Ambea, a leading Nordic care provider, and AGE-WELL, Canada's technology and aging network, have formed a strategic partnership to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative care solutions. By combining Canadian research and technology expertise with Nordic care experience, the partnership aims to improve quality of life for older adults and provide better support for care professionals.
A growing older population is increasing demand for care and new ways of working. At the same time, advances in AI, digitalisation and care technologies are creating new opportunities to improve quality, safety and independence.
"To meet future care needs, we need to collaborate across national borders. Through our partnership with AGE-WELL, we can combine research, innovation and practical care experience to deliver tangible benefits for older people, their relatives and our employees," says Mark Jensen, CEO of Ambea.
AGE-WELL is Canada's leading innovation network for technology and aging. The partnership encompasses knowledge exchange, joint innovation initiatives, international networks and testbeds, as well as new solutions in areas including AI, digitalisation, robotics and fall prevention.
"Many of the major societal challenges associated with aging populations are shared by countries around the world. By creating stronger links between the Canadian and Nordic innovation and care ecosystems, we can learn from one another and accelerate the development of solutions that make a real difference to older people," says Michael Chrostowski, Chief Partnerships Officer, AGE-WELL.
The partnership takes the form of a memorandum of understanding. The parties will jointly explore opportunities in innovation, research and the implementation of new technology, with a particular focus on the responsible, safe and human-centred use of AI in care.
"AI and new care technologies will not replace human care, but they can become important tools for improving quality, increasing safety and giving employees more time for what matters most: providing care and meaningful human interaction. To succeed, innovation must be developed in close collaboration with care operations," says Catharina Borgenstierna, Ambea Innovation Hub.
The partnership also strengthens ties between Canada and the EU in innovation, research and sustainable care-technology development. By bringing together research, entrepreneurship and practical care experience, the parties aim to contribute to future solutions for an aging population.