Innoclusion: Digital solutions for a more inclusive society

February 29, 2024

Innoclusion is setting new standards in the development of digital and sustainable solutions for people with disabilities. Together, we want to help improve the quality of life and participation of people with physical and cognitive disabilities in the long term.

Innoclusion is a German-Croatian innovation project funded by the EU as part of the Programme for Employment and Social Innovation. Under the leadership of the Diakonie Baden we, the innoWerft, work together with the Diaconia Korkthe St. Georgen Protestant Care Centre for the Elderlythe CPUK -Centar za pomoć u kući Međimurske županije, Udruga VAL Lastovo and the ACT Group together.

The problem of ageing societies in Europe is well known. In Croatia and Germany, 22 per cent of the population will be aged 65 and over by 2022. Forecasts for the year 2050 predict an increase to over 30 per cent in Croatia and over 36 per cent in Germany. However, the number of people with disabilities is also rising continuously. This results in an enormous increase in the need for care and support and a large market for innovative solutions.

Participation means having a place in our society. Considerable technical and social innovations are required to enable our disabled fellow citizens to have such a place and to support them in leading a dignified life.

The Innoclusion project involves the development of customised solutions that are to be launched on the market by the end of 2025. Four Living Labs are being set up specifically for this purpose, two in Germany and two in Croatia. Selected start-ups and established companies will develop, test and optimise their solutions here together with users under real conditions, i.e. in the regular operation of social facilities. The close cooperation between innovative solution providers and the target groups in the living labs enables the development of customised solutions that truly meet the needs of users.

The Innoclusion project is not only an opportunity for innovative solution providers, but also an important step towards a more inclusive society that is accessible to all.

Would you like to find out more about the Innoclusion project? Then click now here.

A focus on five key technologies

The Rhine-Neckar Digital Hub focuses on five areas of technology that are of particular importance to the region’s competitiveness:

- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Use in production, logistics, quality management and data-driven services
- Cyber security: Critical infrastructure protection, industrial IT security and secure data rooms
- Industry Tech: IoT applications, sensor technology, automation, data analysis and networked production processes
- Sustainability and energy efficiency: CO₂ reporting, energy-saving potential in production and buildings, and drivers for the circular economy – all measurable through key digital technologies
- The Metaverse and Extended Reality (XR): Virtual and augmented reality as platforms for collaboration, training and product development, digital twins and immersive experiences

AI-powered matching platform: The right partner at the touch of a button

A key component of the Rhine-Neckar Digital Hub is the AI-powered matching feature. Companies and start-ups can describe their specific requirements or technology needs. The AI then identifies suitable Contact person and offers from the region’s partner network.

The aim is to match a specific need with a suitable contact as quickly as possible, and for this to lead to a concrete collaboration.

Events, funding opportunities and venues all in one place

In addition to AI-powered matching, the Rhein-Neckar Digital Hub provides a continuously updated overview of regional events, funding opportunities and workshops.

Also available Spaces for meetings, co-working and innovation projects across the entire metropolitan region are consolidated on the platform.

In this way, the Digital Hub makes the region’s various services and areas of expertise visible and accessible via a single digital portal.

Working together for innovation in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region

The Rhine-Neckar Digital Hub is supported by a regional network. Consortium partners are the innoWerft, the City of Mannheim and the 5-HT Chemistry & Health.

As associated partners support the Heidelberg Technology Park, the IHK Rhine-Neckar, the Economic Development Unit of the Rhein-Neckar District Office, the Heidelberg Economic Development Agency, the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region, the Mannheim University of Applied Sciencesthe NEXT MANNHEIM and that Smart Industries Network the project.

Together, the partners bring together regional expertise and services relating to key digital technologies.

The project is funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Skilled Trades and Tourism of Baden-Württemberg promoted.

Discover the Rhine-Neckar Digital Hub now

The Rhein-Neckar Digital Hub provides start-ups, businesses and research organisations with shared digital access to services and expertise relating to key technologies in the metropolitan region.

You’re a founder and would you like to use the Digital Hub for your start-up? Explore the platform and find out which services and contacts might be relevant to your idea!

Discover it now!