KCOM Innovation Hothouse: Using technology to improve education
The eyes of the tech world are turning to Hull this week as teams from as far afield as Italy and Vietnam take part in the Innovation Hothouse, a week-long initiative which is part of Tech Week Humber.
The teams have been set a challenge by KCOM to come up with creative and radical new tech-based solutions to the issues affecting teachers and students during the coronavirus pandemic as they face new obstacles such as online home learning, social isolation and keeping safe.
Joining teams from around the world competing in the challenge online are tech talents from the Humber region including Wilberforce Sixth Form College, Hull College and the University of Hull.
These are joined by exciting local tech businesses such as NashTech, BetterSpace, Twilio and Mercia who are all bidding to deliver workable solutions to real world problems caused by Covid-19.
Tim Shaw, Managing Director of KCOM wholesale and networks, said he said he believed engaging with young talent in the Innovation Hothouse would enable the region’s young “blue sky thinkers” and exciting tech start-ups to bring vital new ideas and creativity to the table - as well as identifying some potential tech stars of the future.
Problem statement
One of the biggest challenges we face in health and social care in the UK, particularly in the post COVID world, is how we improve access and engagement either face to face or remotely.
The make up of the UK population has changed and is continually evolving. We have a rich multicultural population, with differing views on accessing healthcare, as well as a diverse understanding and level of comfort with using technology. Therefore, we need to develop better ways to improve and increase healthcare access (including preventative care) for hard to reach members in our community. These solutions need to consider access via digital and virtual means, as well as tackling issues such as cultural or language barriers.
Watch the video below to find out what challenges the teams will be looking to find a solution to.