How can you help people to live at home for longer, in better health and with greater independence? Given the emerging shortage of care staff, it seems sensible to make the best possible use of digital tools to tackle this challenge. That is why Floor van de Watering (Briskr) and Tom van de Belt (HAN) began setting up the Digital Health Challenge Lab (DHCL) a few years ago.
The DHCL brings together partners such as healthcare institutions, housing associations, public authorities, research organisations and entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions. In doing so, the programme functions as an open innovation lab, directly linking real-world challenges to start-ups, scale-ups and innovative SMEs.
Julian Leijser, project coordinator of the Digital Health Challenge Lab (DHCL), works for Briskr and is responsible for the programme’s content.
She oversees co-creation processes in which partners collaborate with selected innovations. These processes take place at locations in the Nijmegen, Arnhem and Wijchen areas.
The aim: to test solutions directly with users in real-world settings.
100@home
The first round of the programme, called 100@home, resulted in three concrete collaborations.
One of these is the start-up We4U, born out of a unique merger of two entrepreneurial stories.
Josine van den Brug set up her initiative following a personal experience with informal care. She developed a group chat app in which tasks can be easily shared amongst family and friends.
At the same time, Hannah McKnight was working on the Good Registry concept, inspired by her research into how people ask for and give help during difficult stages of life.
The two initiatives were brought together during a DHCL matchmaking event in November 2024 and have since merged to form We4U.
In the region, housing associations Vivare, Talis and Volkshuisvesting Arnhem also joined this collaboration. They aim to use the app to promote mutual support within neighbourhoods, for example by encouraging neighbours to do the shopping for a neighbour who is unwell.
The pilot is taking place in neighbourhoods such as Presikhaaf, Nijmegen-Noord and Valendries in Wijchen.
A second partnership has been established between a Regional Institution for Sheltered and Supported Living (RIBW Arnhem) and the start-up VindiQu. This organisation offers virtual outings to people with mental health vulnerabilities. Through live video feeds and interactive elements, participants feel as though they are really getting away for a while, which contributes to their wellbeing and provides structure in their daily lives.
The third innovation partner is the DrieGasthuizenGroep, which is collaborating with the Floortje App. This application brings together information on assistive devices for older people and links it to the systems of care organisations. From medicine dispensers to sleep-aid devices: the app provides healthcare professionals with an overview and insight into available resources, ensuring that older people receive better support in their home environment.
Opportunities for start-ups
The Digital Health Challenge Lab demonstrates how collaboration and targeted innovation can genuinely contribute to better healthcare. Thanks to its network of partners and intensive support, the DHCL offers unique opportunities for start-ups to test, improve and scale up their solutions within the region.
New rounds of the programme are already being planned, once again seeking solutions to current healthcare challenges.
For information about the programme: digitalhealthchallengelab.nl
