Horizon Prize for Social Innovation: The winner is announced

The €1 million Horizon Prize was awarded to the Walk With Path company for Path Finder. Path Finder shoe attachment helps people with an unsteady or irregular gait by creating automated visual cues using lasers and is hands-free.

The two runners-up were MyoSuit and Mob4seniors. Myosuit by MyoSwiss AG is a lightweight garment-like device that combines robotics with functional textiles, acting as a wearable muscle. Mob4Seniors project by the Municipality of Toulouse aims to increase the number of seniors taking part in municipal activities with the MonToulouse Senior card.

Why this prize

The European Union’s population is aging. There will be 75 million people over the age of 65 in Europe in 2020, and 88 million in 2030. The share of people aged 65+ is set to increase from 17.5% of the population in 2010 to 29.5% in 2060 in the EU-27.

This means that we need to rethink existing mobility systems in order to cater for the needs of older people. At the same time, we need to help combat social exclusion and support independent living, especially for people with reduced mobility. Providing the right mobility solutions for older citizens enables them to continue to fully participate in cultural, educational and health activities and services, and to remain active participants of the economy. Developing new mobility solutions or improving existing ones will also provide new opportunities for innovative small companies, transport operators, social economy start-ups and NGOs at local, regional or national level.

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