The Care Innovation Challenge, a hackathon-style creative weekend of idea generation and prototype trialling, will return in July 2022, with cash prizes for the top spots and expert mentoring.

The challenge, hosted by the Care Innovation Hub (CIH), was established in 2018 to create a platform for exploration and innovation in the social care sector. The CIH is now run by the National Care Forum (NCF) and is supported by Think Local Act Personal (TLAP) through their National Co-production Advisory Group (NCAG) to ensure people with lived experience help to create solutions to key challenges faced by the care sector. 

NCF is dedicated to developing innovation in the social care and support sector and this is a natural home to drive the CIH into the future.

“This year, the challenge weekend is open to everyone working, studying or living in the Midlands,” said NCF chief executive Vic Rayner OBE. “We are looking for people from diverse backgrounds and from a range of disciplines to think broadly on ways to create positive change. You don’t need to be an expert in social care, or have any experience of social care yourself, to apply. You just need to have an intention to improve the quality of life of those receiving care in the UK.”

Successful applicants will each be invited to a creative weekend of idea generation and prototype trialling in July 2022. There will be expert advice and guidance available from CIH sponsors and founding supporters which include Royds Withy King, QCS, Person Centred Software, Home Instead, Hilton Nursing Partners, Hallmark Care Homes, Greensleeves Care, Care Management Matters, BRAN Investment, Borough Care and Apetito to help participants in developing their ideas.

The winning team will receive £1,000 in prize money, media coverage and further mentoring to develop their idea. 

“I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone to apply if you’re interested in care, innovation, in helping people in general, making a difference to the way care is delivered, or just networking with individuals who are doing great work,” said 2019 Challenge runner-up and founder of  www.carematched.co.uk Maaha Suleiman. “It can change your life for the better. It did mine.”

People who want to make a positive difference in people’s lives are invited to apply at www.careinnovationhub.org.uk