Open data has the potential to power tools that provide solutions to real problems. Although the UK is the world leader in releasing open data, its use in informing real-world solutions has been limited and fragmented, with innovative startups lacking support and data expertise to scale to a sustainable business level.

The challenges helped small-to-medium enterprises and startups to work with data providers, industry experts and business leaders to develop new ways to reuse available data in ways which create sustainable business opportunities.

We ran a series of seven challenge prizes to support the development of innovative solutions to social challenges using open data. For each challenge, projects competed for a potential £40,000 grand prize. Winning projects were those with the best solution combining open data expertise with a credible plan and market. The Open Data Challenge Prize Series was funded by the Technology Strategy Board and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

1. Jobs Open Data Challenge: Performance in Context (PiC)
2. Heritage + Culture Open Data Challenge: Culture Everywhere
3. Food Open Data Challenge: FoodTrade
4. Housing Open Data Challenge: MoveMaker
5. Education Open Data Challenge: Skills Route
6. Energy and Environment Open Data Challenge: Community Energy Manager
7. Crime and Justice Open Data Challenge: Check That Bike