Civil servants are being invited to apply for the latest round of the Civil Service AI and Data Challenge.

AI and data ideas that could improve how the government works and tackles major challenges are being sought including on how to cut doctor's waiting lists, cut benefit fraud and boost business exports.

An idea from a previous winner - using aerial photographs and AI to create detailed maps of the surface features of peatlands - is now being used to map all peatland surface features across England.

To take their project forward, the winner will receive £50,000 funding and technical support from NTT Data, a technology company that sponsors the event.

Technology Minister Ian Murray said: "Every corner of government can benefit from AI. We’re asking civil servants to put their brightest, boldest ideas forward so we can use tech to fix our broken public services as rapidly as possible.

"Whether it’s cutting waiting times, tackling fraud or helping businesses grow, this challenge is about unlocking the full potential of data and AI as we continue innovating to boost productivity and deliver our Plan for Change."