The Welsh Government have a vision to revolutionise healthcare in Wales by creating a comprehensive, safe, secure holistic health experience that seamlessly integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) with human expertise and cutting-edge technology.
Traditional healthcare systems in Wales are confined to specific locations, limiting accessibility for patients and clinicians. Rural areas and the elderly often face inadequate access to healthcare services. Whilst there are examples of health pods / medical cabins which have been previously developed, our vision is to create spaces that are inspired by nature, built with and for Welsh citizens, with a fundamental focus on adapting to individual needs and improving access to care for all.
Our challenge to Industry and Academia is to design a space where our citizens can remotely access services. A creative healthcare space which is flexible, is moveable, that can provide the same high-quality healthcare services regardless of location, making healthcare accessible for all. We want to be able to use technology to enhance existing healthcare practices without replacing them, providing a sustainable point of care and recreating an atmosphere of confidence.
By implementing this vision, the Welsh Government aims to transform healthcare in Wales, making it more accessible, efficient, and person-centered.
This challenge seeks to support the design and demonstration of innovative health spaces, inspired by nature and designed with individual needs in mind. To support this, the project will run in two phases and applicants must be successful in Phase 1: Prototype Development, to be able to apply for Phase 2: Demonstrator funding.
Phase 1 funding is available to support up to 5 projects, with a budget of up to £50,000 (inc. VAT) per project.
Applications should focus on Phase 1 delivery at this stage as Phase 2 funding is yet to be confirmed. Phase 2 funding will be subject to availability and dependent upon the outcomes of Phase 1 Feasibility.
Successful project applicants must be able to attend the National Eisteddfod in Wrexham from 2 to 9 August 2025, in order to present and share their designs / scale models / prototypes and capture potential end-user feedback.
Register for the virtual Briefing Event, to be held on Friday 16 May 2025 at 12.30pm.
The closing date for applications is 6 June 2025.
For further information please select the following link: Inspired by Nature Health and Care Spaces | SBRI Centre of Excellence