DETECT 2.0 Deep Tech Competence Enhancement for the Digital Transition and Challenges in Dementia Care

Project period

1.11.2025 - 31.10.2028

Project funding

Erasmus+ 2021-2027

The DETECT 2.0 project fosters AI-driven innovation to enhance the independence and quality of life for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early-stage dementia. By equipping healthcare and ICT students in HE and VET with AI related knowledge and human centric innovation skills, it ensures future professionals capability to develop and apply ethical, patient-centered technology in dementia care. DETECT 2.0 also increases awareness about AI’s potential among professionals in dementia care, ensuring better adoption of new technologies.

With a collaborative innovation ecosystem approach, DETECT 2.0 integrates healthcare organizations, AI companies, educators, and researchers, and strengthens regional AI innovation ecosystems, boosting economic vitality, future workforce development and driving sustainable healthcare transformation to a green economy. It leverages European expertise to address the growing burden of dementia, empowering future healthcare and ICT professionals to develop responsible AI solutions.

Through renewed HE and VET education and educational materials DETECT 2.0 strengthens innovation capacity, digital and entrepreneurial skills, and collaborative networks, and thus shapes the future workforce, ensuring lasting impact on dementia care and healthcare digitalization in Europe.

Challenge and solution

Bridging the AI Skills Gap in Healthcare and ICT Education

European curriculum analysis found that AI and AI-based dementia care solutions are still insufficiently covered in healthcare and ICT education. The findings highlight the need for stronger interdisciplinary training that combines healthcare, AI, innovation, and entrepreneurship competencies.

Basic information

DETECT 2.0 General Goals (GOs)
GO1: Stimulate innovation, the exchange of knowledge and deep collaboration by strengthening the innovation ecosystem with stronger ties across stakeholders in VET, HE and deep tech Industry and the healthcare sector.

GO2: Enhance entrepreneurial mindset and innovation and AI skills in healthcare and ICT education by addressing skills gaps, fostering experiential learning, and providing industry-relevant digital learning content.

GO3: Improve the care of patients with MCI and early-stage dementia by promoting AI-based technological innovations in dementia care through fostering experiential learning in the workplace contexts and real-life scenarios.
The DETECT 2.0 project has significant potential to impact the EU area positively. By enhancing the skills and knowledge of healthcare and ICT students and professionals, the project aims to improve the quality of care for individuals with memory disorders across Europe. The integration of advanced technologies into healthcare practices will lead to more personalized and effective care solutions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

The results of the DETECT 2.0 project are designed to be scalable and adaptable, making them applicable in various countries beyond the EU. The educational content, training programs, and technological solutions developed during the project can be tailored to meet the specific needs and contexts of different regions. This adaptability ensures that the project's outcomes can benefit a wide range of healthcare systems and populations globally.
The DETECT 2.0 project has strong potential to foster cross-border cooperation among Partner countries. By facilitating continuous knowledge exchange and collaboration, the project creates opportunities for joint initiatives, research projects, and educational programs. This cooperation can lead to the development of standardized practices and protocols, enhancing the overall effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare services across borders.

DETECT 2.0 expected short-term impact and results
• 150 HE & VET students participated experiential learning to develop AI-based dementia care innovations.
• 50 dementia care professionals gain AI awareness and innovation skills.
• 4 AI innovation ecosystems established
• 1 AI Innovation Hub launched, supporting regional & transnational collaboration.
• 5 HE/VET curricula modernized with AI content.
• 40 new digital educational materials developed.
• 1 open-access online library for digital AI-focused educational materials
• 20 real-world dementia care challenges for development of AI-Based Prototypes.