Alzheimer’s Society has collaborated with government and several UK donors to launch a £4 million tech prize to help people living with dementia stay independent.

The £4.34 million prize fund from Alzheimer’s Society, Innovate UK and Challenge Works – supported by funders CareTech Foundation, The Hunter Foundation, Heather Corrie and Medical Research Council –  is seeking innovators who can create ground-breaking technologies to help people with early-stage dementia live independent and fulfilled lives.

Kate Lee, chief executive, Alzheimer’s Society said: “We know that people with dementia want to live independent, fulfilled lives doing the things they love and our research shows that people feel that technology could play a crucial part in helping them live the lives they want.

“Most existing technology for people with dementia is designed to keep them safe, or give their carers peace of mind. But there are huge opportunities to harness cutting-edge technology to help fill in the gaps in their brain and thinking as their condition progresses.

“The results showed that many felt technology, like facial recognition, could help them communicate when their speech declines, but would not be available in their loved ones’ lifetime, however, amazingly it already exists in the apps and smart technology we use every day. We could repurpose the software of TikTok and WhatsApp to help people put a name to a face or remember a word.

“The new Longitude Prize on Dementia will open up huge possibilities in this area, making technology work for people living with dementia and their families.”

Jonathan Freeman MBE, chief executive, CareTech Foundation, added: “Dementia is a devastating disease that robs individuals of their identity, and, with the numbers of people diagnosed set to continue to rise, we know that getting care and support right is so important for our ageing population, family carers and for everyone who works in social care.

“That’s why finding innovative technology to revolutionise the day-to-day lives of those living with dementia will provide timely and critical solutions. At CareTech, we have already invested in cutting edge technology which could transform the way we care for people and it will inevitably be a key part of how we all deliver the best care in the future. Our decision to be part of this prize was a no-brainer and we are excited to see it unleash the potential of talented innovators.”

Longitude Prize on Dementia, go to Longitude Prize on Dementia – Longitude Prize on Dementia

Entries close on 26 January 2023.