During the first year of the project, the consortium successfully moved from the exploratory and design phase to the implementation phase, establishing a strong foundation for achieving the project’s objectives. Key activities included mapping the HealthTech innovation ecosystem in transitional care, identifying stakeholder needs, developing a KPI framework, and launching the Open Call process. Early work focused on analysing barriers and drivers to innovation through workshops, questionnaires, literature review, resulting in D1.1. These insights informed a structured KPI framework, validated through internal and external feedback, and delivered as D1.2. Two repositories were created to support use case evaluation, end user engagement, and impact assessment.
The consortium designed the experimentation environment and outlined collaboration and matchmaking processes in the EVOLVE2CARE Action Plan (D1.3). Preparations for the Open Calls included coordinating the full process, implementing targeted dissemination efforts, and evaluating the first two submitted applications, including ethical reviews and LL matchmaking.
Capacity building activities were also delivered. AV hosted training sessions on accelerating research impact, while ENoLL provided training for Living Labs on participating in experimentation. These materials will be publicly available through the ENoLL platform.
Cross cutting activities ensured strong communication, dissemination, and coordination. The project’s visual identity and communication channels were established, and materials were produced to promote the Open Calls. Management structures were strengthened through regular meetings, formalised internal procedures, establishment of advisory boards, and continuous interaction with the European Commission.
By the end of year one, seven deliverables had been submitted, nine of nineteen KPIs achieved, and all three milestones completed. The project concluded its foundational phase with validated frameworks, an active stakeholder network, and clear processes to guide the implementation and experimentation work ahead.