The 2016 Nordic Independent Living Challenge went to the Norwegian startup AbleOn Medicala and their modular shower system.
The company received the main prize of NOK 1 000 000 from His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon at an award ceremony at Oslo City Hall on June 9th. The AbleOn Shower System, an ergonomic and modular shower, helps the elderly and people with disabilities to feel safe and retain independence and dignity during their bathroom routine. The innovation also helps healthcare workers and family carers to prevent injuries from heavy lifting and uncomfortable working positions. The AbleOn Shower System is currently at the prototype stage and aims to go to market in the near future.
“The team behind the winning solution has dedicated themselves to tackling a big challenge for many people – and at the same time turned their efforts into a new innovative business opportunity. The solution is tackling a challenge that will most likely affect most of us at some stage in life. It will truly prolong the possibility for people to live longer in their own homes,” said the jury in a statement.
In addition to the main prize, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon also handed out prizes to the best cross-Nordic collaboration team and the best student team. The cross-Nordic collaboration prize of NOK 200 000 went to AssiStep, a stair-walker giving people with mobility issues extra support. The student prize of NOK 100 000 went to Siren Smart Sock, a temperature-sensing sock for preventing diabetic foot ulcers.
