Exploring the technology sector’s response to COVID-19
In partnership with PUBLIC
A partnership between the Nordic Council of Ministers and GovTech venture company PUBLIC, we showcase technology responses to COVID-19 in the region. Read more about the Nordic Council of Ministers and PUBLIC here.
This platform is updated regularly with an overview of cross-sector initiatives, regional partnerships, and case studies of potential solutions.
Latest Initiatives
Nordic-Baltic VCs to Startups: Be focused and open
To help startups navigate the current funding landscape, we have collected some of the best sources of advice from Nordic and Baltic venture capital investors on raising capital in uncertain times. Â
Digital Inclusion and Equality during Covid-19
The Nordic-Baltic region is known for its digital nature, welfare system and values such as inclusion, openness, trust, equality and democratic rights. These factors have been key to the Nordic-Baltic regions' way of tackling the Covid-19 crisis in an effective yet humane manner. It also shows that digital solutions can play a role in almost every part of society.  Â
An Interview with Jenni Vartiainen, Founder of Kide Science
We spoke to Jenni Vartiainen, founder of Finnish Kide Science about how her pedagogy research into how young children learn has influenced the technology her startup uses. Â
Interview with Valeria Bortoletto, Founder of Novear – Nordic Venture Architects
We spoke to Valeria Bortoletto, one of the founders of Novear Venture Architects, a student led consultancy helping startups through these uncertain times. Listen to the interview to hear how Novear has helped business stay afloat by rethinking business models and advising startups on how to innovate their way through the crisis.
Nordic-Baltic Initiatives Tackling the Aftermath of the Crisis
New initiatives have cropped up to tackle the aftermath of the last months and some startup initiatives have shifted their focus to supporting the community as business opens up again. We highlight some of the most exciting initiatives from the Nordic and Baltic region that are supporting startups in this new phase of the Covid crisis.
Data Shows a Growing Interest in GovTech
Though the crisis has had a devastating impact on many aspects of society and the economy, insights from our database show that the crisis has also spurred an increased interest in the GovTech sector.Â
Search current initiatives
Startups addressing COVID-19
Insight by Sector
1. Education
1. Education
Covid-19 has forced the closure of schools and universities across the Nordic region, shifting education online. More and more institutions are embracing digital technologies as a means of mitigating some of the impact of school closures. Innovative companies are helping teachers and students to deliver and receive education remotely. Discover more.
2. Healthcare
2. Healthcare
From tracking the spread of the disease, to symptom checking, to clinical testing, HealthTech applications are already tackling the immediate, evolving healthcare challenges triggered by Covid-19. There is also increasing strain on the capacity of our health and care system. The challenge is to ensure that the capacity of health and care staff is being appropriately measured and communicated. Discover more.
3. Social Care
3. Social Care
There is a large population of older and other high risk people, many of whom rely on medication, hospital appointments, informal carers, and paid carers to maintain their physical and mental health. The challenge is to ensure there is sufficient support for the elderly and vulnerable to easily find and access support at any time of the day. Discover more.
4. Employment & Work
4 Employment & Work
5. Finance & Welfare
5. Finance & Welfare
Citizens are under greater pressure to manage their finances effectively. Some employees will face redundancy or temporary leave from their jobs, making it difficult to pay their rent, purchase food and essential supplies, or pay for bills. Those who are dependent on welfare payments will find themselves struggling to access credit and receive government welfare benefits. Discover more.
6. Support for Startups
6. Support for Startups
Small businesses and startups will be heavily affected by the economic consequences of Covid-19. Countries across the Nordic region have introduced financial support for small businesses such as liquidity, employee relief and loans among other measures. We will outline the key measures available to startups and seek to understand the financial challenges they face to survive over the next few months. Discover more.
COVID-19 Ecosystem
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