A community gardening scheme, improvements in ambulance services and a plan to tackle the effects of climate change are among projects aimed at fostering public sector innovation in Wales.
Local innovators are to be funded from a £5m Innovate to Save fund to tackle 'pressing social challenges' and save money.
It is run by innovation foundation Nesta, Cardiff University and Wales Council for Voluntary Action and funded by the Welsh Government.
The Grow Cardiff project will help local people engage in community gardening to support their health and well-being, while a collaboration between the Welsh Ambulance Service, local authorities and other public bodies in North Wales will aim to streamline non-emergency patient transport.
A community interest company will be set up in the coastal village of Fairbourne in Gwynedd, which is at risk of flooding caused by climate change, to examine new ways of using housing stock.
Welsh minister, Mark Drakeford, said: 'At a time of reducing budgets, we must all think and work differently if we are to maintain the level of public services people require.
'These eight projects will receive support through our Innovate to Save fund to collaborate with other organisations and bring forward innovative pilots.
'Not only will these generate savings which can be re-invested but they will improve services and outcomes for people across Wales.'
