Mobility Pathfinder Innovation Programme 2023

Funding for personal mobility solutions to better support a rapidly ageing population to stay connected, active, and independent.

Do you have an inspirational, life-enhancing idea, prototype, or plan to reimagine how personal mobility options in the United Kingdom can better support a rapidly ageing population to stay connected, active, and independent for longer?

The Design Age Institute has launched its new Mobility Pathfinder Innovation Programme, funded by the UKRI Healthy Ageing Challenge, part of Innovate UK. The programme invites innovators, businesses and entrepreneurs from across the UK to propose personal mobility solutions at ideation stage or beyond that are commercially viable, demonstrate creativity and innovation, and can be supported towards market by investment in good design. 

Maintaining personal mobility is essential to preventing loss of ability and ensuring we can live independently and stay connected as we age.

There is a pressing need for innovation and scalable approaches that can meet the increasing demand for multiple transport options that are safe, affordable, sustainable and desirable.

Whether on foot or on wheels, seated or standing, good design has the potential to help transform how we socialise, work, and navigate the cities, towns, offices, neighbourhoods and homes of our future selves. 

Awardees will receive:

• funding of between £50,000 and £70,000 to support projects towards market
• design management support and mentoring from a team of experts in design for healthy ageing
• access to existing research, exclusive insights into the healthy ageing marketplace, and peer-networking
• skills development and training opportunities
• support to run two research development sessions with end users

Find out more about the Mobility Pathfinder Innovation Programme and how to apply.

First published 29 March 2023