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A £2m programme offering grants to businesses with tech-driven solutions to address the health, independence and safety of Jersey’s ageing population has received interest from around the world.
The ‘CareTech Challenge’ programme, which is funded by the Government of Jersey and delivered by Digital Jersey, was open to entrepreneurs and established organisations based both in Jersey and overseas.
The programme launched earlier this year to address demographic change and the growing number of older islanders requiring long-term care.
Almost 70 applications have been received and will be assessed by an independent panel of Jersey-based and off-island judges. They will review the technology proposed, an 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. Successful grant recipients will be announced by the end of the year.
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.”
Pictured: Tony Moretta, Digital Jersey CEO.
Deputy Kirsten Morel, Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, added: “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."
He continued: "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.”
Connect previously spoke to Tony Moretta about the Impact Jersey programme – read the interview in the digital edition below...
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