Age Innovation Prize 2026
The submission phase for the fourth edition of the Age Innovation Prize has closed. From 33 submissions, the jury selected six projects for the shortlist, which pitched live to the jury in early September. The two winning projects – one technological and one social innovation – will be announced at the Swiss AgeTech Konferenz in Zurich on 12 November 2026.
Technological and Social Innovations for Age(ing)
Starting in 2026 and in partnership with the Age-Stiftung, the Age Innovation Prize will award two winning teams, one in the category of technological innovation and new one in the category of social innovation. With the extension on social innovations, the Age Innovation Prize creates a broad platform for effective solutions that meet the diverse needs of older people.
Social innovations include new forms of living, support, participation and community-building that enable older adults to live more connected, independent and fulfilling lives. Technological innovations include products, services or systems that use technology to support autonomy, wellbeing, safety or social participation.
The 2026 Shortlist
These six projects made the shortlist. All six will be showcased with their own stand at the Swiss AgeTech Konferenz on 12 November.
VRENI – Jasmin Hauser
Movoya – Aurel Berger & Bernd Ohnacker
Vireo – Silvia Kreutz & Francesco Lässig
FIFTY&BLOOMING – Luzia Schuler
MusikSpitex – Mirjam Toews
Coolinarik – Lukas Lauber & Andri Kober
General Conditions
The submission period ran from 13 April to 14 June 2026. Winners will be announced on 12 November 2026 at the Swiss AgeTech Konferenz in Zurich.
Detailed descriptions can be found on the website under Registration Process and Selection criteria
Jury
The jury of the Age Innovation Prize is composed of experts from the following sectors:
- Industry (SBB, Swisscom, Swico)
- Innovation (Margerite, Impact2go)
- Social and public services (Age-Stiftung, City of St.Gallen, City of Zurich, Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences OST, University of Zurich, University of Geneva, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland SUPSI, Institut et Haute Ecole de la Santé La Source HES-SO, GERONTOLOGIE CH).
Members of the 2026 jury
The jury for the Age Innovation Prize 2026 consists of the following members:
- Dr. Nils Baer, Swisscom
- Dr. Dominique Dietiker, City of Zurich
- Ivan Büchi, Margerite GmbH
- Dr. Alain Gut, Swico, Impact2go
- Prof. Dr. phil. em. Francois Höpflinger, Center for Gerontology, University of Zurich
- Fleur Jaccard, Age-Stiftung
- Diana Rödl, City of St.Gallen
- Prof. Dr. Delphine Roulet Schwab, Institut et Haute Ecole de la Santé La Source, GERONTOLOGIE CH
- Dr. Beat Vollenwyder, Swiss Federal Railways SBB
- Prof. Dr. Katarzyna Wac, University of Geneva
- Dr. Stefanie Wiloth, OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences
- Dr. Daniele Zaccaria, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland SUPSI
Prizes
Each winning team (one social and one technological innovation) will receive:
Consultancy voucher from Margerite
Consultancy voucher from Margerite, in the form of a product review or a condensed Design Sprint workshop (valued at 3'500 CHF)
Collaboration voucher from the IAF
Collaboration voucher from IAF Institute for ageing research in the form of a (co-creation) workshop with the target group or a joint proposal (valued at 4'000 CHF)
- Professionally produced video of the innovation, sponsored by the IAF
- Presentation and networking opportunities at the public award ceremony at the Swiss AgeTech Konferenz in Zurich
The winning teams and all shortlisted projects will receive a pitch coaching from the City of Zurich, as well as a stand at the Swiss AgeTech Konferenz, where they will have the opportunity to network and exchange ideas.
More information about the prizes can be found on the website under Registration Process and Selection criteria.
