iWELL is a technology programme initiated by the National Technology Agency of Finland (Tekes), which promotes development of competitive well-being technology to domestic and international markets. The aim is to produce well-being, health services and technology to citizens at home, work and leisure. The programme concentrates especially on developing solutions to help the ageing population, disabled people and those suffering from long-term illnesses. Final aim is to support independent living of the citizens and to reduce institutional care.
The program was launched in the spring 2000 and it will continue until the end of 2002. By providing funding and offering practical consultancy services the programme helps enterprises, research institutes and universities generate business products and services from technical innovations and ideas. The focus is on the following business areas, which utilise Finnish strengths in technology and have positive international market outlooks: "Home services and eHealth", "Occupational health and corporate wellness", "Home automation and intelligent environment" and "Fitness"
Until 12/2001 about 80 projects have been funded by the program. About a half of these are led by enterprises and an another half by research institutes and universities. A very important result is, that new synergies have been created between the enterprises and between the private and public sector stakeholders. The participating projects have built up thematic clusters, which are led by big companies. In addition, the program has organised seminars, conferences and meetings for experts working in the well-being sector and conducted international activities like market studies and study tours. Some Finnish enterprises have already succeeded in entering the international markets, especially in Japan and in the USA.
last update 2002-03-18