Smart Ageing Prize 2018

Smart Ageing Prize 2018

What was the Smart Ageing Prize 2018?

Run by the AAL Programme, with support from Challenge Works, the Smart Ageing Prize sought products and services that used innovative digital technologies to support older people to participate fully in social life.

The prize looked for innovations that could engage older adults in social and stimulating activities, promoting active and connected ageing. These innovations were expected to be co-designed with users and be less than 18 months away from entering the market following the award of the prize.

The prize process supported selected applications to develop their business through small financial incentives and mentoring, and the winners were awarded prizes totaling €50,000.

Why did we do this?

Evidence from global research suggests that supporting older people to participate fully in social life will help them remain active and healthy for longer into later life. At the same time, reducing social isolation requires meaningful engagements and social experiences. A key value proposition of ICT is its ability to connect people and communities. Digital technologies can, therefore, act as a broker for stimulating social experiences that improve wellbeing. That is why digital innovation to meet older people’s requirements and wishes is at the heart of this challenge prize.

What happened?

  • 95 eligible applications to the competition, from 21 different countries
  • Shortlist of 30 entries considered by the judging panel
  • 15 semi-finalists were invited to attend a mentoring academy in Brussels and received a grant of 500 towards the development of their entry
  • The winner was awarded 35,000, the runner-up received 15,000 and the judges also awarded €5,000 to the team named ‘judges’ choice’

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Contact Us

This challenge was funded by

  • AAL Programme logo

Impact of the Prize

  • 53% of finalists said they were likely to bring their products to market, with the remaining 47% saying that were very likely to
  • 47% of finalists were able to develop new partnerships as a result of taking part in the Prize
  • 71% of finalists stated that taking part in the Prize improved their understanding of the market for digital technologies for older adults
  • 100% of finalists felt that the Prize was a tool to stimulate innovation
  • 86% of finalists agreed that the Prize had improved their networks, public profile, business skills and market knowledge

Winner – KOMP (Norway)

A smiling older woman sat in a chair, with a television next to her

KOMP is the one-button computer connecting generations and making communication between all generations simple. With KOMP your family and friends can share photos, messages, and make video calls. KOMP does not replace physical meetings, but it makes the time between them feel a little shorter.

The finalists

ABOUT THE PRIZE

77% of entrants…

applied for the prize because they wanted to commercialise their solutions across Europe

68% of entrants…

were seeking funding to develop their solutions

14% of entries…

came from the UK, the highest number of applications from one country

Who were the Challenge Judges?