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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. Primary school edition is now live! register here Invent Today. Impact Tomorrow. Secondary School International Challenge 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. Launching August 2026! Get ready for the 2026 Secondary School Challenge! Starting this August, students aged 11–18 in Scotland and the UAE will have the chance to invent, create, and pitch innovative digital solutions that make life healthier, happier, and smarter. 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! Ready, Set, Invent! How to get started: Build Your Squad - Up to 6 people Pick Your Challenge - Which question will you tackle? Grab the Toolkit - Download our free guides and resources Submit & Shine - Upload your entry before the deadline Unlock Your #DigiInventors Toolkit 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! All participants who submit an entry, can use their submission to apply for the Young STEM Leader Level 4 Auto Award (YSL4) – Scotland only for now! Finalist teams will receive: Official #DigiInventors Challenge Finalist Certificate for each pupil Goodie bags to reward all team members for their fantastic effort All participants who are selected for bootcamp and the final can use their idea to apply for the Young STEM Leader Awards at SCQF Level 4 (Formal) (YSL4) - Scotland only for now! The winning team will receive: The coveted #DigiInventors Challenge Trophy for your school Official #DigiInventors Challenge Winner Certificate for each team member Goodie bags to reward all team members for their fantastic effort A fantastic tech prize for each team member All participants who are selected for bootcamp and the final can use their idea to apply for the Young STEM Leader Awards at SCQF Level 4 (Formal) (YSL4) - Scotland only for now! Winning schools can: Display the coveted #DigiInventors Challenge Trophy Earn 3 insight points per pupil for each winning student that achieves their Young STEM Leader Awards at SCQF Level 4 (Formal) (YSL4) Accreditation - Scotland only for now! As a teacher, it’s been incredibly rewarding to guide our team of four students through the #DigiInventors Challenge. The boys worked diligently on every aspect of the project, from market research to user experience, and even explored manufacturing processes and production costs. The hands-on experience they gained was invaluable and seeing them present their ideas to both local and international teams, a critical step towards ultimately winning the competition, was truly inspiring. I would highly encourage other schools to get involved in #DigiInventors - it’s an excellent program that helps students develop critical skills in design, technology, and teamwork, while also fostering a real-world understanding of how innovation can positively impact society. Josh Farquhar - Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh, Scotland Partnering with the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre has been a fantastic experience for Scottish Hockey. It has allowed us to connect with partners and change-makers beyond our usual scope. We highly recommend getting involved with the #DigiInventors Challenge. Keith Macleod, Scottish Hockey The #DigiInventors competition has been an incredible experience for our school, as we have participated for many years now. It’s been amazing to see how the challenge refines each year, consistently raising the bar in innovation and engagement. Our students benefit greatly from interacting with insightful professors and leaders from the UAE and Scotland, receiving invaluable feedback on their ideas and pitching techniques. They also have the unique opportunity of interacting with students who reside in Scotland! Mrs Zaineb Mahdi, Assistant Headteacher & Cluster Director Innovation and Digital Technology, GEMS Wellington International School Dubai

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

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 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 Digital Lifelines Scotland Digital Lifelines Scotland improves digital inclusion and designs digital solutions to reduce harm and deaths among people who use drugs. Managed by DHI and funded by the Scottish Government, the programme provides access to devices, connectivity, skills, and confidence, strengthening services and sector collaboration. Explore First Prev 1 Page 1 Next Last

Nationwide digital health challenge #DigiInventors teams up with the Organised Educator Primary school pupils across Scotland are being asked to identify the health and wellbeing challenges that matter most to them and design digital solutions to fix them, as the #DigiInventors Challenge launches for 2026.   The nationwide competition, organised by the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), celebrates its 10th year in 2026, with the primary challenge open to pupils in P5-P7 working in teams. This year, organisers have teamed up with popular social media teacher influencer Organised Educator, aka David Grant, to help inspire more schools across Scotland to take part.   The challenge is designed to develop entrepreneurial thinking, design innovation, digital literacy and STEM skills while giving pupils an insight into potential careers in digital health and social care. All participants receive a #DigiInventors Challenge certificate, with winners taking home tech prizes and the coveted #DigiInventors trophy for their school.   Last year's primary winners included Multi-ColourZ from Newton Farm Primary in South Lanarkshire, who designed an app to support young people with colour blindness, and JH Grow and Glow from Wellington School in South Ayrshire, whose wellbeing app proposed to help children aged 5-12 develop healthy habits.   Professor George Crooks OBE is CEO at the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre. He said:   “Young people bring fresh perspectives to health and care challenges because they experience services and systems directly, without the assumptions adults often carry. They can spot what feels unfair or what doesn't work in ways that are incredibly valuable for informing better solutions.   “The #DigiInventors Challenge has spent a decade creating space for exactly this kind of insightful thinking - inspiring Scotland's young people to think creatively about how technology can improve health and wellbeing. We've seen incredible ideas from primary pupils over the years - ideas that are thoughtful, innovative and rooted in real understanding of the challenges people face.   “This year marks an important milestone as we celebrate 10 years of the challenge, and we're delighted to have Organised Educator joining us. David’s passion for engaging young learners and making education accessible and fun aligns perfectly with our mission to inspire the next generation of digital health and care innovators. We're hoping his involvement will help us reach even more schools across Scotland and give more young people the chance to develop these crucial skills.”   David Grant, Organised Educator, said:   “I am absolutely thrilled to be involved in the #DigiInventors Challenge this year. It has been amazing to read about all of the past successes and amazing young people that have been involved. STEM and entrepreneurship are huge passions of mine and it’s a great privilege to be promoting these amongst our young people in Scotland.”   South Lanarkshire Council, whose schools have previously won both the primary and secondary #DigiInventors competitions, is encouraging more schools, teachers and pupils across the authority to get involved in this year's challenge.   Jacqueline Wallace, Head of Education (Primary and Early Years), at South Lanarkshire Council, said: “South Lanarkshire Council is delighted that one of our secondary schools won the Secondary #DigiInventors Challenge 2025. The challenge provides an excellent opportunity for young people to develop key skills while applying their learning to real-life contexts. We look forward to encouraging our primary schools to take part in the Primary #DigiInventors Challenge 2026 and to seeing learners continue to innovate, collaborate and problem-solve through this engaging challenge.”   The 2026 #DigiInventors Challenge is supported by 17 strategic partners from across the education sector including Education Scotland, SSERC, Skills Development Scotland, RAiSE, City of Glasgow College, and the University of Strathclyde.   Schools wishing to participate can access free teaching resources, templates and guides through the #DigiInventors website. The challenge runs from 5 January 2026, with applications closing on 27 February 2026. Winners will be announced on 23 March 2026, with an awards ceremony taking place at City of Glasgow College on 28 April 2026.   To get involved visit: www.dhi-scotland.com/digiinventors-primary-challenge

NHS inform is Scotland's online health information service that offers quality assured health and care information including symptom checkers, Scotland’s Service Directory and mental health advice and resources.    The Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) is supporting NHS 24 in the redevelopment of NHS inform and is awarding a grant of up to £35K (inclusive of any VAT) for an academic team to undertake an evaluation of prototypes/wireframes developed as part of the service redesign of the NHS inform website. The approach is anticipated to include   UX evaluation protocol and testing sessions, accessibility compliance reportiing and inclusive design recommendations. It is likely that the academic team will offer, either directly, or through engagement with third parties, a combination of of the following experience and expertise: ·       User research; ·       Wireframing/prototyping; ·       Information architecture; ·       Visual design; ·       Communication; ·       Critical thinking/problem solving.   We welcome responses outlining approach, methodology, and costs (max. 10 pages), with CVs included as appendices. More information on this call and how to apply can be found here.   Complete applications should be submitted to  research@dhi-scotland.com  by 5pm on 19 th January 2026.  Any queries should be directed in the first instance to Jennifer Thomas:  jennifer.thomas@dhi-scotland.com .

Running alongside an engaging programme of talks and discussions, the Demo Zone at DigiFest 2025 offered something different: a chance to see, try, and talk through new digital health and social care research and innovation projects On 11 December, organisations from across the UK and Europe used the space to showcase tools already being tested, refined, or rolled out - and to have honest conversations about what works, what doesn’t, and what’s needed next. For those who couldn’t make it along, here’s what you missed. Game-Based Rehabilitation Designed Around Motivation Lucia Panese, CEO of Imaginary , travelled from Milan to demonstrate REHABILITY , a digital rehabilitation platform developed through more than a decade of European research. Imaginary specialises in interactive games, and for the past 12 years has focused on applying them to tailored rehabilitation. Their system is now a certified medical device, built around a collection of around 50 games co-created with rehabilitation specialists and patients. Rather than abstract exercises, the games mirror real physical and cognitive tasks. Therapists can design personalised therapy plans by selecting relevant games and adjusting parameters to suit individual needs. Patients then complete therapy independently at home via their TV, receiving immediate feedback through visuals and scores. Behind the scenes, more detailed data is collected for clinicians to review progress and adapt treatment plans. Imaginary came to DigiFest through existing research relationships and used the Demo Zone to observe real reactions, test engagement, and continue conversations about how game-based approaches can support long-term rehabilitation adherence. Self-Service Health Monitoring in Community Settings Caitlin Collins represented Microtech Health , an organisation best known for supplying digital solutions to GP practices and community environments. Their demo focused on the Surgery Pod : a self-service unit combining a touchscreen with blood pressure monitoring, height and weight measurement, and other vital sign checks. Patients can use the pod either before an appointment or independently, supporting more proactive engagement with their health. The system also includes structured pathways covering areas such as smoking cessation, mental health, and alcohol support. These allow patients to record information and begin conversations with clinicians in a more informed way. At DigiFest, Microtech Health was keen to connect beyond traditional GP settings and explore how their products might support wider health and social care partnerships. The Demo Zone offered a busy, practical environment to do exactly that. Supporting Palliative Care Beyond the Clinic Working in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde , Kenny Steen from Tactuum showcased CarePac , a digital platform designed for palliative and end-of-life care. CarePac supports patients who are unable to attend appointments, whether due to illness or geography by enabling clinicians to send regular check-ins. These can be completed by patients themselves or by carers, ensuring clinicians remain informed and can intervene when necessary. The demo shared context around why this cohort was chosen, including patient preferences for receiving care at home and the challenges many face in accessing services. Screens and visuals gave visitors a clear sense of how the platform works in practice, without overstating its scope. For the CarePac team, DigiFest was about visibility and connection - meeting health boards, sharing learning, and exploring where the platform could integrate with existing systems to support better care across Scotland. Designing Digital Inclusion With, Not For, People Cheryl Stevenson from Scottish Care attended alongside colleagues from OpenCast and North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, sharing work focused on digital inclusion for people with learning disabilities. Developed as part of a collaboration involving the Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities, Scottish Care, North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, OpenCast, and interns from Glasgow School of Art, the project explores how digital inclusion can be made practical and meaningful. On display was a mix of case studies, frameworks, and a hands-on toolkit designed to support collaborative, playful conversations about digital technology. Rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all solution, the work encourages shared learning, helping people explore what digital tools can do for them, and how they want to use them. The designs were intentionally colourful and inviting, reflecting the project’s aim to make digital inclusion approachable, scalable, and grounded in lived experience. The Demo Zone provided space to test ideas, gather feedback, and connect with others tackling similar challenges. International Health Tech Collaboration in Practice The Demo Zone also welcomed a visiting Indian health tech delegation, taking part in the UK–India Health Tech Accelerator Visit to Scotland, led by the British Embassy and the Foreign Office in Delhi. Building on two successful inward missions to Scotland in recent years, the delegation used DigiFest as an opportunity to connect with the Scottish health and innovation ecosystem. Their focus included exploring clinical trial opportunities with NHS partners, understanding UK regulatory and procurement pathways, and developing routes to commercialisation, as well as establishing research and development collaborations with UK institutions and innovation centres. Together, the Demo Zone reflected DigiFest’s wider themes of collaboration, real-world application, and innovation shaped by people’s needs. It offered a space for practical conversation, hands-on exploration, and meaningful connections across health and social care. We’re already looking ahead to DigiFest 2026 , and the next opportunity to bring ideas, tools, and partnerships together in the Demo Zone. If you’re interested in showcasing your work or taking part next year, please get in touch at: Vincenzo@futurescot.com