Launch of Project Spark! wave 2

August 2023 update: The window for submissions to wave 2 of Project Spark is now closed. 

If you have an innovative idea that you believe could make a positive impact on government communications, now is the time to share it! 

What is Project Spark?

Spark! is a programme to identify ideas for innovation across GCS, test them, and quickly scale them up through the virtual GCS Innovation Lab

This Dragon’s Den-style opportunity is open to all GCS members, including from arm’s-length bodies and government departments, and builds on the success of wave 1 which launched in May 2022.

From the 19 ideas submitted to the first wave, 3 made it through and secured the backing of the Spark Dragons to test and scale their ideas. You can read more about each of these projects:

man holding sparkler

What is in scope?

Innovation in all its forms is welcomed, not only innovative new ideas, but also ideas which may simplify, save and reduce existing processes or approaches.

For example, this could include innovative new applications or approaches in areas such as:

  • Collaborating with generative-AI 
  • Personalising user journeys
  • Harnessing physical, mixed, and virtual spaces 
  • Gamification
  • Audience identification, insight, and evaluation 
  • New ways to collaborate together, or reimagine an existing process
  • Data-driven targeting 
  • New data-driven targeting approaches
  • Emerging and non-traditional messaging channels

How can I submit my innovative idea?

Submissions to wave 2 are now open, and GCS members have until Friday 21 July to submit ideas to gcs-innovation-lab@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.

There is no fixed format, however all submissions should address the following criteria:

  • What is it?
  • What problem does it solve?
  • Who does it solve a problem for?
  • How is the problem being solved today?  
  • Does it fit with GCS’s objectives? 
  • What are the key risks? 
  • How large is the opportunity?
  • How will you pilot your idea? Please include information on any technology, funding, or technical expertise required to deliver, as well as how results of the pilot will be evaluated. 
  • If partnership(s) with another team or department is required in order to pilot, then your proposal should identify these and include a commitment from them to support the proposal. 

Tips

Top tip: the 3 teams from wave 1 which successfully won over the Dragons had all identified and clearly defined end-user groups for their idea, had understood their needs, and how their innovative idea satisfied them – so make sure to include these in your submission!

For the majority of submissions from last year which didn’t make it through to the GCS Innovation Lab, this was because they were seeking to test and scale an idea which was already being actively taken forward by other teams. For example, specific ideas around learning and training which were already in plans for the future GCS curriculum, new ways to connect with GCS members that would be soon available through GCS Connect, or ideas that were not specific to government communications. We encourage teams to consider this when developing innovative ideas!

Spark! process and timings

  1. The submission window is now open, and will close on Friday 21 July.

Top-tip: the earlier you submit your idea, the more opportunity there will be to engage with the Innovation lab team to refine your idea before the deadline!

  1. By 31 July, the central GCS Innovation Lab team will have reviewed all ideas against the submission criteria, and drawn up a short-list of the pilot proposals which demonstrated the greatest value, and which are ready to be explored further.
  2. Throughout August, shortlisted ideas will be invited to work with the central GCS Innovation Lab team to explore their proposed pilots in detail. Identifying and mapping any technical, cultural, and commercial considerations, in order to evaluate their feasibility.
  3. In late September, finalists will be invited to pitch their idea to the Spark Dragons! This is a fantastic opportunity to engage directly with industry and thought leaders, harness the experience they bring to shape each idea, and secure their backing see your idea tested and scaled through the GCS Innovation Lab! 
  4. The central GCS Innovation Lab will then immediately begin piloting winning ideas during October, and begin scaling successful ideas from November.

The GCS Innovation Lab

This year, the GCS innovation Lab will use Agile 3 week ‘sprints’ throughout October and November to progress through the test and scale process with momentum, and scale proven benefits across government communications as quickly as possible. 

Whilst these sprints will be led by the central GCS Innovation Lab team, the original pitching teams will be expected to stay involved throughout the process, so if you are shortlisted, please discuss with your line manager to ensure you have their support to engage when needed during this period. 

This is a unique opportunity to share your creativity, ingenuity, and innovative spirit! Innovation starts with a spark of inspiration, and you have the potential to let that spark ignite the future of government communications!