Smart Ageing Prize 2016

Smart Ageing Prize 2016

What was the 2016 Smart Ageing Prize?

The first Smart Ageing Prize was a €50,000 prize funded by The Active and Assisted Living (AAL) Programme for the best innovation in internet-connected devices and technologies to empower older adults to achieve the quality of life they aspire to, socially and independently.

The innovation needed to present a business opportunity which improves connectivity between older adults, devices and technologies related to any aspect of their life (e.g., home, social, work, study, transport or services). Innovations were required to involve older adults in the development and testing of the technology.

Why did we do this?

Globally, the ageing population is increasing at an unprecedented rate. By 2060 one in three Europeans will be over 65. This demographic shift presents a challenge as well as an exciting commercial opportunity as the Silver Economy emerges as a new market.

Innovative technological approaches are needed that cater to the needs and aspirations of older adults, empowering them to continue to lead independent lives and play an active role in society, whether that be at home, work, education, or in their community.

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This challenge was funded by

  • AAL Programme logo

Impact of the Prize

  • 74% of finalists’ solutions were judged to be able to bring positive impact to end users
  • 72% of finalists developed new partnerships thanks to participating in the Prize
  • 82% of finalists rated their experience in the Prize as either very good or good
  • 81% of finalists were likely to bring their product to market at the end of the Prize
  • 78% of partners recognised the Prize was addressing an important issue in which innovation is needed

Winner – Memoride (Berlin)

A group of older people, two of which are using a bicycle type device in front of a screen

Memoride (formally ACTIV84HEALTH EXPLORER) is a platform that allows users to freely explore known and new areas while being physically active, from within the safety and comfort of an indoor setting. The platform uses Google Streetview images and opens a window to the world for the users that can no longer go outside independently.

The finalists

ABOUT THE PRIZE

175 applications…

were received from 26 different countries

15 of the most promising entries…

were selected as finalists and received support to develop a detailed business plan

Five finalists…

were invited to pitch their ideas at the AAL Forum, before the winner was awarded

Who were the Challenge Judges?

  • Heidrun Mollenkopf, BAGSO Board Member and Vice President of AGE Platform Europe
  • Lekshmy Parameswaran, Director of research and strategy at Fuelfor
  • Karin Weiss, Deputy Managing Director and Head of Grants at the AGE Foundation
  • Nick Guldemond, Assistant Professor at University Medical Center Utrecht
  • Viviane von Doellen, Cadre supérieur at the Stëftung Hëllef Doheem LU
  • Roland Pouillie, Expert for the Flemish Agency for Care and Health
  • Bruno de Oliveira Alves, Policy Advisor at the European Commission
  • Peter Saraga, Chair of the AAL Advisory Board

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