Life insurer Just Group and the International Longevity Centre UK (ILC-UK) have revealed the shortlist for the Innovating for Ageing competition.
The project, which was launched in January 2018, aims to identify innovative solutions to common causes of vulnerability among older consumers. Innovating for Ageing seeks to support the development of products and services that will cater to those at risk because of physical disability, illness, dementia, or financial exclusion.
Out of 77 submissions, 12 entries have been shortlisted. These are the Behavioural Insights Team, Chatty Cafe Scheme, Digital Care Planning, Echo, Ferret Information Systems, Fuss Free Phones, MorganAsh, MyCareMatters, MySense, Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA), Toucan, and Walk With Path.
“Innovating for Ageing was set up to ensure the best new ideas are applied to problems known to have the worst impact on vulnerable older people,” said ILC-UK director David Sinclair. “The response has been superb, as has been the quality of submissions received.
“Narrowing the 77 entries down to a shortlist of just 12 has been very difficult and we are hopeful that the finalists’ ideas will bring real benefits for people who find themselves in a range of difficult circumstances in later life.”
The 12 groups have been asked to pitch their concepts to an independent, expert judging panel in London. Finalists, who will be entered into next year’s Innovating for Ageing awards ceremony, will be competing for a share of £10,000 in cash prizes and specialist business support.
“Throughout the project I have been consistently impressed by the insightfulness and passion that institutions, charities, and individuals have applied to our challenge – to make life easier and simpler for vulnerable people in society,” commented Stephen Lowe, group communications director at Just Group.
“There is clearly lots that can be done to make life easier, safer, and more enjoyable for vulnerable consumers, and we want to demonstrate this through Innovating for Ageing. It’s a tremendously strong shortlist and the judges have some difficult decisions to make in picking the final candidates to present their solutions at the awards ceremony in 2019.”
