Find solutions to end violence against women and girls
Ending violence, abuse, and harm against women and girls is a crucial issue in our society. Such violence occurs daily and impacts how women and girls live, work, and socialise. It cuts across all communities and generations.
To address this issue, the Northern Ireland Executive Office has recently published a Strategic Framework for 2024-2031, and its first Delivery Plan for 2024-2026.
As part of this work, two Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) challenges have been launched to explore innovative solutions that could help combat this urgent issue.
Challenge 1: Making spaces safer through design and technology
The first challenge calls for innovations to increase and improve the physical and psychological safety of women and girls from violence, abuse and harm at home, work, school or in other social settings.
Challenge 2: Addressing violence through data and tech innovations
The second challenge seeks to identify ways in which digital platforms can be used to improve the detection and reporting of violence against women and girls, and counter misinformation with the goal of preventing violence against women and girls.
Solutions to both challenges need to be inclusive, protect and empower all demographics, including the most vulnerable groups, and consider those less technologically adept and those in less monitored environments.
Find out more about these two SBRI challenges.
Up to £225,000 has been secured from the Department for the Economy for each challenge.
Up to three applicants per challenge will be selected to develop proofs of concept. It is expected that each supplier will receive funding of up to £75,000 for Phase 1. Two or three suppliers from Phase 1 will be selected to proceed to Phase 2 to further develop their concepts (subject to funding).
Applications for Phase 1 close at 5pm on 4 November 2024.
Potential applicants can get more information at an online briefing session on 22 October 2024. Register now to join the briefing event
