Discover how DHI Scotland connects health, social care, academia and industry to co-design digital innovations that improve services and lives across Scotland. We are the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre Our mission is to transform great ideas into digital health and social care solutions Join our Network Projects Research and innovation projects co-designed with partners to create practical digital health and social care solutions with lasting impact. What we do DHI drives research and innovation in digital health and social care, supporting sustainable services, future skills, and improved health outcomes across Scotland. Resources A leader in digital health and social care, delivering research, fostering collaboration, and producing a range of academic and digital outputs. Who we are The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) was established in 2013 and is a key enabler and catalyst for change, occupying a unique and visible position at the heart of the innovation ecosystem for digital health and social care in Scotland. A world-leading collaboration between the University of Strathclyde and Glasgow School of Art , publicly funded by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and the Scottish Government . We are a not-for-profit organisation. Our expertise and influence allow us to play a pivotal role in building a fairer , inclusive , accessible , and equitable health and social care system by harnessing the power of Scotland’s public, private, and third/ charity sectors. Learn more Industry DHI helps companies get their digital health & care innovations to market. We have 10 years’ experience working with stakeholders in the NHS, academia, the Scottish Government, third sector, funders and industry to support cross-sectoral collaboration and digital health and care innovation. We understand the complexity of health and social care customer needs and procurement systems. Collaborate with us Health & care providers DHI is a catalyst for change and a conduit for NHS reform. We harness Research & Innovation (R&I) to support the essential recovery and digitally enabled transformation of health and social care services. We work with the NHS, local authorities, independent health & care providers, housing associations, 3rd Sector and charities. Innovate with us Academia and education DHI works with Academia to gather insight , undertake research , co-design and develop collaborative innovations to implement change, generate real impact and attract increased investment and funding into R&I and institutional capabilities. We engage with schools, colleges, universities to raise awareness of careers in the digital health and social care sector. Shape the future Wider public sector DHI works with wider public sector services to deploy key digital assets to re-imagine care and support a strong pipeline of digital and data pathfinder initiatives. We operate as an anchor institution to showcase Scotland’s capability and appetite for digital health and care innovation by working with cross-sectoral partners to transform great ideas into real digital health and social care solutions. Explore opportunities Working with Citizens DHI uses design research-led approaches to engage with citizens and keep them at the heart of all we do. If you want to contribute to the co-design of Scotland’s latest digital health and social care solutions, join our citizen panel. Join our citizen panel Digital health and social care innovation In the complex landscape of health and care, numerous terms such as Telehealth , Telemedicine , and Telecare are frequently employed to describe the integration of technology in healthcare services. The DHI prefers a more inclusive and simplified approach to terminology. Our definition Design innovation Design innovation is central to the DHI’s initiatives. As a co-founding partner, The Glasgow School of Art has shaped our unique design-led and participatory approach, recognised for its effectiveness in delivering impactful services. Our methodology fosters meaningful engagement with citizens, healthcare professionals, and communities, aligning with the Scottish Approach to Service Design . We tailor each project to the specific context, ensuring solutions meet the needs of all involved. Find out more £41.2M additional funding secured 29.5K report downloads 50 projects managed 1000+ active network members Our broader impact Our decade-long commitment to transforming Scotland's digital health and social care landscape has seen DHI secure vital funding, facilitate key projects, and build a robust network from across the sector. We're driving meaningful change that shapes the future of health and social care innovation in Scotland and beyond. Globally connected Dedicated to transform health and social care through digital innovation, not just in Scotland but across the globe. Our collaborations extend our impact far beyond national boundaries, positioning us at the forefront of global health and social care solutions. Meet our partners

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The #DigiInventors Challenge is organised by the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) as it's flagship schools’ competition in collaboration with leading partners in education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and healthcare across Scotland and the UAE. Innovate Today Improve Tomorrow Secondary School International Challenge The #DigiInventors Challenge 2026 Secondary School Edition Kuala Lumpur is delivered by the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre , Scotland, in partnership with the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur, Heriot Watt Malaysia University, and other participating stakeholders. All in for Glasgow 2026 The #DigiInventors Challenge is proud to collaborate with the All In Glasgow 2026 programme, bringing the energy, creativity and inclusivity of the Commonwealth Games into classrooms. Together, we're empowering young people to explore digital innovation through real-world challenges, culminating in a special Secondary Edition of the #DigiInventors Challenge, supported by Glasgow 2026. As part of the All In Glasgow 2026 programme, this year’s Secondary Edition will feature an official challenge set by the Glasgow 2026 team connecting young innovators directly to one of the world’s most exciting sporting events! This collaboration celebrates creativity, community, and inclusion, giving students the chance to engage with themes inspired by the Games and their wider impact. 2026 Challenge Questions Applicants should select one of the two questions listed below. The DHI’s preference would be for applicants to select question 1, which was posed by the Challenge 2026 sponsor, All In for Glasgow 2026. Question 1: Choose one sport from the Commonwealth Youth Games Malta 2027 and use it as the inspiration for a sustainable digital solution that helps improve the mental, social and/or physical wellbeing of young people. Your idea should build on the legacy of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games , create a lasting positive impact, and consider how AI or other emerging technologies could strengthen your solution. Your solution should: Improve the mental, social and/or physical wellbeing of young people. Be inspired by one of the Commonwealth Youth Games Malta 2027 sports: Athletics and Para Athletics, Netball, Sailing, Squash, Swimming and Para Swimming, Triathlon, Water Polo, Weightlifting Use digital technology as the main solution. (i.e. your digital solution could be an App, SMART TV, gaming console, smart home appliance, wearable or peripheral device) Consider how AI or other emerging technologies could enhance your idea. Be environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. Contribute to one or more United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Have the potential to create a lasting legacy beyond the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Question 2: Identify a health or wellbeing challenge that affects you, your family, your friends, or your community, and develop a digital idea to help solve it. Suggestions for wellbeing challenges to consider: Health & wellbeing Disabilities Cardiovascular diseases Mental health issues Neurological diseases Gastrointestinal diseases Respiratory diseases Addictions Rural and remote – access to healthcare in rural andremote areas & island communities Introduction Discover what the #DigiInventors Secondary Challenge is all about. In this quick intro, one of our team breaks down how you can take part, what you’ll create, and why your ideas could shape the future of digital health and social care. Whether you're a teacher or a young innovator - this is where your journey begins. What's The Challenge About? The #DigiInventors Secondary School Challenge is your chance to tackle a real health, social care or wellbeing issue and wow our expert judges with your digital solution. Here’s how it works: Pick Your Focus: Choose one of this year’s challenge questions - you can shape it around a health, social care or wellbeing topic, or tackle a problem highlighted by one of our partners Build Your Dream Team: Get together with up to 6 classmates and decide who does what - researchers, designers, presenters… you’re in charge Do the Research: Dig into your topic. What’s the problem? Who does it affect? How can digital tech help? Design Your Solution: Bring your idea to life! Answer the key submission questions, sketch out a concept or prototype, and record a 1-minute elevator pitch video Impress the Judges: If your idea stands out, you’ll become one of our 8 finalist teams. Finalists join an exclusive 2-day entrepreneurial Bootcamp with DHI and partners - then pitch your solution at the grand final for a chance to win! 2026 Challenge Questions Applicants should select one of the two questions listed below. The DHI’s preference would be for applicants to select question 1, which was posed by the Challenge 2026 sponsor, All In for Glasgow 2026. Question 1: Choose one sport from the Commonwealth Youth Games Malta 2027 and use it as the inspiration for a sustainable digital solution that helps improve the mental, social and/or physical wellbeing of young people. Your idea should build on the legacy of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, create a lasting positive impact, and consider how AI or other emerging technologies could strengthen your solution. Your solution should: Improve the mental, social and/or physical wellbeing of young people. Be inspired by one of the Commonwealth Youth Games Malta 2027 sports: Athletics and Para Athletics, Netball, Sailing, Squash, Swimming and Para Swimming, Triathlon, Water Polo, Weightlifting Use digital technology as the main solution. (i.e. your digital solution could be an App, SMART TV, gaming console, smart home appliance, wearable or peripheral device) Consider how AI or other emerging technologies could enhance your idea. Be environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. Contribute to one or more United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Have the potential to create a lasting legacy beyond the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Question 2: Identify a health or wellbeing challenge that affects you, your family, your friends, or your community, and develop a digital idea to help solve it. Suggestions for wellbeing challenges to consider: Health & wellbeing Disabilities Cardiovascular diseases Mental health issues Neurological diseases Gastrointestinal diseases Respiratory diseases Addictions Rural and remote – access to healthcare in rural andremote areas & island communities Timeline and Key Dates Official Launch Monday14 September 2026 Entry deadline Friday, 16 October 2026 Shortlisting Monday, 19 Friday - 23 October 2026 Finalists announced Monday, 26 October 2026 Boot camps Monday, 23 November 2026, 1000 - 1300 Tuesday, 24 November 2026, 1000 - 1300 Final Wednesday, 25 November 2026, 1000 - 1300 Winners announced TBC Award ceremonies TBC Ready, Set, Innovate! How to get started: Build Your Squad - Up to 6 people Pick Your Challenge - Which question will you tackle? Grab the Resources - Download our free guides and resources Submit & Shine - Upload your entry before the deadline Unlock Your #DigiInventors Resources Find everything you need to take part in the Challenge. Use the filters to explore Primary or Secondary materials and choose between Essential resources to get started and Additional content to go further. Includes editable templates, teacher slides, helpful guides, and more! Resources page Prizes Everyone who participates and applies will receive a #DigiInventors Challenge Certificate! Finalist teams will receive: Official #DigiInventors Challenge Finalist Certificate for each pupil The winning team will receive: The coveted #DigiInventors Challenge Trophy for your school Official #DigiInventors Challenge Winner Certificate for each team member Individual Prize provided by delivery partners Winning schools can: Display the coveted #DigiInventors Challenge Trophy Submit your application (Deadline 16 October 2026) Strategic Partners #DigiInventors Challenge 2026 Secondary School Edition - Kuala Lumpur - Privacy Notice and 2026 Rules .

Scottish innovation programme expands internationally to inspire the next generation of digital innovators, with its Sarawak pilot supporting the launch of the new Sarawak Science Centre. The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) is expanding its flagship #DigiInventors Challenge internationally with the launch of two new pilot programmes in Malaysia, bringing the initiative to secondary school students in Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur. The expansion marks an exciting new chapter for the Scotland-based programme, with Sarawak at the heart of the international pilot and the #DigiInventors Challenge contributing to activities surrounding the launch of the new Sarawak Science Centre. The #DigiInventors Challenge 2026 Secondary School Edition Sarawak is delivered by the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre, Scotland, in partnership with the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur, the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC), BrightSparX, the University of Technology Sarawak, Sarawak Science Centre Schools participating in the 2026 BrightSparX Challenge are being invited to take part, giving young people in Sarawak an opportunity to develop creative digital solutions to real-world challenges affecting health, wellbeing and communities. The initiative will introduce students to areas including digital health, Artificial Intelligence (AI), emerging technologies, sustainable innovation, entrepreneurship and design thinking. Through challenge-based learning, participants will develop ideas while building skills in creativity, research, teamwork, problem-solving, communication and pitching. The programme also aims to strengthen connections between Scotland and Malaysia, bringing together schools, universities, government, innovation organisations and industry around a shared ambition to develop future-ready skills and inspire young people to become the innovators of tomorrow. Professor George Crooks OBE, CEO of the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre, said: “Having the opportunity to share the benefits that participation in the #DigiInventors Challenge has brought to school students across Scotland with their counterparts in Sarawak and in Kuala Lumpur is the next step in building a truly global initiative. Being able to demonstrate that getting involved in the creation of digital solutions to address healthcare challenges that are relevant to their own peer group can provoke an interest that can lead to participants choosing to explore the possibility of a future career in digital technology development or in healthcare itself. Working in teams and learning how to take an idea from concept through to a workable solution creates many different learning opportunities that span science, technology and business skills and demonstrate the importance of team working, communication and interpersonal skills whilst still having fun. This would not have been possible without the assistance of our partners the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur, the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC), BrightSparX, the University of Technology Sarawak and Sarawak Science Centre”. Ts. Dr. Peter Morin Nissom, General Manager of the Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC), said: “Sarawakian ingenuity meets Scottish innovation: creating digital solutions for better health and care. Through the #DigiInventors Challenge, we are giving young people the opportunity to apply their creativity, ideas and digital skills to real-world challenges, while building valuable international connections between Sarawak and Scotland.” Connecting young innovators with Glasgow 2026 The Malaysian pilots will also create a direct connection between young people in Malaysia and Scotland through a special collaboration with the All In Glasgow 2026 programme. Students will have the opportunity to respond to an official challenge set by the Glasgow 2026 team, using one of the Commonwealth Youth Games Malta 2027 sports as inspiration to develop a sustainable digital solution that can improve the mental, social and/or physical wellbeing of young people. The challenge will encourage students to explore how technology, creativity and innovation can respond to real-world needs while connecting them to the values of inclusion, participation and community impact associated with the Commonwealth sporting movement. Extending the pilot to Kuala Lumpur Alongside the Sarawak programme, DHI is launching a second #DigiInventors pilot in Kuala Lumpur, supported by the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur and Heriot-Watt University Malaysia. Ten selected secondary schools in Kuala Lumpur are being invited to participate, with teams having the opportunity to progress to a two-day #DigiInventors bootcamp at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia. Together, the Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur pilots will explore how the #DigiInventors model can be adapted and delivered internationally, while creating new connections between young people, educators and innovation ecosystems in Scotland and Malaysia. Originally developed in Scotland, the #DigiInventors Challenge uses real-world challenges to introduce young people to digital health and care, innovation, entrepreneurship and design-led problem-solving. Participants are supported to identify a problem, research the needs of their intended users, develop a digital solution and communicate their idea through a team pitch. The Malaysian expansion builds on DHI's ambition to inspire more young people to see themselves as innovators and demonstrate how international collaboration can help equip the next generation with the skills, confidence and curiosity needed to address future health and wellbeing challenges. Further information: #DigiInventors Challenge – Sarawak: https://www.dhi-scotland.com/digiinventors/secondary/sarawak #DigiInventors Challenge – Kuala Lumpur: https://www.dhi-scotland.com/digiinventors/secondary/kl

The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) has announced a planned leadership transition that will take effect from 1 January 2027. After 49 years working in the NHS and digital health and care innovation, including the last nine years as Chief Executive Officer of DHI, Professor George Crooks OBE has confirmed his intention to retire from his full-time role as CEO at the end of December 2026. Since becoming CEO, Professor Crooks has helped establish DHI as a leading force in advancing digital health and social care innovation across Scotland and beyond, working with partners across academia, industry, the public sector and the third sector to improve outcomes for citizens through innovation. While stepping down from the CEO position, Professor Crooks will continue his involvement with DHI in a clinical advisory role from 1 January 2027, working two days per week to support a number of strategic priority areas and initiatives. As part of the planned transition, Moira Mackenzie, Deputy CEO and Director of Innovation, will assume the role of Interim CEO from 1 January 2027. Commenting on Professor Crooks' transition from CEO to Senior Clinical Advisor, Petra Wilson, Chair of the Board, said: “On behalf of the DHI Board, I want to mark our sincere gratitude for the service Professor George Crooks OBE has given to DHI, and indeed to the wider digital health family in Scotland. George's deep and genuine passion for digital health has built an exceptionally talented team at DHI and shaped an organisation on strong and lasting foundations. I know I speak for the whole Board when I say he will be greatly missed as CEO - which is why we are so pleased to welcome him into the role of clinical advisor. We know his legacy is in safe hands with Moira Mackenzie as Interim CEO, and we look forward to supporting Moira and the Executive Team in carrying the DHI mission forward with the same energy and purpose that George brought to the role”. Professor George Crooks OBE said: "Leading DHI has been a great privilege. Over the past nine years we have built an organisation that has made a significant contribution to advancing digital health and social care innovation across Scotland and beyond. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and grateful for the support, dedication and expertise of colleagues, partners and stakeholders who have been part of that journey. While I am retiring from my full-time role as CEO, I am pleased to continue supporting DHI in an advisory capacity and remain extremely positive about the organisation's future and the impact it will continue to make." Speaking about the transition, Professor Crooks added: "Moira has been a key part of DHI's Leadership Team and has played an instrumental role in our success to date. I have every confidence that she will provide strong leadership and continuity during this next phase of DHI's development." The transition has been carefully planned and will have no impact on DHI's strategic direction, priorities or delivery. DHI's Executive Team and Senior Management Team remain unchanged, with the organisation continuing to deliver against its ambitious plans and commitments. DHI's 10-year strategy remains firmly in place, and the organisation enters Year 3 of its current funding cycle with a positive outlook and strong foundations for future growth and impact. Over the coming months, DHI's Executive, Board and host university partners will review the CEO role and begin the process of recruiting a permanent full-time CEO.

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