Nine shortlisted projects announced for the Challenge Dementia Prize

Challenge Dementia, the first national search for next generation products, technologies and services that could transform the way people live with dementia in Essex, has reached the next stage with the announcement of nine shortlisted projects.

On Wednesday 9 May, a panel of judges, chaired by Professor Alistair Burns, NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Dementia and Older Peoples’ Mental Health met to consider a shortlist of projects from the 71 entries. They have now invited nine finalists to test and develop their ideas in Essex over a six month period.

The finalists’ ideas range from technological solutions using virtual reality, video and AI systems to support the creation of digital stories, the growth of dementia friendly communities both online and in person, to personalised timelines and systems to trigger memories and holistic care solutions.  All of them have at the heart of their idea or solution the desire to enable people living with dementia to remain connected to the people and places around them and to maintain their identity.

Each will receive £5,000 and access to a unique ecosystem of dementia experts from across the community, voluntary, public and private sector as well as people living with dementia.  £100,000 will be awarded to the winner who successfully meets the entry and judging criteria.

Professor Alistair Burns, NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Dementia and Older Peoples’ Mental Health said: “I am delighted to have chaired the panel that shortlisted the nine projects that will progress through to the next phase of the Challenge Dementia Prize.  As a panel we have been impressed by Essex County Councils spearheading of this search for a ‘step change’ in dementia. This prize adds to a strong base of work that will help keep dementia in the spotlight and enable us to better support those living with the condition.  

Along with the other judges I was highly impressed by the quality and depth of the entries.  I believe we have chosen a range of ideas that have the best potential to transform the way people live with dementia.  I look forward to hearing how they all progress as we head into the testing phase, and meeting with fellow judges again in November to decide on the winning idea.”

Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, Cllr John Spence from Essex County Council said:

“I am delighted that Essex County Council are at the forefront of this pioneering challenge and have been impressed both by the quality and quantity of entries into the Challenge Dementia Prize.

I would like to thank all the judges for taking the day and using their expertise and experience to decide on the nine shortlisted entries.  Having seen the range of ideas and solutions I look forward to hearing how these projects develop during the next six months, knowing that all of them are working hard to improve the lives of those living with dementia.”

Further information can be found at the Challenge Dementia webpage  http://challenge-prizes.essex.gov.uk/challenge-dementia/

The shortlisted projects are:

• The Wayback, The Wayback Team , Hertford
• Home, EPUT NHS and Accenture Liquid Studio, Essex and London
• Happy at Home, Active Minds, London
• Building Creative Communities, University of Essex, Colchester
• Vivify Me, 11 year old boy, London
• Remarkable Lives, Remarkable Tech Ltd, Stroud
• MyCareMatters, My Care Matters Ltd, Horsham
• Communication without waiting lists, eQuality Time, Luton
• How Do I?, NFC Helps Me Limited, London

Pioneered by Essex County Council, Challenge Dementia was open to individuals, teams and companies with ideas for ambitious and innovative products, technologies and services that will enable people living with dementia to remain connected to the people and places around them and to maintain their identity.

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