A new North East project which aims to bring tech and ageing experts together is set to create new jobs as well as improve lives.
The UK’s National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA), based at Newcastle Helix, is collaborating with the North of Tyne Combined Authority and the CPI in a £5.6m joint investment, to improve the wellbeing of residents, support the local economy and create jobs.
The project aims to engage with over 600 businesses in the North of Tyne region, to provide new opportunities and R&D innovations that meet the changing needs and ambitions of those living and working in the region. It will also support the creation of 45 new products and service, while creating 145 jobs.
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The collaboration aims to leverage the expertise and investment from UK Government and Newcastle University, through NICA, and will focus on the novel concept of the Internet of Caring Things (IoCT) – creating networks of connected objects and cognitive systems designed to actively care for people and their physical and mental wellbeing.
The ambition of the initiative is to involve more industries to offer people a novel range of solutions, based on an understanding of their day-to-day interactions.
Professor Nicola Palmarini, director of the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Ageing, said: “The demands of our society are changing, and we must continue to innovate with the networks around us to drive social and economic change.
“We want to work with local businesses to build a world-class innovation ecosystem, providing economic and social opportunities and innovations, with a central focus on citizens and community that will mark this region as an international leader for IoCT innovation.
“We believe that our ability as a society to meet the needs and ambitions of our older residents more effectively - and critically that our solutions will be able to be transferrable nationally and internationally - will result in positive economic development and continued wellbeing of the ageing population.”
Businesses involved in the project will receive support through webinars, seminars and bespoke business projects, bringing together public and private stakeholders to challenge design and solutions for the Internet of Caring Things and create a marketplace for IoCT products and services.
Dr Arun Harish, director of Strategy, CPI, added: “With many of us living longer, innovations to improve healthy ageing are critical for today’s society.
“We are looking forward to working with NICA, to turn our breadth of capabilities and R&D expertise into innovations and new business opportunities, leading to more regional investment and economic growth. This project will boost cross-sector collaboration and support businesses in North of Tyne to access relevant expertise, ultimately delivering innovations that meet the needs and priorities of residents in later life.”
