Longitude Prize on Dementia semi-finalists win £1.9m to co-create dementia tech

Last year we invited innovators to apply to our challenge competition –  a call to those ideating new digital solutions supporting people living with dementia to remain independent for as long as possible. Today, we are awarding £1.9 million in Discovery Award funding to 24 pioneering teams of developers, researchers, and innovators who are creating some of these technologies.

Among the Discovery Award semi-finalist innovations is an app designed to help people communicate effectively, bridging gaps caused by “broken” speech, a common challenge as dementia advances. Another idea is for high-tech glasses utilising facial recognition to help individuals recognize familiar faces, provide reminders and alerts, and facilitate navigation. An augmented reality map was also awarded as a viable technology, which assists people navigating their local communities.

See the semi-finalist winners here

Co-creation and support

Each of the 24 semi-finalists will receive a £80,000 grant to help drive the co-creation of personalised technologies that adapt to the changing needs of people living with dementia. The ongoing involvement of our Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) – individuals with dementia, caregivers, and former caregivers –  with the co-creation process, and in the judging and assessment ensures that the technologies meet the unique needs of those living with dementia and are user-friendly.

Beyond financial support, we also provide crucial non-financial assistance to the innovators, including access to data, specialist facilities, collaborations with our LEAP , and expert advice. This support fosters knowledge sharing and facilitates the development and implementation of their solutions.

Finalist stage

In 2024, five finalists will be selected to receive an additional £1.5 million in funding to build real-world prototypes. Ultimately, a £1 million first prize will be awarded in 2026, driving further advancements in dementia care.

The efforts of the Longitude Prize on Dementia, in collaboration with the talented teams of innovators, offer a beacon of hope for the millions of people living with dementia worldwide. By harnessing the power of AI and technology, we are one step closer to a future where individuals with dementia can lead independent, fulfilled lives, engaging in activities they enjoy.

The prize has been funded by Alzheimer’s Society, and Innovate UK – the UK’s innovation agency. One of the Discovery Awards awarded today, the ‘Paul and Nick Harvey Discovery Award’, is sponsored by the Hunter Foundation, with further support coming from Heather Corrie and the Caretech Foundation.