£4 Million Prize to Develop Life-Changing Technology for People with Dementia

Alzheimer’s Society, Innovate UK and the Medical Research Council (MRC) have announced a partnership to launch a new multi-million pound Longitude Prize on Dementia.

Opening for entries this September, global innovators will be invited to develop technologies that learn about the lives and routines of people living with early stage dementia, employing assistive technology and machine learning to adapt as their condition progresses.

Alzheimer’s Society has had extremely enthusiastic support so far for the Longitude Prize from three incredible supporters; The Hunter Foundation, CareTech Foundation and Heather Corrie.

Why has The Longitude Prize on Dementia been developed?

Delivered by challenge prize experts, Challenge Works (the new name of Nesta Challenges), the Longitude Prize on Dementia will award more than £3 million in seed funding and grants to the most promising innovators, with a £1 million prize awarded to the winner in early 2026.

Inspired by the original Longitude Prize of 1714, the Longitude Prize on Dementia will incentivise a new generation of assistive technologies, supporting people to remain independent in their own homes as long as possible – one of the best ways to slow the advance of the disease.

Kate Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Alzheimer’s Society said:
“As the UK’s leading dementia charity, Alzheimer’s Society is a vital source of support for everyone affected by dementia.”

We know that there are treatments around the corner but we want to change the way people are living with dementia now.
“Current technologies supporting dementia care focus on monitoring people and alerting their carers but there are real opportunities for innovation which will support people to live joyfully and independently.

The Longitude Prize on Dementia will deliver technologies that become an extension of the individual’s working ‘brain’ and memory in a way that is specific to their needs – enabling them to continue living at home and doing the things they love for as long as possible.”