Impact Jersey’s CareTech Challenge attracts high number of applications

The latest £2m Impact Jersey grant programme, aimed at developing and deploying tech-driven solutions to address the health, independence and safety of Jersey’s ageing population, has received significant interest.

Almost 70 applications from Jersey and further afield.

The deadline for applications to the ‘CareTech Challenge’ programme, which is funded by the Government of Jersey and delivered by Digital Jersey and was open to entrepreneurs and established organisations based both in Jersey and overseas, passed on 31st August.

Applications are now being assessed against a robust set of criteria by an independent panel of Jersey-based and off-island judges, taking into account the technology proposed, a clear outline of the benefits and impact brought about by the solution, the level of stakeholder engagement and project delivery. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in October with successful grant recipients being announced by the end of the year.

Launched earlier this year against a backdrop of significant demographic change, with the number of older individuals requiring long term care in Jersey set to expand rapidly in the decades ahead, the CareTech Challenge looks to award a total of up to £2m to innovators who can develop solutions aimed at improving the lives of older people and delivering long-term, high-quality care through the smart use of technology.

Commenting on the response to the CareTech Challenge, Tony Moretta, CEO, Digital Jersey, said:

“Given this is our first Impact Jersey programme open to international applicants, I am particularly pleased by the uptake we have had from the off-island innovators. This was always our objective – to provide opportunities for local businesses and care providers to work with the very best digital talent from around the world, and create impactful solutions for older people and carers in Jersey.”

Deputy Kirsten Morel, Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, said:

“We are aware of the challenge that Jersey faces as the population ages and birth rates decline, and we have launched the Future Economy Programme with the ambition of Islanders having a better standard of living in 2040 than they do today, in spite of these twin challenges.

“As the population ages, health care costs can be expected to increase, and new approaches are needed to keep those costs to a minimum. Tapping into knowledge which is both local and global is an important part of this, which is why I’m delighted that this latest Impact Jersey programme has seen such a positive response. We have an exciting opportunity now to bring the very best thinking and innovative solutions to Jersey’s care sector and I’m looking forward to hearing more about the successful applications later this year.”