Ordnance Survey is celebrating launching the Geovation hub 15 years ago to ‘foster a geospatial ecosystem for start-ups to solve real world challenges’ using location data. Since then, the hub says it has supported over 150 startups, with a combined net worth of £300 million.
Geovation finds, supports, and nurtures entrepreneurs; creating new markets and delivering value from location data, they stated. Over the last 15 years, Geovation has cultivated PropTech and GeoTech start-ups, helping them “break new ground” in the way location and property data is used. Geovation has supported over 150 startups, helping raise over £155 million in funding and creating more than 2,500 jobs. Geovation is an Ordnance Survey (OS) initiative, in association with the HM Land Registry (HMLR).
The Geovation hub provides a collaboration space, access to trusted sources of geospatial and property information in the UK, including OS and HMLR; along with direct support through workshops, events, and technical expertise.
Geovation was created on the back of the launch of OS Open MasterMap data in 2009, as part of a wider initiative to make government data more open and accessible. Geovation grew into a pioneering corporate start-up programme, leading the way for other organisations to follow.
In those 15 years, Geovation has built its own “active, diverse community” of start-ups, working together and individually, to tackle big problems, unlocking social, economic, and environmental value. From using artificial intelligence to provide drone insurance for operators, broadcasters and emergency NHS deliveries, to farming apps, and providing addresses for the homeless. Nick Bolton, CEO, Ordnance Survey said:
“For over 15 years, Geovation has been a pioneer in the creation of a successful Accelerator programme, which provides the environment for early-stage businesses to thrive. Funding, collaboration, open data, and expertise from the UK’s leading geospatial experts is turning ideas into impactful technologies. We share a commitment to environmental stewardship, and it’s fantastic to see so many Geovation start-ups turn cutting-edge ideas into resilient, effective solutions to meet today’s global challenges.”
