SAge-hub project aims to develop and scale innovative Smart Ageing solutions across Europe (Romania, Greece, Portugal, the Canary Islands, Finland, Catalonia). It focuses on creating a robust ecosystem that integrates SMEs, public authorities, research institutions, and regional innovation hubs.
The project will establish a network of Digital Living Lab–type laboratories in various regions to co-create, test, and validate user-centered solutions dedicated to active and healthy ageing.
Key activities include mapping and strengthening regional value chains, fostering interregional cooperation, and developing SMEs’ capabilities to participate in interregional business activities and digital transformation.
Additionally, the project will create a Regional Network of Innovation Ambassadors, designed to strengthen cross-border governance and knowledge exchange, in line with the EU’s Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3).
To ensure the sustainability of the results, a comprehensive exploitation and dissemination plan will be developed, engaging stakeholders across various European networks and creating an interregional investment pipeline that connects validated case studies with investors to facilitate the scaling of solutions at the European level.
Strengthening regional innovation ecosystems in less-developed and outermost regions by building capacities for Smart Ageing solutions, by integrating the SAge Living Labs concept, leveraging the expertise of Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH), and through interregional cooperation.
The goal is to enable these regions to participate actively in EU value chains and to attract future investments in the areas of Smart Specialisation (S3).
The project aims to stimulate regional innovation ecosystems and integrate less-developed EU regions into European value chains, focusing on Smart Ageing solutions. It introduces innovative and scalable methodologies for interregional collaboration and co-creation, which will generate sustainable social, economic, and technological changes.
Through its geographical reach and specific activities, the project is designed to reach various target groups within the quadruple-helix ecosystem (public authorities, academia, the business sector, and civil society), facilitating the transfer of knowledge and technologies between regions and adding value to national and European value chains.
4 Living Labs & training sessions through EDIH
The establishment of 4 Living Labs and the organization of extensive training sessions through EDIH provide SMEs and stakeholders with immediate resources for skills development, enabling them to engage in digital health and smart aging solutions.
Validated models & partnerships
SMEs will acquire the knowledge and partnerships necessary to expand into interregional and European markets, based on validated business models ready for investment in the field of Smart Ageing.
Interconnection & resilience
The continued operation of Living Labs will support long-term innovation, and collaboration between regions will lead to the formation of an interconnected and resilient ecosystem capable of scaling digital health innovations.
European value chains
The regional ecosystems built under the project will be sustainably integrated into EU value chains, contributing to regional economic growth and strengthening economic resilience.
Physical & virtual networks
These are established in Romania, the Canary Islands, Greece, Portugal, and Catalonia. They operate as physical and virtual infrastructures equipped with modern technologies (IoT devices, AI-based tools, etc.) for real-world testing and validation of Smart Ageing solutions.
Market readiness score
This tool assesses SMEs’ level of digital and innovation readiness for international markets, integrating insights from Living Lab activities, the expertise of Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH), and the potential for integration into value chains.
Governance & cooperation
This network is created to facilitate cross-border governance, cross-industry cooperation, and knowledge exchange among the participating regions.
Investment Pipelines
The project seeks to develop these channels to connect validated Smart Ageing business models with investors and funding sources across different EU regions. It also includes creating a centralized investment portfolio.
Incentives & diffusion of innovation
The action involves designing and testing policies that provide incentives for SMEs to engage in Smart Ageing value chains and promote the diffusion of innovation.
Validated solutions & investors
This platform will showcase validated Smart Ageing solutions, facilitating SMEs’ market access and interaction with investors.
Co-creation & interregional scaling
The project will co-create and refine financial instruments (e.g., blended-finance mechanisms, revenue-sharing models) through workshops organized within the Living Labs, to be subsequently scaled at interregional level.
Retention & training
Programs run within the Living Labs that connect young professionals and experts with SMEs and innovation intermediaries in the Smart Ageing sector, to boost talent retention and build a skilled workforce.
Alignment with S3 strategies
These are co-created together with regional stakeholders to align Smart Ageing priorities with existing Regional Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3).
On 5–6 November 2025, the Digital Innovation Zone (DIZ) team represented by Cristina Baghiu (Hub Coordinator) and Adina Serediuc (Program
Between 22–23 October 2025, at the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer – MAVIS, Iași, the launch event of the
This project has received funding from the European Union under grant agreement no. 101225454.
“Funded by the European Union. The opinions and views expressed are those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union. The European Union and/or the funding authority cannot be held responsible for them.”
Contact:
Name: Adina Serediuc
E-mail: adina.serediuc@digital-innovation.zone
