Finalists revealed for ageing innovations awards

There were initially 77 entrants to the competition, which aims at identifying solutions faced by vulnerable people later in life. The 12 shortlisted entries pitched their ideas to a judging panel in London this week.

Finalists include Digital Care Planning, which uses AI-enabled voice technology to help manage care, and mobile network for the elderly, Fuss Free Phones. The latter uses telephonists to help customers make calls, text and search on the internet.

Speaking of the competition, David Sinclair, director of ILC-UK, said: “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. 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. Our expectations are high based on the submissions received so far, and after hearing the candidates bring their ideas to life in their pitches.”