The Challenge hosted by Care Innovation Hub hailed a success by industry leaders and entrepreneurs

On 5th – 7th July, Care Innovation Hub hosted the Challenge, a weekend hackathon for the social care sector in Barclays Eagle Labs.

Entrepreneurs from various professions came together to understand the biggest problems affecting the sector and work with market experts to explore solutions together. All participants and mentors came away from the weekend feeling “inspired and enthusiastic” to drive positive change within care.

Christine Asbury, CEO of WCS Care said: “What an inspiring weekend – inspirational teams, challenging ideas, and a group of founders determined to develop and draw out the skills and enthusiasm the sector has to draw on.”

The weekend kicked-off with Navin Mayani, CEO of Care Innovation Hub welcoming entrepreneurs and setting the tone for the weekend. “Each idea needs to act as an enabler for happiness in care. Does it increase the quality of life of vulnerable citizens who receive care services in the UK?” he said.

Christine Asbury and Ed Russell, CEO of Deputy CEO of WCS Care spoke candidly about the sector. They offered entrepreneurs a new perspective that breaks away from the poor stigmas associated to care. Christine and Ed emphasised how innovation can reduce loneliness and isolation amongst the ageing population, help solve recruitment and retention problems and improve overall well-being to individuals receiving care in the UK, despite the lack of funding available to the sector.

All workshops were facilitated by CIH’s co-founders and Founding Partners. Alex Ramamurthy, Founder and CEO of Mirthy facilitated a creative Idea Labs session, allowing entrepreneurs to brainstorm ideas, explore “How Might We’s” and start solidifying their ideas for the weekend.

Ben Allen, Founder and CEO of Oomph! Wellness provided a clear outline to entrepreneurs about planning their pitches and how to deliver a robust business presentation. Mark Laing, Director of Innovation at Home Instead and Christine Asbury delivered an engaging presentation on the impact of innovation to the ageing population from a domiciliary and residential perspective respectively.

Navin closed the hackathon weekend with entrepreneurs delivering their final pitches to the entire group of entrepreneurs and mentors present.

Finalists have been announced and teams will present to the panel of judges and a group of C-level executives at the Department of Health and Social Care, hosted by Caroline Dinenage, Minister for Health and Social Care.

NCF is pleased to share that one of the finalists is Nicholas Kee Mew from Avante Care & Support, who is also an NCF Rising Star! Congratulations to Nicholas and everyone involved!

Also in attendance were Christine Asbury (WCS Care), Ed Russell (WCS Care), Mat Whittingham (QCS), Lisa Delaney (Apetito), Chris Zych (Apetito), Neil Eastwood (Care Friends), David Priseman (Quantum Care) and Vic Rayner (National Care Forum).