Civil Service AI and Data Challenge: a practical route to national impact and career growth
Entries are open for the fourth annual Civil Service AI and Data Challenge. The programme is built to turn smart ideas from civil servants into projects that improve public services and move government priorities forward.
The Challenge is a partnership between the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, the Cabinet Office, NTT DATA and Global Government Forum. It's open to civil servants in every department, profession and grade. Each year's winners receive £50,000, technical support from NTT DATA UK, and sponsorship from senior civil servants who help push implementation.
Deadline: Applications close on Wednesday 5 November. Apply here.
From idea to national impact
AI4Peat, the 2022 winner led by Natural England's Nick Tomline, has built the UK's first comprehensive map of peatland drainage networks using AI. What was once unmanageable at national scale is now actionable.
"The AI4Peat project filled a critical national evidence gap," Tomline said. "Our AI approach now enables us to prioritise restoration efforts for maximum environmental benefit." The team's work supports biodiversity net gain and cuts CO2 through targeted peatland restoration.
Equally important, the team created an end-to-end pipeline giving Natural England and Defra the capability to tackle other geospatial problems at scale. Their "AI4" approach is now being reused across government use cases, creating clear efficiency gains.
Career-defining opportunities
Project Constellation, the 2024 winner led by John Saunders at the Ministry of Justice, is building a real-time, nationwide picture of prison accommodation. The goal: reduce the heavy lift of cell allocation and free up officer time.
"The competition proved to be a catalyst for growth," Saunders said. "I stepped outside my usual remit, took on unfamiliar challenges, and developed new skills - particularly in crafting compelling presentations for senior judge panels." He added that winning opened doors to senior leaders across the civil service and has had a tangible impact on his career trajectory.
The AI4Peat team echoed this. The cross-department approach helped them break down silos and turn an idea into a high-profile project much faster than a traditional route would allow.
Senior backing that accelerates delivery
The Challenge is championed by Liz Kendall, secretary of state for science, innovation and technology; Cat Little, civil service chief operating officer and Cabinet Office permanent secretary; Lindsay Mason, the government's chief data officer; and Emran Mian, permanent secretary of DSIT. Their sponsorship helps winning ideas move from prototype to practice.
The judging panel includes leaders such as Robert Thomson, chief digital, data and technology officer at the Home Office; Nina Cope, director general corporate at the Ministry of Defence; and David Filmer, UK&I head of public sector at NTT DATA UK.
How to apply
- Draft a 400-word submission outlining how AI or data could improve a public service or priority area.
- Optionally apply to join an interdisciplinary, cross-departmental project team to support a shortlisted idea.
- Submit before Wednesday 5 November via the official site.
As Saunders put it: "It's a rare opportunity to strengthen stakeholder engagement, sharpen strategic thinking, and test your ability to take concepts from idea to delivery in a high-profile, fast-paced setting." The connections and exposure can shape your next career step.
What you'll gain
- Hands-on project delivery: from problem framing to solution design and iteration.
- Leadership and communication: presenting confidently to senior audiences and managing cross-functional teams.
- Cross-government networks: access to senior leaders you wouldn't usually meet.
Ready to contribute to a project with national impact? Enter the Civil Service AI and Data Challenge today: datachallenge.uk
If you want to build your AI and data skills while you prepare your submission, explore curated training by role: Complete AI Training - Courses by Job.
Your membership also unlocks:
