Press News
GeniUS scheme could help turn dreams into reality
10:17am Friday 10th February 2012
COUNCIL chiefs in York could be awarded £250,000 to help solve some of the city’s biggest challenges.
The money would go towards turning ideas raised on the council’s new web forum, GeniUS, into reality.
The web forum, launched by the council and Science City York in January, is an online community where residents, community groups, businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators everywhere are being encouraged to share their innovative approaches to four key issues.
These include how vacant council buildings can be used to benefit local businesses; how transport can be used to generate income and improve environmental sustainability; how the council can help vulnerable people in their homes and how the council can build better relationships with small businesses.
The scheme is supported by NESTA, the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts, who may invest the cash to take the ideas forward.
A panel of experts will select the most promising ideas and will work with the originator and partners to take them forward. Once a plan to develop the idea has been agreed, the council has committed to making it happen.
Coun James Alexander, Leader of City of York Council, said: “We’re open to any new ideas on how we can support them to do that so we’re encouraging everyone to find out more and post their suggestions at geniusyork.com”