In spring 2023, in collaboration with the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, we called for submissions of projects, products and concepts that can sustainably improve the lives of older people and promote their independence, quality of life, health and autonomy.
From a series of impressive and award-winning entries, a diverse jury consisting of AGE-INT, Switzerland Innovation Park East, Ernst & Young, IBM, SBB, City of Zurich, University of Geneva, SUPSI, Center for Gerontology at the University of Zurichthree winners.
The award winners were honored in three different categories on November 8, 2023 as part of the event series “Health in Focus: Strategies for a Long and Healthy Life” at the Switzerland Innovation Park East in St. Gallen.
MIMO radar from the ESA Institute for Electronics, Sensors and Actuators (Department of Technology at the OST – University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland)
MovementSciences AG: Cushions for more independence
Mobility often decreases with age, which can lead to spinal problems. MovementSciences AG has developed the Pegasus Spine, an award-winning, wearable cushion that rotates the spine in a similar way to walking. An AI-supported app personalizes the treatment. According to CEO Pascual Brunner, the Pegasus Spine improves mobility, relieves pain and reduces the risk of falls in senior citizens, which supports their independence.
BIOS Medical: Reducing mortality from hip fractures
The startup BIOS Medical AG is developing the implantable mobility sensor “HIPbeacon”, which was awarded the Age Innovation Prize as the best startup. The HIPbeacon aims to improve the aftercare of patients with hip fractures. These injuries, which often affect older people, can have serious consequences. CEO Markus Windolf of BIOS Medical emphasizes the potential of the HIPbeacon to improve the quality of life of those affected and reduce the mortality rate and the need for nursing home admission.
MIMO Radar: Radar detects falls and vital signs
OST has developed an alternative to wearables for monitoring vital signs and fall detection in older people with its advanced MIMO radar, which has been awarded the Age Innovation Prize. This system captures radar images to monitor position and vital signs such as breathing, heart rate and sleep position without the need to wear a device. Artificial intelligence enables automatic evaluation, explains Michael Gottinger from the Institute of Electronics, Sensors and Actuators at OST.
PHOTO CREDIT: OST – Ostschweizer Fachhochschule, photos by Karin Tanner, Film and Cut(filmandcut.ch)
Prize money, advice and workshops
The three winners of the Age Innovation Prize 2023 will each receive a consultancy package of 20 hours from Switzerland Innovation Park East, equivalent to CHF 3,000. This will support the winners in acquiring key customers and development partners in the region.
The Institute for Gerontology organizes a co-creation workshop with the winners and their target group, which corresponds to an equivalent value of 7500 francs. These workshops are intended in particular to focus the innovation or clarify questions in collaboration with the target group.
As the winner of the best project idea category, MIMO Radar will receive prize money of CHF 5,000, sponsored by EY Switzerland, with the aim of supporting the implementation of the project idea.
In addition, the three projects will be given the opportunity to network and present themselves within the framework of AGE-INT, for example at the AGE-INT Roadshow throughout Switzerland.
The future belongs to innovation
The Age Innovation Award will again be announced and held throughout Switzerland in 2024.
