AAL - Smart Ageing Prize

Deadline: Mar 30, 2018  
CALL EXPIRED

A Challenge Prize by the AAL Association for products and services that use innovative digital technologies to support older people to participate fully in social life.

THE PROBLEM

Older people are more at risk of social isolation than the general population

Evidence suggests that supporting older people to participate fully in social life will help them to 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 social experiences that are stimulating and improve wellbeing.

There is a need for digital products and services targeting the 65-plus market segments that facilitate real world interactions to improve quality of life, and are designed and promoted appropriately for the aspirations of these consumer groups.

THE CHALLENGE PRIZE

This Challenge Prize is looking for solutions with the following characteristics:

• Use of innovative digital technologies to engage older adults in social and stimulating activities, promoting active and connected ageing.
• Less than 18 months away from entering the market following the award of the prize.
• Co-designed with users, the final solution is capable of delivering a measurable improvement in the number of older adults participating in social activities.
• The Challenge Prize will not award solutions such as medical devices or those that focus solely on health and care needs.

The Challenge Prize is open to SMEs, start-ups, entrepreneurs, innovators, designers, tech enthusiasts, individuals, groups and organisations from AAL network country members.

CHALLENGE PRIZE TIMELINE

The Challenge Prize will work with the most innovative and impactful applications to develop their business propositions.

Application Deadline - 30 March 2018
You must apply for the Challenge Prize by 12:00 (noon) Brussels time on Friday 30 March 2018

Semi-finalist Stage - April to August 2018
Our judging panel will choose 15 of the most promising applications as semi-finalists. These applicants will be invited to a mentoring Academy in Brussels in May 2018 and will receive ongoing coaching support to develop their propositions. Product development grants and travel grants to attend the Academy are also available

Submission of Business Plans - August 2018
Following the Academy and with the support of their business coaches, the 15 semi-finalists will submit a detailed business plan to the judges

Finalist Stage - September 2018
From these plans, the judging panel will select 5 top finalists to pitch their projects at the AAL Forum

Winners Announced - October 2018
Out of the finalists, one winner will receive a top prize of €35,000. A second place prize of €10,000 and a judges’ choice prize of €5,000 will also be awarded

HOW TO APPLY

1. Check you are eligible

Read the Terms and Conditions, Frequently Asked Questions and check you meet the Eligibility Criteria.

2. Prepare

Take a look at the template application form to prepare your answers.

3. Submit

Submit your application using the online entry form by 30 March 2018 at 12:00 (noon, Brussels time).

All applications will be assessed in line with the judging criteria.

To apply for the Challenge Prize you will need to register first on the Submittable platform. Once you have logged in, select the prize you wish to apply for and complete your application by filling in the questions. You can save your application at any time and return to complete it at a later stage.