Anchiano reduces distance to labour market in public sector

Digitalisation is rapidly changing the way we work, live and interact. Yet the public sector continues to lag behind in a number of areas, widening existing gaps in the market. The now scale-up company Anchiano, based in The Natural Pavilion at district Hortus in Almere, is driving efforts to change this. With innovative digital solutions, the company encourages governments and organisations to move towards inclusive tech.

Three and a half years ago, Bob Westerink founded the company Anchiano together with a companion. Bob is a true entrepreneur with several businesses and decades of experience in the private and public domain. Recently, the team was strengthened by Erwin van Hardeveld. Having spent many years as a director in the public domain and driven by the desire to make more social impact, he made this move. "Anchiano was born from the perspective that disadvantaged groups are still often pushed aside, and that has to change." thinks Erwin. Digitalisation will play a key role in this.

Technology in the service of people

"There is still plenty of room to deploy digital innovations in the public sector," says Bob. Governments and organisations face the challenge of making their services more efficient, while also being socially responsible. The demand for digital tools is therefore growing steadily. But to make a real impact within this sector, it is essential to focus not on the technology, but on the people who use the tools on a daily basis. "What really matters is going into the field and engaging with end users. That provides valuable insights on what really supports the work and where the resistance is." emphasises Bob.

Anchiano has developed several apps that improve work and learning processes which provides more insight, transparency, efficiency and the human touch first. One of these tools is the Green app, developed in cooperation with TNO and social work companies. This app makes green space management simple and efficient: know exactly what, where and how to work. Maintenance and communication around green spaces are done via the app at lightning speed. With built-in and integrated AI, it provides an even sharper comparison between the level of quality achieved and desired. "More than ten social work companies and municipalities are now using the Green app. We now really see its added value in practice," says Erwin.

Following the success of the Green app, Anchiano focused on developing the Grey app together with the Municipality of Zaanstad and Tomingroep. This platform supports the management of cattle routes, waste bin routes and pricking fields. "We see a clear growth in the number of users and hear that the payback period is short. The Grey app also makes processes clearer and simpler." says Bob.

Education and lifelong development

But Anchiano doesn't just stop at apps for public spaces. Currently, again in collaboration with knowledge partners, they are also developing a learning platform to connect students and workers with educators and employers. This is going to provide tremendous support for practical learning. Lotje is the innovative platform that supports personal development through practice-based modules and continuous collaboration. The Lotje platform focuses precisely on the most flexible learning offer and work-related skills. "We want to encourage lifelong learning." says Bob. In view of the national transition to skills-based thinking and the skills passport, Anchiano is going to make a valuable contribution to this.

Ambition to realise nationwide shift with cooperation partners

"Our apps are designed to support end users without overloading them. Everyone should feel supported in their work, regardless of their background and characteristics." explains Bob. The company does not do this alone and works closely with companies, governments, educational and knowledge institutions, such as TNO, municipalities and social employment services. Together with partners, Anchiano wants to set a new standard in the public sector. "Together, we want to realise a national shift and use digital tools to really solve societal challenges," says Bob. Anchiano likes to get in touch with new development partners with guts to make impact together.

To take further steps towards this ambition, Anchiano recently got in touch with UPALMERE! The action program of the Municipality of Almere that supports startups, scale-ups and innovative SMEs with their growth issues. "UPALMERE! has valuable connections in the city and region, which gives us opportunities to market our products more effectively," says Erwin. The company is excited to discover what this cooperation will bring. Also for Almere and Flevoland.

Digital inclusion

While many technological developments focus on speed and automation, Anchiano is committed to technology that empowers people. With a growing team and international opportunities in Germany and Belgium, the company continues to build digital solutions for society. This is just the beginning!

More information: www.anchiano.nl