Competition launches for solutions for people with dementia

A new multi-million pound competition has been launched to find cutting-edge technology that can help people with dementia live independently at home for longer.

The new £4.34 million Longitude Prize on Dementia has been launched by Alzheimer’s Society, Innovate UK and Challenge Works. It is calling for innovators globally to use artificial intelligence to create breakthrough technologies that learn from a person living with dementia, adapting, and compensating for their condition as it progresses, and helping them maintain their independence and lead a fulfilling life doing things they enjoy.

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

There are 50 million people living with dementia globally, with around 900,000 in the UK – and it is set to rise dramatically. Although there is currently no cure for dementia, people with the condition can live well for years. Hospital admissions have been proven to increase the rate of decline, but the hope is that assistive technology can help people stay safe and independent in their home for longer. A survey by Alzheimer’s Society revealed 85% of people said they would want to stay at home for as long as possible if diagnosed with dementia.

Kate Lee, chief executive officer, 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 that 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, 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 huge possibilities in this area, making technology work for people living with dementia and their families.”

Global innovators are invited to develop technologies that learn about the routines of people living with early-stage dementia, employing artificial intelligence and machine learning to adapt as their condition progresses, bridging the cognitive gaps that develop with the disease.

The survey reveals 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%). 

Delivered by challenge prize experts, Challenge Works, the £4.34 million Longitude Prize on Dementia will award £3.34 million in seed funding and grants to the most promising innovators, with a £1 million prize awarded to the winner in early 2026. Wider support has been funded to provide innovators with crucial insight and expertise – such as access to data, collaborations with people living with dementia and expert advice on product design and business aspects of the innovation.

George MacGinnis, challenge director for Healthy Ageing, Innovate UK said: “This global prize is calling on world-class innovators to transform the lives of people living with dementia. Innovate UK, in our role as the UK’s innovation agency, is pleased to be supporting global innovators to create breakthrough products and services that can support independent living for people with the early stages of dementia, help them to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, and provide their families with invaluable reassurance.”