Behind the Scenes at CivTech HQ: Meet the Innovation Delivery Team

We’ve hit the halfway point of the CivTech Round 10 Accelerator, and things are in full swing! For the 14 teams currently involved, this is a pivotal moment in their journey. It’s all about fast-tracking product development as they work closely with Challenge Sponsors to create a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), setting the stage for the next phase of development. At the same time, we’re prioritising business growth, offering comprehensive workshops to ensure every team—no matter where they are in their journey—has the solid foundation needed to move their product forward.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the dedication of the wider CivTech team. Today, we’re shining the spotlight on two of our brilliant team members: Magdalena Radoch and Scott Wyllie. As CivTech’s Innovation Delivery Officers, they play a crucial role in the Innovation Delivery team, led by Lesley Ercolano. We caught up with both of them to learn more about their roles, how they support the CivTech programme, and why its success wouldn’t be possible without their hard work behind the scenes!

Image: Magdalena and Scott at CivTech Round 9 Demo Day

Can you share what you did before joining CivTech?

Scott: I graduated from the University of Dundee with a degree in English and Film Studies. After university, I gained experience in customer service-based roles. Before joining CivTech, I worked at Warmworks, contributing to the national energy efficiency scheme, Warmer Homes Scotland.

Magdalena: I graduated from the University of Dundee with a degree in Animation. Before joining CivTech, I worked as a Manager at Sainsbury's.

What made you want to join the CivTech team?

Scott: I was drawn to the scope of the CivTech programme and its ability to improve the lives of people across Scotland. The opportunity to work on meaningful, impactful projects really excited me.

Magdalena: I’ve always been passionate about technology and bringing new ideas to life. When I discovered CivTech, I saw an opportunity to combine these interests. I joined the Delivery Team in 2023, hoping to bring my customer-oriented perspective to support project development.

Can you share a bit about your role and how you might support potential Round 11 Challenge Sponsors?

Scott: My role is incredibly varied. I help with a bit of everything, ensuring the team and our Challenge Sponsor organisations get the support they need. Some days, I’m minuting meetings, and other days, I’m distributing applications to the relevant panel members. A big part of my job is ensuring that the Challenge Sponsors’ experience with CivTech runs smoothly by providing them with all the relevant information they need throughout the process.

Magdalena: Like Scott, I manage the administrative tasks for the Accelerator. This includes taking meeting minutes, supporting in-person events, and collecting signatures for contracts. As we enter Round 11, I will also assist Challenge Sponsors in organising "checkgate" meetings. These key checkpoints are essential for evaluating progress, addressing risks, and making any necessary adjustments to plans. My role is to guide Challenge Sponsors through the CivTech process while handling the administrative details.

What is your favourite part about working at CivTech?

Scott: What I love about working at CivTech is the constant variety. No two days are ever the same! One day, I might be minuting a meeting on puffin population monitoring, and the next, I could be coordinating a meeting between our team and a public sector organisation eager to use CivTech to tackle their most pressing challenges.

Magdalena: My favourite part—though it’s also the most stressful—is the initial selection phase. During this time, we distribute applications to panel members and assist them through the decision-making process in moderation meetings. It’s truly exciting to see the variety of ideas that come in from all over the world. I’m always surprised by which proposals make it through to the Accelerator phase!

Do you have any final thoughts you'd like to share?

Scott: Absolutely! CivTech Round 11 is launching this summer, and if you're part of a public or third-sector organisation with a challenge that needs solving, there's still time to get involved. The first step is simple: reach out to the CivTech team!

Magda: I couldn’t agree more! And if you're wondering how to get in touch, just drop us an email at civtech@gov.scot… and guess what? We’ll be the ones to reply!