Ideas Britain – the world’s first innovation app

Supported by Manchester City FC and Creative England, Ideas Britain (the mobile app) launched the Innovation in Sport Competition to seek ideas that could change how sport was watched, played and enjoyed.

Manchester, 26th May 2016: A ground-breaking in-stadium filming technology that allows fans to focus stadium cameras on themselves and friends during match highlights creating an ‘event triggered extended selfie’, has won the Ideas Britain #InSport competition.

The nationwide competition, which kicked off in October, was won yesterday by Snaptivity, a young North West business whose founders were studying at Brighton University. Snaptivity enables fans to record ‘selfies’ from multi stadium cameras during key match moments for downloading, tagging and social sharing.

As #InSport winners, Snaptivity were awarded five figures in funding from Creative England. This will go towards a trial of the patent pending technology starting next season at one of Manchester City FC’s home games to be played at the Etihad Stadium.

The #InSport competition’s finalists were: Andy McAllen, a sports coach who has created unique colour-coded football boots to help youngsters learn ball skills with an associated app that will record the training exercises.

Tessa Robinson, whose app Club Hub connects parents with kids’ sports and activities clubs in the local area.

Ian Lilley, whose solar powered smart “Superbins”, with built-in defibrillators, ensure life-saving emergency treatment is provided 24/7 in public parks and sports grounds.

Several of the finalists are in ongoing discussions with various departments at Manchester City FC to develop their unique concepts creating a rare opportunity for young entrepreneurs to tap into the resources, knowledge and expertise of a global sports brand.

Yesterday, the competition winners gathered at the City Football Academy, Manchester City FC’s elite training and youth development facility housed on the Etihad Campus. There they shared their ideas with industry leading professionals before being presented with their prizes by Mike Summerbee, Manchester City Club Ambassador and former player, and Adam Shaw, Ideas Britain CEO.

The event was attended by several high-profile Ideas Britain Coaches and Manchester City FC representatives.

Ideas Britain, in-app coaches included Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), Martin McCourt (ex CEO of Dyson), Caroline Norbury, OBE (CEO of Creative England), North West digital entrepreneur Scott Fletcher MBE, James Henderson (CEO of Bell Pottinger) and Phil Jones (MD of Brother UK Ltd).

Amit Pate, Founder of Snaptivity said:

“Ideas Britain gave us the unique opportunity to connect with brands like Manchester City FC, receive funding and gain access to knowledge and expertise that a young entrepreneur could only dream of.”

Caroline Norbury, MBE, CEO at Creative England, said:

“Creative England is delighted to be able to support both this unique competition and Snaptivity with their fan engagement technology. This aligns with our commitment to help trailblazing small and medium-sized creative businesses that drive change across all sectors from sport to healthcare.

We champion sustainable, enterprising business ideas and look forward to seeing these winners on a global stage and exploring new ways to unearth and assist British talent with technology like Ideas Britain’’

Andrew Gilligan, Head of Research and Insights, Manchester City FC, said:

“Ideas Britain is a truly innovative app giving budding entrepreneurs across the UK a platform on which they can make their ideas a reality. Taking part in their Innovation in Sport competition has been an amazing experience for everyone at Manchester City Football Club.

Like Ideas Britain, we have a passion for encouraging young people to reach their full potential and this competition has presented a fantastic opportunity to offer creative, young entrepreneurs support on their projects and we look forward to seeing what happens next.”

Sir Howard Bernstein, Chief Executive at Manchester City Council, said:

“Manchester is carving out a reputation for innovation and I’m delighted that Ideas Britain #InSport competition winners will continue their entrepreneurial education in the city, with the team at Manchester City FC.”There are big ideas bubbling under Manchester and I wish all winners and participants the best of luck with their ideas now and in future.”

Adam Shaw, CEO of Ideas Britain, said:

“The ideas are of such high quality that they not only surpassed our expectations but have also entered into ‘real life’ development to be prepared for market.

The adage of ‘who you know not what you know’ will soon be dead as we roll out our technology to support innovation across companies, charities, government and communities allowing everyone an equal chance to make it happen for themselves and their ideas.”