Nagaya Tower, an intergenerational building to combat unwanted loneliness

Publications Bank of innovations

Nagaya Tower, an intergenerational building to combat unwanted loneliness

Nagaya Tower, THEM

Nagaya Tower

Community building that connects people of different generations to combat the feeling of loneliness

The Nagaya Tower has six floors and is designed in a V-shape to encourage residents to see each other when entering and leaving their homes. Additionally, the exterior balconies have no partitions. This way, homes are connected. On each floor, there are communal dining rooms and other spaces for interaction, such as areas for recreational activities or elevated gardens. All of this facilitates neighborly communication in daily life, although preserving each person’s personal space is also sought.

In this community estate, the majority of residents are over 70 years old, but there are also other generations. Younger residents receive rent discounts if they get involved in common tasks like changing light bulbs, moving furniture, or taking out the trash. Elderly residents place a magnet on the door of their home when leaving the residence so others are aware. Additionally, people requiring vital support can receive services in the same building. Furthermore, there is a room where adoptive families raise children who cannot live with their guardians.

This initiative aims to alleviate the feeling of unwanted loneliness, a phenomenon especially prevalent among the elderly and with a particular prevalence in significantly aging societies like Japan.

Banc d’innovacions

SmartSocks

SmartSocks, socks that detect distress in people with dementia

SmartSocks that enable the detection of risk situations in people with dementia
Manawanui

Manawanui, Self-Directed Support for people with disabilities

Manawanui is a project aimed at enhancing the autonomy and freedom of choice for people with disabilities
Morphic

Morphic, technology that improves computer accessibility for people with disabilities

Morphic is an application that allows computers to be adapted to the different needs of people with disabilities
V-TOOLS

V-TOOLS, Virtual Reality Applied to Social Innovation

V-TOOLS is a project that combines technology and social innovation through immersive experiences with the aim of improving the lives of people and communities
JOOAY

Jooay, an app that helps children with disabilities find leisure activities

Jooay is a free app that connects leisure activity offerings with families of children with disabilities
ShareAmi

ShareAmi, intergenerational language exchanges through videoconferences

ShareAmi és un programa d’intercanvis lingüístics a través de videoconferències entre persones grans i persones joves que viuen fora del seu país

Access4you, accessibility certification for people with disabilities

Publications Bank of innovations

Access4you, accessibility certification for people with disabilities

Access4You

Access4You

Innovative initiative based on a certification mark that provides reliable accessibility information of the built environment for people with disabilities

Access4you has a database and a mobile application, available for free, which indicate the degree of adaptation of spaces to the needs of people with disabilities and accessibility needs. It is based on a self-developed system of criteria based on a set of 1000 variables according to the usability aspects of 9 stakeholder groups: people with cognitive and visual disabilities; individuals with blindness, deafness, and hearing difficulties; people in wheelchairs, with baby strollers, and with assistance dogs; and the elderly.

Access4you classifies spaces using a qualification system divided into four categories according to the level of inclusivity of the location: Certified location, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Moreover, the database offers filterable and detailed data including measurements, as well as images of each location to help people with disabilities to plan their stay at an unknown location.

The certification, apart from benefiting these groups, also supports owners and businesses to obtain information about the accessibility of their buildings. In this way, organizations can commission an independent study to accredit the adaptation of their establishments, as well as acquire detailed proposal on how to improve it. Certified locations receive a designated datasheet in the Access4you database, which is available to everyone for free on the website and the application.

Thus, the initiative proposed by Access4you aims to promote the social integration of people with disabilities, improve the accessibility of the built environment, and serve as a center for the dissemination of knowledge and advice on the obstacles that these people encounter in their daily lives.

Access4you International is present in the CEE, SEE and India with the help of an expanding accredited partner network including Colliers, Bureau Veritas, TÜV, and CBRE. Both companies and individuals can join Access4you’s accreditation programme to acquire the skills and knowledge to join its mission and involve more locations to provide accessibility information.

Banc d’innovacions

SmartSocks

SmartSocks, socks that detect distress in people with dementia

SmartSocks that enable the detection of risk situations in people with dementia
Manawanui

Manawanui, Self-Directed Support for people with disabilities

Manawanui is a project aimed at enhancing the autonomy and freedom of choice for people with disabilities
Morphic

Morphic, technology that improves computer accessibility for people with disabilities

Morphic is an application that allows computers to be adapted to the different needs of people with disabilities
V-TOOLS

V-TOOLS, Virtual Reality Applied to Social Innovation

V-TOOLS is a project that combines technology and social innovation through immersive experiences with the aim of improving the lives of people and communities
JOOAY

Jooay, an app that helps children with disabilities find leisure activities

Jooay is a free app that connects leisure activity offerings with families of children with disabilities
ShareAmi

ShareAmi, intergenerational language exchanges through videoconferences

ShareAmi és un programa d’intercanvis lingüístics a través de videoconferències entre persones grans i persones joves que viuen fora del seu país

Help to care, support for people who care for others

Publications Bank of innovations

Help to care, support for people who care for others

NHS, The Kent and Medway Sustainability and Transformation Partnership and DLC 

help to care

Innovative mobile application created to support people who care for others

Help to Care can be downloaded for free and is designed to help caregivers find appropriate information when identifying health problems. The application is intended as a portable quick guide that can be accessed without an internet connection. It follows the standards of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

It includes guides, tips and videos on common illnesses such as diabetes, urinary tract infections and respiratory problems. It also offers a section that allows determining if a person is developing a serious health problem that requires medical assistance.

One of the purposes is to empower those who care for someone’s health, whether professionals or not, so they can make the best decisions in the care they provide. Additionally, it provides resources so that caregivers can detect and act on potential health problems, as their close contact with the individuals they care for allows them to perceive anomalous situations more quickly.

Banc d’innovacions

SmartSocks

SmartSocks, socks that detect distress in people with dementia

SmartSocks that enable the detection of risk situations in people with dementia
Manawanui

Manawanui, Self-Directed Support for people with disabilities

Manawanui is a project aimed at enhancing the autonomy and freedom of choice for people with disabilities
Morphic

Morphic, technology that improves computer accessibility for people with disabilities

Morphic is an application that allows computers to be adapted to the different needs of people with disabilities
V-TOOLS

V-TOOLS, Virtual Reality Applied to Social Innovation

V-TOOLS is a project that combines technology and social innovation through immersive experiences with the aim of improving the lives of people and communities
JOOAY

Jooay, an app that helps children with disabilities find leisure activities

Jooay is a free app that connects leisure activity offerings with families of children with disabilities
ShareAmi

ShareAmi, intergenerational language exchanges through videoconferences

ShareAmi és un programa d’intercanvis lingüístics a través de videoconferències entre persones grans i persones joves que viuen fora del seu país

Audivers 360º, immersive reality speech therapy for individuals with hearing impairment

Publications Bank of innovations

Audivers 360º, immersive reality speech therapy for individuals with hearing impairment

ACAPPS, Broomx and UAB 

Dues usuàries del servei Audivers 360º en una sala de realitat immersiva.

A pioneering project in speech therapy with immersive reality, aimed at children and adults with hearing loss

Audivers 360º seeks to apply new technologies to transform conventional speech therapy sessions into experiences that allow individuals to immerse themselves in the real sounds of an environment, making the session more natural, enriching and efficient.


In collaboration with Broomx, the technological company that owns the tool, they have created immersive scenarios adapted to the needs of people with hearing impairment. With these immersive scenarios, all the objectives set in a conventional speech therapy session are addressed, comprehensively reinforcing aspects of hearing, language and communication. They address aspects such as sound detection and discrimination, recognition, verbal expression and comprehension, as well as other aspects of language pragmatics.


Simultaneously, while these activities are carried out, they are working on other aspects such as executive functions, auditory memory, motivation towards speech therapy and emotional well-being, among others. This innovative methodology has a direct and significant impact on the social inclusion process of adults and children with hearing loss, addressing and incorporating all auditory, communicative and emotional needs to successfully carry out and optimize speech therapy sessions.

Banc d’innovacions

SmartSocks

SmartSocks, socks that detect distress in people with dementia

SmartSocks that enable the detection of risk situations in people with dementia
Manawanui

Manawanui, Self-Directed Support for people with disabilities

Manawanui is a project aimed at enhancing the autonomy and freedom of choice for people with disabilities
Morphic

Morphic, technology that improves computer accessibility for people with disabilities

Morphic is an application that allows computers to be adapted to the different needs of people with disabilities
V-TOOLS

V-TOOLS, Virtual Reality Applied to Social Innovation

V-TOOLS is a project that combines technology and social innovation through immersive experiences with the aim of improving the lives of people and communities
JOOAY

Jooay, an app that helps children with disabilities find leisure activities

Jooay is a free app that connects leisure activity offerings with families of children with disabilities
ShareAmi

ShareAmi, intergenerational language exchanges through videoconferences

ShareAmi és un programa d’intercanvis lingüístics a través de videoconferències entre persones grans i persones joves que viuen fora del seu país

e-Rueca, a virtual support for citizens at risk of exclusion

Publications Bank of innovations

e-Rueca, a virtual support for citizens at risk of exclusion

La Rueca Asociación

User using the eRueca application with the mobile phone

A virtual social center that provides information, guidance, and support to individuals facing social exclusion through a multi-channel online connection.

e-Rueca is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is a completely free service. The application is designed as a physical care center, a building with multiple floors and service rooms where users can find and interact with teams of professionals ready to help them, provide support, and offer information. The more than 10 technicians involved in this project provide user support in various intervention fields. Of the eight rooms that e-Rueca makes available to the user, five are dedicated to direct social and psychological care: the Psychology Room, the Work Room, the Legal and Immigration Room, the Social Care Room, and the Youth Room; in these rooms, they offer everything from legal advice for foreigners to mediation. They also provide answers to frequently asked questions related to each intervention area and a section of resources in text and video format. With these five rooms, the different needs for accompaniment and support of people in situations of social exclusion are covered, always taking into account their specific circumstances.

The remaining three rooms are: the Reception, which provides information about the project and its goals; the Exhibition Room, where tools and resources (hobbies, games, tests, infographics, etc.) are collected with the aim of raising awareness about situations and groups in social vulnerability; and the auditorium, a meeting space for third-sector professionals that includes updates related to online training, webinars, or events that the organization makes available to professionals.

Communication between users and professionals is possible through various channels. The most direct is instant chat, but it is also possible to make inquiries via SMS, WhatsApp, email, or video calls. If the user requests it, the possibility of face-to-face assistance with a hybrid option is also considered. The team of professionals responds within a maximum of 48 hours. Thus, in a simple way and through mobile devices, tablets, and computers, vulnerable individuals can contact and receive the attention they need quickly and efficiently.

Banc d’innovacions

SmartSocks

SmartSocks, socks that detect distress in people with dementia

SmartSocks that enable the detection of risk situations in people with dementia
Manawanui

Manawanui, Self-Directed Support for people with disabilities

Manawanui is a project aimed at enhancing the autonomy and freedom of choice for people with disabilities
Morphic

Morphic, technology that improves computer accessibility for people with disabilities

Morphic is an application that allows computers to be adapted to the different needs of people with disabilities
V-TOOLS

V-TOOLS, Virtual Reality Applied to Social Innovation

V-TOOLS is a project that combines technology and social innovation through immersive experiences with the aim of improving the lives of people and communities
JOOAY

Jooay, an app that helps children with disabilities find leisure activities

Jooay is a free app that connects leisure activity offerings with families of children with disabilities
ShareAmi

ShareAmi, intergenerational language exchanges through videoconferences

ShareAmi és un programa d’intercanvis lingüístics a través de videoconferències entre persones grans i persones joves que viuen fora del seu país

E-Fabrik, innovative and solidarity solutions for people with disabilities

Publications Bank of innovations

E-Fabrik, innovative and solidarity solutions for people with disabilities

Hàbitat3 

Projecte e-Fabrik - Joves col·laboren amb persones amb discapacitat per crear ajuts funcionals

An innovative initiative that brings together young people and individuals with disabilities in a creative community with the aim of jointly conceiving and manufacturing tangible solutions to address the challenges faced by people with disabilities in their daily lives.

Through the E-Fabrik program, which is free for all participants, young people and individuals with disabilities learn to use digital fabrication tools, such as 3D printers and laser cutters, and become familiar with the spaces where they can find them. The goal is for them to acquire new skills in the use of emerging digital technologies. Using the FabLab concept, pairs or teams are formed consisting of young people and individuals with disabilities who work together to find solutions to everyday problems and create practical solutions to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities. Participants receive a budget of approximately €150 to develop and produce their specific solution.

The project unfolds through courses, educational programs of 20 half-days, and a 5-month vocational training course. In all of them, active solidarity among project participants is encouraged, allowing them to reclaim technology and use it for specific and meaningful purposes.

On the other hand, the program actively works to connect spaces and platforms of technological and digital creativity with structures dedicated to young people and individuals with disabilities. Thus, E-Fabrik not only offers the opportunity to create concrete solutions but also seeks to create bonds and partnerships with local structures.

Bank of innovations

SmartSocks

SmartSocks, socks that detect distress in people with dementia

SmartSocks that enable the detection of risk situations in people with dementia
Manawanui

Manawanui, Self-Directed Support for people with disabilities

Manawanui is a project aimed at enhancing the autonomy and freedom of choice for people with disabilities
Morphic

Morphic, technology that improves computer accessibility for people with disabilities

Morphic is an application that allows computers to be adapted to the different needs of people with disabilities
V-TOOLS

V-TOOLS, Virtual Reality Applied to Social Innovation

V-TOOLS is a project that combines technology and social innovation through immersive experiences with the aim of improving the lives of people and communities
JOOAY

Jooay, an app that helps children with disabilities find leisure activities

Jooay is a free app that connects leisure activity offerings with families of children with disabilities
ShareAmi

ShareAmi, intergenerational language exchanges through videoconferences

ShareAmi és un programa d’intercanvis lingüístics a través de videoconferències entre persones grans i persones joves que viuen fora del seu país

Llar Casa Bloc, Social Housing and Support for Empowering Individuals in Vulnerable Situations

Publications Bank of innovations

Llar Casa Bloc, Social Housing and Support for Empowering Individuals in Vulnerable Situations

Hàbitat3 

Imatge d'una resident dels habitatges socials de Llar Casa Bloc a l'entrada de l'edifici.

Project for the Promotion and subsequent management of 17 inclusive social housing units (social rent with support for individuals), jointly managed with Third Sector social organizations.

Access to housing is a fundamental element in ensuring the dignity of individuals and enabling their development. Nevertheless, many members of the community are living in insecure or inadequate housing conditions, or find themselves homeless or facing eviction, making them highly vulnerable. These circumstances not only directly impact their quality of life but also hinder their ability to secure employment, education, and social integration.

Llar Casa Bloc aims to address these challenges and provide a robust response for individuals in vulnerable situations. In the first phase, which began in 2020, the project, led by Hàbitat 3, initiated the rehabilitation of the renowned social housing complex Casa Bloc, designed by the pioneering architects of GATPAC in the 30s. In the second phase, ongoing since 2021, the 17 social housing units have been allocated to individuals in situations of high vulnerability, who are supported by specialized social support teams from various organizations, ensuring a proper process of social inclusion.

Currently, around forty individuals with diverse circumstances and needs reside in Llar Casa Bloc, including people evicted and referred by the Emergency Services Table of the Barcelona City Council, women who have experienced situations of gender-based violence, individuals with mental health issues or intellectual disabilities, and those with physical disabilities. All of them pay rent according to their income level and are supported by the respective organizations.

Furthermore, the building features technological measures to ensure a reduction in the digital divide and energy empowerment, such as WiFi installation and digitalized energy monitoring systems to supervise the comfort level of the 17 social housing units.

Banc d’innovacions

SmartSocks

SmartSocks, socks that detect distress in people with dementia

SmartSocks that enable the detection of risk situations in people with dementia
Manawanui

Manawanui, Self-Directed Support for people with disabilities

Manawanui is a project aimed at enhancing the autonomy and freedom of choice for people with disabilities
Morphic

Morphic, technology that improves computer accessibility for people with disabilities

Morphic is an application that allows computers to be adapted to the different needs of people with disabilities
V-TOOLS

V-TOOLS, Virtual Reality Applied to Social Innovation

V-TOOLS is a project that combines technology and social innovation through immersive experiences with the aim of improving the lives of people and communities
JOOAY

Jooay, an app that helps children with disabilities find leisure activities

Jooay is a free app that connects leisure activity offerings with families of children with disabilities
ShareAmi

ShareAmi, intergenerational language exchanges through videoconferences

ShareAmi és un programa d’intercanvis lingüístics a través de videoconferències entre persones grans i persones joves que viuen fora del seu país

Vangin, integration of social services into a single citizen portal 

Publications Bank of innovations

Vangin, integration of social services into a single citizen portal 

Talgildu Føroya

samleikin taenastuveitarar 730x365 2x

Portal that brings together in one place all the digital services of the various public institutions of the Faroe Islands (Denmark), including social services, to provide citizens access to information and management of all types of procedures. 

Vangin has become an example of digitalization in the public sector worldwide, placing the Faroe Islands in a leading position. Vangin centralizes all services in this Danish territory and is available to everyone over 15 years of age with a Faroese personal identification number. The previous and key step to use this tool is the registration through Samleikin, which is the electronic authentication used in the Faroe Islands. 

Vangin offers a wide range of self-service services from various providers, and social and welfare services are included in them. Thus, citizens can easily carry out often complex online procedures, such as applying for official documents, registering for social programs or submitting applications for public services, without having to physically travel to the institutions. It also offers a personal calendar that allows to keep track of appointments, facilitating the organization of citizenship from reminders of relevant deadlines. Furthermore, Vangin provides a secure mailbox called Mínboks, which allows receiving and sending messages related to the issues that are of interest to each individual, guaranteeing at all times the confidentiality and security of communication.  

Banc d’innovacions

SmartSocks

SmartSocks, socks that detect distress in people with dementia

SmartSocks that enable the detection of risk situations in people with dementia
Manawanui

Manawanui, Self-Directed Support for people with disabilities

Manawanui is a project aimed at enhancing the autonomy and freedom of choice for people with disabilities
Morphic

Morphic, technology that improves computer accessibility for people with disabilities

Morphic is an application that allows computers to be adapted to the different needs of people with disabilities
V-TOOLS

V-TOOLS, Virtual Reality Applied to Social Innovation

V-TOOLS is a project that combines technology and social innovation through immersive experiences with the aim of improving the lives of people and communities
JOOAY

Jooay, an app that helps children with disabilities find leisure activities

Jooay is a free app that connects leisure activity offerings with families of children with disabilities
ShareAmi

ShareAmi, intergenerational language exchanges through videoconferences

ShareAmi és un programa d’intercanvis lingüístics a través de videoconferències entre persones grans i persones joves que viuen fora del seu país

LifeCompanion, a customisable assistant for people who have difficulty communicating orally

Publications Bank of innovations

LifeCompanion, a customisable assistant for people who have difficulty communicating orally

Centre Mutualiste de Kerpape

Assistive Technology 1

Personalised digital assistant that provides communication assistance and access to information technologies. It is free and open source and facilitates oral communication for people with difficulties.

LifeCompanion is a highly customisable and flexible assistant, so it can be used in different contexts, but it is mainly intended to facilitate computer access and communication. In fact, one of the outstanding features of LifeCompanion is its integrated speech synthesis, which allows users to communicate using speech. LifeCompanion thus aims to promote the social participation and autonomy of its users in areas such as communication, access to information technologies, education and employment. It also contributes to establishing social links, especially with caregivers and professionals close to them.

LifeCompanion works in such a way that it adjusts to the individual’s motor, visual, auditory or cognitive abilities and development. For example, it enables pictographic and phonetic communication, as it includes a vocabulary tree with pictograms and pictures and a customised phoneme communication keyboard. Digital keyboards can also be customised and typing can be accelerated with advanced word prediction. Among other functions, LifeCompanion also facilitates motor accessibility, anticipating movement and with advanced configurations in this area. In this regard, it is important to note that it has been co-designed by and in close collaboration with end users.

Banc d’innovacions

SmartSocks

SmartSocks, socks that detect distress in people with dementia

SmartSocks that enable the detection of risk situations in people with dementia
Manawanui

Manawanui, Self-Directed Support for people with disabilities

Manawanui is a project aimed at enhancing the autonomy and freedom of choice for people with disabilities
Morphic

Morphic, technology that improves computer accessibility for people with disabilities

Morphic is an application that allows computers to be adapted to the different needs of people with disabilities
V-TOOLS

V-TOOLS, Virtual Reality Applied to Social Innovation

V-TOOLS is a project that combines technology and social innovation through immersive experiences with the aim of improving the lives of people and communities
JOOAY

Jooay, an app that helps children with disabilities find leisure activities

Jooay is a free app that connects leisure activity offerings with families of children with disabilities
ShareAmi

ShareAmi, intergenerational language exchanges through videoconferences

ShareAmi és un programa d’intercanvis lingüístics a través de videoconferències entre persones grans i persones joves que viuen fora del seu país

Rural Care, innovation in care for rural dependents 

Publications Bank of innovations

Rural Care, innovation in care for rural dependents 

Castilla y León Social Services, Junta de Castilla y León, Diputación provincial de Valladolid, Fundation Persones, Plena inclusión Castilla y León, European Social Network

An innovative project that offers social support, health care and opportunities for participation in the community to people with dependency, disability or chronic illness living in rural areas. It aims to enable people to remain at home with security, quality of life and dignity, maintaining their life project and daily routine. 

rural care asistencia mayores

In rural areas, which in recent years have been dominated by an ageing population, families, communities and volunteers play a crucial role in well-being. The Rural Care project stems from the desire to ensure active ageing around the home and is based on the premise that community participation is essential. This initiative is implemented in the province of Valladolid, in a rural context. Thus, this project, which is part of a European initiative for innovation in social services, is designed for people who are in situations of dependency and require constant support and care. 

In this sense, the aim is to guarantee the dignity of people, ensuring their autonomy and respecting their preferences and wishes. Rural Care also focuses on the families and carers of the project participants, providing them with support to reconcile care tasks with personal, social and working life, as well as to ensure their own health.  

This project stands out for its multi-level partnership of public and private actors, as well as for the coordination of social and health services at different levels. The Support Plan developed for each project participant includes different professionals: a coordinator, a case manager, a reference professional at home and in the community, among others. Among the support actions, it is worth highlighting that the home is also adapted and a personalised community participation programme is designed. In this sense, it is worth highlighting the fact that one of the project’s objectives is to dynamise the rural territory, local occupation, community involvement and social cohesion. 

Banc d’innovacions

SmartSocks

SmartSocks, socks that detect distress in people with dementia

SmartSocks that enable the detection of risk situations in people with dementia
Manawanui

Manawanui, Self-Directed Support for people with disabilities

Manawanui is a project aimed at enhancing the autonomy and freedom of choice for people with disabilities
Morphic

Morphic, technology that improves computer accessibility for people with disabilities

Morphic is an application that allows computers to be adapted to the different needs of people with disabilities
V-TOOLS

V-TOOLS, Virtual Reality Applied to Social Innovation

V-TOOLS is a project that combines technology and social innovation through immersive experiences with the aim of improving the lives of people and communities
JOOAY

Jooay, an app that helps children with disabilities find leisure activities

Jooay is a free app that connects leisure activity offerings with families of children with disabilities
ShareAmi

ShareAmi, intergenerational language exchanges through videoconferences

ShareAmi és un programa d’intercanvis lingüístics a través de videoconferències entre persones grans i persones joves que viuen fora del seu país