DHI collaborates with partners to co-design digital health and social care solutions to key Scottish health challenges. Home / Our projects Filter by Business support Data Standardisation Detection and Treatment Knowledge Exchange Post Event Care Prevention Sort by 5G Feasibility Study Censis, the Scotland 5G Centre, and DHI conducted a feasibility study in Moray to explore 5G opportunities for Health and Care services. The study identified key success factors for a community health network and highlighted the potential for service enhancement through 5G technology. Explore AICE Europe This 4-year, €6 million Horizon Europe programme includes NHS Highland, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Strathclyde. It aims to replace up to 75% of optical colonoscopies with Camera Capsule Endoscopy (CCE), enhancing patient experience and hospital efficiency by using AI to streamline diagnostics and reduce errors. Explore AIM4ALL The AIM4ALL Proof of Concept aimed to enhance data collection for evaluating new healthcare products in Scotland, using CAR T-cell therapy as an example. The project was a partnership between DHI, Precision Medicine, and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and was funded by Scottish Enterprise and Cell & Gene Catalyst UK. Explore Atrial Fibrillation The Atrial Fibrillation (AF) project, a collaboration between DHI, NHS Lanarkshire, the University of Strathclyde, Napier University, and Bardy, aimed to detect paroxysmal AF using continuous monitoring devices. It focused on reducing stroke recurrence and supporting new stroke standards through co-design and evaluating digital device implementation. Explore Backpack - Person-owned Data Store The Personal Data Store (PDS), or "Backpack," aimed to enhance service access and enable integrated, person-centred care. In partnership with Mydex CIC, NHS Grampian, and Moray Social Health and Care Partnership, DHI worked with MS patients and professionals to improve personal information management for better service experiences. Explore Building Digital Health and Care Skills in Moray: Strengthening the Skills Pipeline A collaborative, evidence led project focused on strengthening the digital skills pipeline in health and social care across Moray. By connecting partners, mapping needs and developing flexible micro-credential learning, the project supports workforce confidence, capability and career pathways in digital health and care. Explore COVID-19 Clinical Assessment Tool (CAT) This project repurposed the DHI-funded Trauma App to assess COVID-19 symptoms, deployed by NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde. It facilitated 20,000 assessments by July 2021. Version 3 was completed, and a Stage 4 proposal was prepared before the project closed in October 2021. Explore COVID-19 Community Co-management (Co3) This project expanded the National Notification Service (NSS) by adding a self-service contact tracing form, crucial to the COVID-19 response. It facilitated rapid data collection and improved accessibility for positive cases. Explore Care 'In Place' (CIP) Care Home Assessment Tool (CHAT) Stages 1 & 2 This project aimed to rapidly develop and test the Care Homes Assessment Tool (CHAT) in at least two Health Boards/HSCP areas. CHAT supports staff in assessing, triaging, and accessing specialist clinical input for resident treatment. Explore Covid-19 related projects Using the 3 Cs to create digital solutions to the Covid-19 challenge Explore Diabetes Portfolio DHI uniquely drives Diabetes Innovation in Scotland by collaborating with NHS, industry, academia, and individuals with lived experiences to advance innovation and funding opportunities. Explore DigiBete Scale up project This project aims to enhance Diabetes self-management and education for Children, Young People, and Families (CYPF) by expanding DigiBete, a patient-led digital platform supporting over 40,000 UK users. After a successful pilot in 2022-2023, additional funding will allow further scaling across NHS Scotland until July 2026. Explore First Prev 1 Page 1 Next Last View Project 5G Feasibility Study A study exploring how 5G connectivity could support a community health network, identifying priority use cases, benefits and practical steps to make it work. View Project AICE Europe Develops AI-supported capsule tests to detect bowel cancer earlier and reduce the need for traditional colonoscopies, improving comfort and clinical capacity. View Project AIM4ALL Improves how information is captured for CAR T cancer treatment, helping teams coordinate care and support more consistent, high-quality outcomes for patients. View Project Atrial Fibrillation Tests continuous heart monitoring to detect atrial fibrillation earlier, helping people get timely treatment and lowering the chance of stroke and complications. View Project Backpack - Person-owned Data Store A secure digital store that lets people hold and share their health and care information safely, giving them clear control over who can access it and when. View Project Building Digital Health and Care Skills in Moray: Strengthening the Skills Pipeline A collaborative, evidence led project focused on strengthening the digital skills pipeline in health and social care across Moray. View Project COVID-19 Clinical Assessment Tool (CAT) Adapted an existing app to help assess COVID-19 symptoms and guide next steps safely at home, supporting safer decisions and reducing pressure on services. View Project COVID-19 Community Co-management (Co3) Improved COVID-19 contact tracing by enhancing Scotland’s notification service and creating an accessible online form to collect contacts quickly and securely. View Project Care 'In Place' (CIP) Care Home Assessment Tool (CHAT) Stages 1 & 2 Developed and tested a digital assessment tool for care homes to triage residents’ needs and access the right clinical support, avoiding hospital trips. View Project Covid-19 related projects A collection of projects developed in response to COVID-19, supporting assessment, community care, data sharing and service resilience across Scotland. View Project Diabetes Portfolio Brings partners together to plan and test digital innovation for diabetes in Scotland, from early research through to real-world trials with people and services. View Project DigiBete Scale up project Expands a trusted online platform for children and young people with diabetes, providing reliable information, learning resources and self-care support.

Digital Shoots empowers women with the skills, confidence and networks to drive innovation in health and social care through mentoring, peer support and practical learning. < Return to projects Digital Shoots: Growing Women's Ideas in Care Project impact Empowering women across Scotland to transform ideas into innovations that improve health, care and wellbeing. Building confidence, skills and connections to create a more inclusive and accessible health and care innovation ecosystem. Digital Shoots empowers women with the skills, confidence and networks to drive innovation in health and social care through mentoring, peer support and practical learning. Digital Shoots is an innovative entrepreneurship and skills programme designed to help women explore, develop and progress ideas relating to digital technologies and innovation that could improve health, care and wellbeing in their communities. The programme focuses particularly on women working in health and social care, unpaid carers, community volunteers, migrant women and others who may not typically engage with mainstream business support or entrepreneurship programmes. Delivered across Scotland, Digital Shoots combines introductory innovation learning, intensive bootcamp support, mentoring, peer networking and the co-creation of a new tool called the Innovation Navigator. The programme aims to help participants build confidence, develop innovation skills and better understand how ideas can progress into projects, services, social enterprises or businesses. The Innovation Navigator will be developed alongside participants and will provide a practical framework to help innovators assess their readiness, identify appropriate next steps and navigate Scotland's innovation support landscape. Summary The Digital Shoots project aims to create lasting benefits for individuals, communities and Scotland's wider innovation ecosystem. Through the programme, participants will gain the confidence, skills and connections needed to explore new opportunities and progress innovative ideas. The project will also strengthen local innovation networks by connecting women from diverse backgrounds with mentors, support organisations and innovation partners across Scotland. A key legacy of the project will be the development of the Innovation Navigator. By establishing a shared approach to assessing innovation readiness, the tool has the potential to simplify navigation across Scotland's entrepreneurial support landscape, helping innovators access the right support at the right time while creating a common language for founders, incubators, funders and public agencies. Impact & value Progress to date Next steps Partners Project staff Resources Previous project Projects index page Next project

The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) was commissioned and remains actively engaged in supporting the Scottish Government’s national response to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic through various related projects Home / Covid-19 project hub The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) played a pivotal role in Scotland's response to the Covid-19 pandemic, driving rapid innovation to meet critical health and social care needs. Through the development of cutting-edge digital tools, DHI provided vital support to patients and frontline staff, ensuring efficient and effective care delivery during an unprecedented crisis. In collaboration with NHS Scotland, government agencies, and SMEs, DHI co-designed and implemented impactful solutions, strengthening Scotland's ability to respond to the challenges of the pandemic. Projects such as the National Notification Service set new benchmarks in digital health, streamlining processes and delivering tangible benefits across the health sector. Explore this hub to learn more about DHI’s Covid-19 initiatives and how they continue to shape the future of health and care innovation. Covid-19 projects Clinical Assessment Tool (CAT) Community Co-management (Co3) Care 'In Place' (CIP) Care Home Assessment Tool (CHAT) Stages 1 & 2 TITTAN & TITTANCovid-19 “A huge thank you to everyone at DHI for the efforts on responding to Covid-19. The DHI team have responded brilliantly to the challenge set and many have gone above and beyond to deliver or drive forward the tools and systems that have made a major difference to citizens and key workers across Scotland. The ongoing support from DHI is hugely appreciated and I look forward to continuing to build on all of the hard work to date.” Deputy Director Jonathan Cameron Digital Health and Care Scottish Government Resources Global Examples of COVID-19 Surveillance Technologies Flash Report Rapid Review of Contact Tracing Methods for COVID-19 Using Innovation to Develop Digital Tools for Public Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic Emerging Trends in Digital Health and Care: A Refresh Post-COVID Emerging Trends in Digital Health and Care: A Refresh Post-COVID (booklet) Partners

New partnerships with South Lanarkshire Council and All In Glasgow Commonwealth Games create exciting opportunities for young people to tackle real-world health and wellbeing challenges through innovation The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) is delighted to announce the launch of the 2026 #DigiInventors Secondary School Challenge, inviting young people across Scotland and the UAE to develop innovative digital solutions that address real-world health, wellbeing and social care challenges. Now in its latest edition, #DigiInventors continues to inspire and empower young people aged 8-18 to become the innovators, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers of the future. The DHI-led programme supports participants in building valuable digital, STEM, design innovation, entrepreneurial, and future workforce skills while tackling issues that matter to them, their families, and communities. The programme has already engaged thousands of young people and schools across Scotland and internationally. This year's Secondary School Challenge launches with several significant developments that strengthen collaboration between education, innovation, health and community partners. DHI and South Lanarkshire Council have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reinforcing a shared commitment to innovation, skills development and creating opportunities for young people. The partnership will support efforts to help young people develop future-focused skills and engage with emerging technologies that are shaping the future of health, wellbeing and public services. The 2026 challenge also welcomes All In Glasgow Commonwealth Games as a new partner. As part of its involvement, All In Glasgow Commonwealth Games has developed one of this year's challenge questions, creating a unique opportunity for young people to explore the connections between sport, technology, sustainability and wellbeing. The Secondary School Challenge encourages teams of students to identify a challenge, develop a solution and present their ideas through a structured innovation process. Along the way, participants gain access to learning resources, mentoring opportunities and valuable experience in design thinking, entrepreneurship and pitching ideas. This year, participants can choose from two innovation challenges. Challenge Question 1: Inspired by Sport, Powered by Innovation Developed in partnership with All In Glasgow Commonwealth Games, the first challenge asks students to choose one sport from the Commonwealth Youth Games Malta 2027 and use it as inspiration for a sustainable digital solution that improves the mental, social and/or physical wellbeing of young people. Students can draw inspiration from: Athletics and Para Athletics Netball Sailing Squash Swimming and Para Swimming Triathlon Water Polo Weightlifting Teams will be encouraged to think creatively about how digital technology can improve wellbeing outcomes while exploring the potential of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. Solutions should also consider environmental, social and economic sustainability, support one or more UN Sustainable Development Goals and create a lasting legacy beyond Glasgow 2026. The challenge reflects the growing role that sport can play in inspiring innovation, encouraging healthier lifestyles and helping young people imagine new ways technology can support wellbeing in their communities. Challenge Question 2: Solving Health and Wellbeing Challenges The second challenge gives students the opportunity to identify a health or wellbeing issue affecting themselves, their families, friends or wider community and develop a digital solution to address it. Potential areas of focus include: Health and wellbeing Disabilities Cardiovascular disease Mental health Neurological conditions Gastrointestinal conditions Respiratory conditions Addictions Access to healthcare in rural, remote and island communities The open-ended nature of the challenge enables students to focus on issues they feel passionate about while applying creativity, technology and innovation to generate practical solutions. As digital health technologies, data-driven services, AI and emerging innovations continue to transform the way health and care services are delivered, programmes such as #DigiInventors provide vital opportunities for young people to engage with the challenges and opportunities shaping the future. Participants in the Secondary School Challenge will have the opportunity to work on real-world challenges, develop presentation and communication skills, engage with mentors and experts, and gain first-hand experience of innovation and entrepreneurship. The programme helps young people develop confidence, creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills while increasing awareness of future education and career pathways across health, technology and innovation sectors. Beyond the classroom, #DigiInventors is helping to strengthen future talent pipelines by encouraging young people from diverse backgrounds to explore opportunities in digital health, wellbeing and innovation. By connecting education, industry, local authorities and community partners, the programme supports broader ambitions around skills development, digital inclusion, innovation and sustainable economic growth. Grant Reilly, Head of Communications & Marketing at DHI and Programme Lead, said: “We’re now entering the 10th year of the #DigiInventors Challenge, and the programme continues to go from strength to strength. This year’s Challenge question builds on the excitement and legacy of Glasgow 2026, while encouraging young people to look ahead to the 2027 Commonwealth Youth Games in Malta and think creatively about the role digital innovation can play in health, wellbeing and sport. Our new MoU with South Lanarkshire Council is another important milestone, recognising the value of the #DigiInventors Challenge in the classroom and the benefits of project-based, real-world learning. By giving young people the opportunity to tackle genuine challenges, develop new skills and bring their ideas to life, we can inspire the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.” Rhona James, Quality Improvement Manager, Curriculum and Quality Improvement Service, Education Resources, South Lanarkshire Council, said: "South Lanarkshire Council is delighted to support the #DigiInventors Challenge, providing our young people with an exciting opportunity to tackle real-world challenges through creativity and digital innovation. The programme supports the development of valuable skills including problem-solving, teamwork, confidence and digital literacy, while raising awareness of future STEM and digital career pathways. With the Secondary DigiInventors Challenge launching in August 2026 and the Primary DigiInventors Challenge following in January 2027, there are opportunities for young people across different stages to get involved. We encourage schools across South Lanarkshire to participate in the programme and provide their young people with the opportunity to develop their ideas, skills and creativity through this exciting challenge." The 2026 #DigiInventors Secondary School Challenge is open to secondary school students and schools across Scotland and the UAE. Teachers will receive access to supporting resources designed to help integrate the challenge into classroom learning while enabling students to explore innovation in a practical and engaging way. Find out more and register Schools, teachers and educators interested in taking part in the 2026 #DigiInventors Secondary School Challenge can find out more and register by visiting: https://www.dhi-scotland.com/digiinventors For enquiries and partnership opportunities, please contact: grant.reilly@dhi-scotland.com

Reflections from my first Interreg Europe Peer Review in North Brabant, Netherlands Blog from Grant Reilly, Head of Communications & Marketing at DHI There are moments in your career that remind you why international collaboration really matters. Representing Scotland’s Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), and working alongside colleagues from Spain, Sweden, Belgium and Germany at the recent Interreg Europe Peer Review in North Brabant, Netherlands, was both a privilege and a personal milestone. My first appointment as an Interreg Europe peer reviewer allowed me to share Scotland's experience on an international stage while learning from fellow experts tackling many of the same health and care challenges across Europe. The review explored a shared challenge: ‘how regions can create the right conditions for prevention-focused innovation to thrive, helping SMEs and startups develop solutions that keep people healthier for longer while reducing pressure on health and care systems'. It was also a timely reminder that although our health and care systems differ, many of the challenges we face are remarkably similar. Across Europe, ageing populations, rising levels of long-term conditions, workforce shortages and increasing demand for health and care services are forcing governments and regions to rethink how they invest in prevention rather than simply responding to illness. The question is no longer whether we need innovation, but how we create the conditions for good ideas to move beyond pilots and become part of everyday care. Scotland has a valuable story to tell I was invited to contribute DHI's experience of supporting prevention-focused SMEs and startups, drawing on more than 13 years of learning. DHI exists to connect citizens, academia, industry and the public sector to turn ideas into practical digital health and social care solutions. Our focus on prevention, early intervention, independent living and supported care at home has helped build an innovation ecosystem that many regions across Europe are increasingly interested in understanding. During the discussions, I shared that successful innovation is not about technology alone. Digital solutions only create impact when they are developed with citizens, embedded in services, supported by robust evidence and adopted at scale. Supporting SMEs requires far more than funding. They need access to expertise, test environments, independent evaluation, procurement and regulatory advice, partnerships, and clear routes into health and care systems. DHI helps innovators navigate that journey from concept to implementation. Another message that resonated strongly was the value of an independent organisation acting as an ecosystem orchestrator, fostering collaboration and reducing risk. Rather than creating new structures, regions can unlock greater value by connecting existing assets around shared priorities. It is an approach that has shaped DHI's work in Scotland and clearly resonated with colleagues across Europe. Different countries. The same challenges. One of the most valuable aspects of participating in peer reviews is discovering just how universal many of these issues are. Whether in Scotland, the Netherlands or elsewhere in Europe, the same questions surfaced repeatedly: How do we help innovative SMEs move beyond pilot projects? How do we develop sustainable business models for prevention? How do we demonstrate long-term value when benefits may take years to emerge? How do we bring together health and care providers, academia, businesses and citizens around shared priorities? While the answers differ, the challenges are strikingly familiar. For me, this reinforced an important lesson: innovation is rarely limited by a lack of good ideas. More often, it is constrained by fragmented systems, disconnected funding and unclear pathways to adoption. That is precisely why collaboration between regions is so valuable. Learning never stops One of the reasons I enjoy opportunities like this so much is simple: I love learning. Travelling to different countries and understanding how others approach similar challenges is one of the most rewarding parts of working in innovation. Every region has something to teach. Some excel at bringing universities and industry together; others have developed impressive approaches to community engagement, entrepreneurship or public policy. By sharing experiences openly, we all become better equipped to tackle the complex challenges facing health and care. Knowledge exchange works both ways. I hope DHI's experience offered useful insights for colleagues in North Brabant, just as I returned home with fresh ideas that will help shape DHI’s future work in Scotland. This first peer review reinforced something I have always believed: innovation accelerates when people are willing to listen as much as they share. Every conversation offered a new perspective, and every connection created the possibility of future collaboration. Looking ahead One message stood out throughout the peer review. Successful prevention is not created by isolated projects. It is created by connected systems where policy, funding, research, business support, citizens and health services work towards shared outcomes. That principle underpinned many of the recommendations discussed during the review and closely reflects DHI's own approach to innovation. Maintaining strong relationships with our European partners has become more important than ever because the challenges we are trying to solve do not recognise national borders. Programmes such as Interreg Europe allow Scotland to contribute to international conversations while continuing to learn from others, strengthening relationships that create opportunities for future collaboration. At DHI, international collaboration has long been part of our work. We contribute to a range of European and international initiatives, including EHTEL, Global Health Connector, All Policies for a Healthy Europe, Interreg and Peace PLUS programmes. Participating in peer reviews like this helps ensure Scotland continues to influence and benefit from emerging thinking across Europe. Scotland has developed significant expertise in digital health and care research and innovation while helping SMEs navigate complex health and care environments. Equally, there is much we can continue to learn from our European neighbours. I look forward to building on the relationships established in North Brabant and exploring new opportunities to collaborate with partners across the Netherlands and beyond. Because when regions learn from one another, everyone benefits, and together we can create healthier, wealthier, and more resilient communities across Europe.

Stay updated with news from DLS Digital Lifelines is heading into August with a packed diary of visits, workshops and community of practise sessions. We are very keen to share our progress with the many people who support and advocate for the work of DLS. To enable improved updates, we have reinstated the news section on the DLS website News | Digital Lifelines. Rather than asking you to sign up to ‘another’ newsletter we will regularly update on the DHI monthly newsletter and ‘tease’ new content loaded to the DLS site. This month on DLS, amongst other updates you will be able to read blogs from DLS partners SCVO and Simon Community and the start of implementation for our new ADPs. Aaron Slater from SCVO gives his reflections on the progress being made by Angus and East Ayrshire ADPs as they continue to imbed learning from the past year of DLS. Nigel Gallear from Simon Community highlights the insight he has collated in a new section of the website promoting re-use and refurbished devices and other cost effective solutions for ongoing support Digital Sustainability | Digital Lifelines In recent weeks the programme team has been visiting our newly funded ADPs in Aberdeenshire, Dundee and Moray. These initial ‘scouting’ visits have been very beneficial to the team to understand the context of where our partners are delivering their support. We will have more to share in September, including an exciting new collaboration emerging later this year.