Alzheimer’s Society, Innovate UK, and Challenge Works have joined forces to launch the Longitude Prize on Dementia, a £4.34m fund to support the development of new technologies to help people with early-stage dementia to live more-independent and fulfilled lives.

The prize is funded by Alzheimer’s Society and Innovate UK and delivered by Challenge Works.

There are huge opportunities to harness cutting-edge technology to help fill in the gaps in their brain and thinking as their condition progresses

And it calls for innovators globally to use artificial intelligence (AI) to create breakthrough technologies that learn from a person living with dementia, adapting and compensating for their condition as it progresses, and helping them to maintain their independence.

Making the most of technology

A survey released earlier this month of people with close family and friends living with dementia found that 54% would be less concerned about their relative’s safety if they had technology to help them live independently, and 60% believe technology will become even more important in the future for managing dementia.

The survey also revealed that, although some reported that loved ones benefitted from existing technology, including monitoring devices (20%), GPS tracking devices (16%), and phone reminders (14%); over a quarter of people said their relatives didn’t use technology at all (26%).

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

Kate Lee, chief executive of the 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 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.

Adapting existing solutions

“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.”

The prize will award £3.34m in seed funding and grants to the most-promising innovators, with a £1m prize awarded to the winner in early 2026.

Entries close on 26 January 2023.

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

Funders, CareTech Foundation, The Hunter Foundation, and Heather Corrie are supporting the competition, with their funding going towards the first prize, as well as bolstering wider support to give innovators insight and expertise, such as access to data, collaboration with people with dementia, and expert advice on product design and business aspects of the innovation.

Revolutionising everyday life

The prize has also received funding from the Medical Research Council.

Jonathan Freeman MBE, chief executive of CareTech Foundation, said: “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.”