INSHAPE, INnovation ecoSystem for Healthy Active People in Europe

The increasingly sedentary lifestyle among the population is a significant contributor to less fitness & well-being and a variety of diseases such as a rise in mental stress, diabetes, heart diseases, Alzheimer's, and cancer cases. While technology has made our lives less active, it can now assist us in becoming more active and fit. To accelerate the introduction of the necessary technological innovations to the market, interregional collaboration is required. The European project I3-INSHAPE promotes such cooperation. Coordinated by Cluster Sports & Technology in (South) Netherlands, SMEs, knowledge institutions and cluster partners from regions from Belgium, Finland, Hungary, and Spain participate in the project.

These funds provide a boost to the economy in Päijät-Häme and SMEs in the Sports & Vitality domain.

Project period

1.9.2023 - 31.8.2026

Project state

On-going

Project area

International

Project funding

Interregional Innovation Investments Instrument

LAB role

Partner

Unit

Health Care and Social Services

Project focus area

Health

Takes place in project

International Seminar Day on Commercializing Sports Innovations 9.4.2024, Lahti

The event is aimed for entities engaged in sports, wellness, and associated technology and research and development activities to attend in person. The event is also apt for growth companies and those eager to network with the international partners of the INSHAPE project.

More information

Project materials

INSHAPE poster (pdf)

Objectives

With an amount of €9.5 million (70 percent funded by EU-I3), SMEs have the opportunity to expedite the market entry of their innovations through inter-regional collaboration. Ultimately, this financial boost aims to establish an INSHAPE Innovation & Investment Hub, where companies, knowledge institutions, and government can come together for innovations promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle even after the project concludes.

Outcomes

Rene Wijlens, Project Coordinator of I3-INSHAPE on behalf of Cluster Sports & Technology: "With this project, we build upon the Clusters’ innovation strength, which we have developed in recent years. This will assist companies using smart technology to bring innovative products and services to the market, enticing people to lead a healthy and active life, both at work, in sports, and in public spaces. With INSHAPE, we bridge the regional strengths and ambitions of our and the other clusters and regions in the EU in the field of Sports & Vitality to form the sustainable EU-INSHAPE Innovation Hub, that will help SMEs in the EU to create successful business form innovations."

Sustainable Development Goals