll also be the first to go through a new tailored programme from TechHub, giving them guidance and mentoring over their next six months. We’re expecting some innovative things!”

Ordnance Survey will provide up to four winners with the facilities needed to help them develop their idea, including a fully-tailored mentorship program by awarding annual Flex memberships at TechHub. See the full terms and conditions for further information. This unique prize will allow the winners to develop their business ventures within a vibrant network of like-minded people, who are likely to have similar goals, challenges and motivations. During the year, Ordnance Survey will continue communication with the winner and work with them to meet certain business goals.

Entries are now open and will be accepted until midday on 28 February 2014; winners will then be shortlisted and asked to pitch their ideas in front of a panel of judges on 28 March 2014.

For more information about the Ordnance Survey Developer Challenge 2014 and full terms and conditions, please visit www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/devchallenge