IGS has been named winner in the AI for Good category of the Super Connect for Good 2020 competition, sponsored by Microsoft for Startups.

Super Connect for Good 2020 is a new national tech initiative powered by Empact Ventures and Hays seeking to discover, super connect and support the best emerging tech startups and scale-ups that bring positive social change and impact to enhance people’s lives through technology in the areas of AI for Good, HealthTech, MedTech, EdTech, Smart Cities and GovTech.

IGS’ prize includes a private business coaching session with Global Tech Lead for Microsoft for Startups, Dr Ian McDonald, who will provide consultancy to help the business continue to expand and develop its operations.

David Farquhar, Chief Executive of IGS, commented: “We know that as the global population continues to grow, finding sustainable ways of food production on a local level will be vital to supporting complex global supply chains. We believe vertical farming technology has a real role to play in developing a long-term solution to this challenge, working in partnership with traditional farmers. It is very exciting to have this technology recognised by global players like Empact Ventures and Microsoft.

“We’re particularly excited to have the opportunity for us face-to-face time with Dr McDonald who I am confident will be able to look at our business from an external perspective and help us identify key channels for growth as IGS continues to go from strength to strength.”

Anne-Claire Lo Bianco, Community & VC Manager, Microsoft for Startups, added: “Microsoft for Startups is delighted to have selected IGS as winner of this year Empact Ventures Tech for Good competition for the AI for Good category as IGS is willing to solve some of the biggest challenges that our society is facing which are growing food and feeding the planet in a more environmentally friendly way. We strongly support IGS’s work as they are truly committed to ensure that the global food supply is sustainable for future generations.”

The competition’s partners include Microsoft for Startups, Sifted, National Institute for Health Research Surgical MedTech Co-operative, UnLtd, Young Enterprise, Linkilaw Solicitors, Top Business Tech, eOffice, Angels Den, PUBLIC, The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds City Council, Global Entrepreneurship Network UK and Global Entrepreneurship Week UK.