11 SMEs join three new healthy ageing testbeds

After launching a successful open call for UK SMEs, we have selected 11 SMEs from a total of 56 applications. The 11 SMEs offer a range of products and services from Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven health tech solutions to innovative mobility solutions.

The next phase of the Homes for Healthy Ageing programme will explore themes around social connectedness and independence in later life, as well as greater efficiencies in formal and informal care provision for older adults.

[cpc_image cpc_image_desktop="5196" cpc_image_caption="Attendees of the SME on-boarding day in the Connected Places Catapults London offices"]

Leeds Cohort:

• Centaur Robotics - A two-wheeled, self-balancing chair using intelligent software that supports day-to-day running. It has a powered lifting column that elevates you to eye level, extending your reach.
• Treasured Times – The Treasure Book app and tablet helps to boost independence in a range of care settings. It provides personalised content, a messaging service, and sends important reminders.
• Active Orbit – An app that tracks active minutes (walking, running, cycling) in exchange for Orbit Rewards. These rewards can be exchanged in local shops, businesses, clubs, and charities.
• onHand - onHand make volunteering simple by offering services at a super low cost to businesses, and therefore gets everyone on the team volunteering and helping in the community.

Brighton & Hove Cohort:

• Tendertec - A care assistant platform, ‘Hestia’, supports ageing well without the use of wearables. Through the power of AI, Tendertec aims to give one billion people a better ageing journey.
• GG Care – Transforming an Amazon Alexa into a virtual care companion to help older adults complete everyday life activities, by breaking down tasks into digestible steps.
• Kraydel – Konnect’ is a TV-based video calling system with a fully featured Internet of Things (IoT) platform. It is integrated with a range of medical and well-being devices, designed to improve social connectivity and support independence for older adults.

Essex Cohort:

• Thriving.ai – A digital platform that transforms communication, coordination & data collection to save time, money and improve care.
• MiiCare – A preventative care solution that leverages the power of AI and digital therapeutics. It uses a digital health coach and a holistic platform, to enable care providers to personalise and validate care efficiently.
• Lilli – A software platform that encourages independent and safe living. It enables front-line workers to make more informed decisions using non-intrusive remote monitoring technology.
• MyHelp – A digital tool that provides individuals with a personalised web platform and mobile app. It focuses on their needs whilst strengthening the relationship with professionals involved in their care.

Location Partners

Together with our new location partners in Leeds, Brighton & Hove, and Essex, we are demonstrating the role that innovation, collaboration and a human centred approach can play in accelerating the development of healthy, age-friendly homes. We will be delivering 3 testbeds to explore the following challenge areas:

• Leeds City Council: Improving health and well-being through social connectedness
• University of Brighton and Brighton & Hove City Council: Helping unpaid carers
• Essex County Council: Improving efficiencies and communication in care provision

“We are very excited to be working with our SME partners GG Care, Kraydel, and Tendertec in support of our ambition that everyone in Brighton u0026amp; Hove will be able to age well and be helped to live independently in the community thanks to services and knowledge that connect them with their communities.”

Dr Theo Fotis - Reader, University of Brighton

“We’re looking forward in Essex to working with our chosen SMEs to trial new technology and further develop our Dengie Neighbourhood offer. This will continue to build on our ambition of integrated community teams across Mid Essex and build into our strategic aims as a local authority to level up the County and ensure Essex residents receive the best service from us as possible.”

Michael Farrell - Integration and Partnership Locality Lead, Essex County Council

To find out more about the Homes for Healthy Ageing programme, get in touch at homesforhealthyageing@cp.catapult.org.uk.