Entrepreneurs awarded innovation funding to boost active lifestyles in Britain

Four entrepreneurs have been awarded a share of funding following a competition launched to bring progressive geography, technology and design-based ideas to life in the UK.

Following the culmination of the Ordnance Survey’s GeoVation Challenge, ventures Mapsum, Ramblers Scotland, OpenPlay and Pan Studio will all gain funding to help progress their platforms, which have been designed to increase participation in sport and physical activity.

Pan Studio has developed a game called Run an Empire and will receive £26,000 to further its platform, which uses GPS and Ordnance Survey data to record paths and routes which players take while exercising.

The concept of the competitive game allows users to capture and maintain control of as much territory as possible, using neighbourhoods as arenas for play.

Another receiver of funding is London-based OpenPlay, which serves as online directory for finding and booking sports facilities.

The platform brings the traditional park notice board online, allowing users to find out what is going on in their local area, as well as being able to book pitches and organise activities.

Groups can also use the site to look for people to join their activities and events, with OpenPlay accessible by local authorities, community groups, private organisations and the public.

The £21,000, of funding awarded will allow OpenPlay to develop new mapping functionality using Ordnance Survey data and develop a mobile app version to increase public usage.

Funding will also go to Ramblers Scotland to develop its Medal Routes App, while Mapsum will receive support for the development of its Tagd idea, which allows people to create, share and discover custom interactive routes for exercise and activities.