The Dementia Tech Thinkathon at DemCon 2024 is organized in collaboration with IIIT-B
This competition invites tech start-ups and students to design and develop innovative technology solutions aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals living with dementia and their families. The objective is to harness the power of technology to address some of the key challenges faced by persons with dementia and caregivers, focusing on safety, early detection, and improving the quality of life of persons with dementia and their carers.
Participants will develop solutions based on the following sub-themes. Each sub-theme offers a unique opportunity to create a lasting impact through technological interventions that enhance safety, autonomy, and knowledge.
Early detection is key to effective dementia care, enabling timely interventions that can significantly impact the disease's progression and the quality of care. This subtheme will explore the latest advancements in diagnostic tools, such as biomarker identification, cognitive assessments, and digital health solutions that facilitate early diagnosis. Emphasis will also be placed on awareness creation, ensuring that intervention can begin promptly for better outcomes.
This subtheme is centered around innovative strategies to ensure the safety of individuals with dementia who may experience wandering—a common symptom driven by confusion or disorientation. Solutions will focus on leveraging technology like GPS-enabled wearables, home monitoring systems, and alert mechanisms to allow caregivers to track movement and intervene when necessary. The goal is to maintain a balance between safety and independence, creating secure environments that support mobility while minimizing risks.
Enhancing the daily lives of those living with dementia is a primary focus of this subtheme. Discussions will include assistive technologies, therapeutic activities, and caregiver support systems that can help manage symptoms and promote well-being. From cognitive engagement tools and sensory therapy to adaptive home environments, this subtheme will highlight practices and technologies that foster dignity, independence, and social interaction, leading to a more meaningful and comfortable life for individuals with dementia.
The competition is open to:
Tech Startups: Established or early-stage companies developing technology-based solutions.
Student Teams: University or college students (undergraduate and postgraduate) working on innovative tech solutions related to dementia care.
Both these categories will be judged separately.
• The Team must register on the conference website.
• Applicants will be invited to the conference for live judging. Presenters will have to register for the conference at Early Bird Prices.
• Each team will present their concept, explain how it addresses the selected sub-theme, and detail the impact, scalability, and sustainability of the solution.
• A live Q&A session with judges will follow each presentation.
Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
• Innovation: The originality and creativity of the solution.
• Feasibility: Technical feasibility and realistic application of the solution.
• Impact: The potential positive impact on individuals with dementia and their families.
• Scalability: Potential for the solution to scale and be adopted widely.
• Sustainability: Long-term viability and ability to be maintained or improved upon.
The jury will be made up of Family Carers, Representatives of Organizations in Dementia Care and Technology experts.
There will also be incubators and investors present at the presentation.
• Best Startup Solution: Cash Prize of Rs 1,00,000, Trophy and Certificates, plus support for testing in a dementia care environment. Opportunity for Incubation / investment.
• Best Student Solution: Cash prize of Rs 1,00,000, Trophy and Certificates, plus mentorship and internship with partner organizations. Opportunity for Incubation.
• Special Recognition Awards: Cash prize of Rs 10,000, Trophy and Certificates: For excellence in each sub-theme (Safe Wandering, Early Detection and Improving QoL).
The Dementia Tech Thinkathon at DemCon 2024 is organized in collaboration with IIIT-B
The Dementia Tech Thinkathon at DemCon 2024 is organized with support of Nucleus Software Engineers