£9 million for UK universities and small businesses to develop innovative assisted living technologies

Eleven British universities and sixteen businesses – including many small and medium sized companies – are to receive a total of nearly £9 million of government investment for research that will help to underpin the development of innovative, cost-effective, user-centred services for independent living.

The funding – from the Technology Strategy Board, the Economic and Social Research Council and the Department of Health’s National Institute for Health Research – will go towards eight research and development projects in the areas of Economic & Business Modelling and Social & Behavioural Studies.

The decision to invest in the eight projects follows a competition managed by the Technology Strategy Board’s Assisted Living Innovation Platform, which supports UK businesses and the health & care sector to develop new technologies and services to support older people and those with long-term conditions in their everyday lives.

Explaining the aims of the research Iain Gray, the Technology Strategy Board’s Chief Executive, said:

“New technologies can play a vital role in enhancing the health and well-being of older people and those with long-term conditions.  However, while assisted living technologies are becoming increasingly available and affordable their adoption is far from extensive.  Understanding the market for such products is a vital step towards meeting the needs of users and service providers.

This research will help to show the potential impact of such technology and demonstrate its social and economic value.”The eight projects will be led by the University of Leeds, Queen Mary University of London, Newcastle University, the University of Sheffield, the University of St Andrews, Coventry University, Tunstall Healthcare Ltd and Healthcare Over Internet Protocol Community Interest Company.  Each of the projects will see the lead partner working in collaboration with other universities, businesses, researchers and third sector organisations.

The Technology Strategy Board will invest £6.8 million in the projects while the Economic and Social Research Council will invest £1.5 million and the Department of Health’s National Institute for Health Research £0.5 million.   The total cost of the projects, including contributions from the business partners, is over £12 million.  The projects will take between 2 and 3 years to complete and they are all due to start between January and April 2011.