We provide direct and hassle-free access to advanced knowledge, deep citizen insights and enhanced expertise – with clear actions to transform your business.

Our customised approach means that we take businesses, like yours, in the North of Tyne region, and work together to advance your products or services to successfully explore new and emerging markets.

Our consultant’s knowledge, expertise, and industry contacts help you to efficiently bring your offering to market, leverage future market trends and discover your next competitive advantage.

Future-proofing your business is just one call away; get in touch.

We provide direct access to advanced knowledge, deep citizen insights and enhanced expertise without the hassle of an admin headache – in words that everyone can understand.

Our customised approach means that we take businesses, like yours, in the North of Tyne region, and work together to advance your products or services to successfully explore new and emerging markets.

Our consultant’s knowledge, expertise, and industry contacts help you to efficiently bring your offering to market, leverage future market trends and discover your next competitive advantage.

Future-proofing your business is just one call away; get in touch.

How We Can Help Your Business.

We help businesses to increase the commercial validity of their offering and unlock their true potential by tapping into the fastest-growing market segments worldwide.

How We Can Help Your Business.

We help businesses to increase the commercial validity of their offering and unlock their true potential by tapping into the fastest-growing market segments worldwide.

IoCT Cluster

Our relationship doesn’t end at the completion of your support project; join our business, supplier and service provider ecosystem, and benefit from enhanced knowledge-sharing opportunities, a more influential collective voice, and a greatly diversified network of contacts.

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If you are not in the North of Tyne region, you can still help to drive the conversation, benefit from our partner’s expertise and produce tangible benefits for billions of people through our IoCT Cluster – a regional start with global aspirations.

Inspire the Future

Do you have an idea of how new technologies could improve the efficiency of your operations or enable a new product or service to be brought to fruition? We can help you to successfully navigate the best route to market and, ultimately, guide you to success.

Tap into New Markets

By 2040, 63p in every pound spent in the UK will be spent by an over 65-year-old and by 2050, the number of over 60-year-olds globally will double to two billion. 
We know how to get businesses market-ready to break into the rapidly expanding ageing and healthy longevity markets.

Discover The Future Trends in your Industry

Don’t be the business that struggles to innovate quickly enough. We can reveal the future market trends you will need to monitor in the coming years and show you how to reap the unprecedented opportunities that come with them.

Learn What Your Customers Value the Most

We can help you to better understand your customers; what they value, what matters to them most and where their interests will lie in the future. How? Because we ask them!

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Our unbiased citizen insights panel, VOICE, takes real, relevant people and provides them with a space where they are comfortable providing genuine user feedback.

Find Your Competitive Advantage

Learn how our consultants can support you to take your product or service development to the next level and find out how to lead your business into the lucrative ageing and healthy longevity markets.

Who We Are.
The Internet of Caring Things® is a programme developed by the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA), jointly funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority and Newcastle University, backed up by the technical support of the Centre for Process and Innovation (CPI). It brings together world-leading research and data-driven innovation with a team of academic, technical and entrepreneurial professionals who have a clear sense of purpose and a wealth of hands-on experience.
Together, we accurately map out the direction your market is heading in, help you to get ahead of future trends and provide an actionable roadmap to help you introduce and advance customer-centric technologies that capitalise on the commercially appealing ageing and longevity markets.
Click here to view our full team

Who We Are.

The Internet of Caring Things is a programme developed by the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA), jointly funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority and Newcastle University, backed up by the technical support of the Centre for Process and Innovation (CPI). It brings together world-leading research and data-driven innovation with a team of academic, technical and entrepreneurial professionals who have a clear sense of purpose and a wealth of hands-on experience.

Together, we accurately map out the direction your market is heading in, help you to get ahead of future trends and provide an actionable roadmap to support you in introducing and advancing customer-centric technologies that capitalise on the commercially appealing ageing and healthy longevity markets.

Longevity Economy,
Ageing Intelligence®
& Internet of Caring Things®

By 2025, the spending power of people over the age of 50 is projected to increase by more than $10 trillion to $30 trillion. By boosting digital adoption rates in the sector from the current 5%, tech-enabled spending could double to $2 trillion in the same time frame. Get in touch to learn how you could tap into this crucial market segment both for your own business and the future of the society we live in.
Longevity Economy
Become part of the movement of organisations that are learning to harness the most powerful and effective way to develop new business opportunities, create new jobs, and improve millions of lives. Ageing Intelligence® is NICA’s unique and globally recognized approach made by blending our bespoke research background and experience in engaging older adults and their stakeholders. We’ll take you on a data-driven, evidence-based journey to new phases of innovation and growth.
Ageing Intelligence®
The Internet of Caring Things® is how we frame the interconnected devices and services that serve citizens' most important needs, support longer-term independence and the maintenance of aspirations. It's a market frame we are proud to be building, every day. Get in touch to learn more about this like-minded group of innovative healthy longevity products and services.
Internet of Caring Things®

Longevity Economy, Ageing Intelligence® & Internet of Caring Things®

By 2025, the spending power of people over the age of 50 is projected to increase by more than $10 trillion to $30 trillion. By boosting digital adoption rates in the sector from the current 5%, tech-enabled spending could double to $2 trillion in the same time frame. Get in touch to learn how you could tap into this crucial market segment both for your own business and the future of the society we live in.
Longevity Economy
Become part of the movement of organisations that are learning to harness the most powerful and effective way to develop new business opportunities, create new jobs, and improve millions of lives. Ageing Intelligence® is NICA’s unique and globally recognized approach made by blending bespoke research background and experience in engaging older adults and their stakeholders. We’ll take you on a data-driven, evidence-based journey to new phases of innovation and growth.
Ageing Intelligence®
The Internet of Caring Things is how we frame the interconnected devices and services that serve citizens' most important needs, support longer-term independence and the maintenance of aspirations. It's a market frame we are proud to be building, every day. Get in touch to learn more about this like-minded group of innovative healthy longevity products and services.
Internet of Caring Things®
HOW IT WORKS.
Fill out a form below, give us a call, or drop us an email to let us know that you are interested.
Your Relationship Manager will give you a call and set up a meeting to explore how we can help your business.
During the meeting, your Relationship Manager will talk you through the next steps, the levels of support we can provide, and begin collating important information.
Your Relationship Manager will sort out all the paperwork for you, so we can get started
Time to accelerate your business with the help of IoCT.
HOW IT WORKS.
Fill out a form below, give us a call, or drop us an email to let us know that you are interested.
Your Relationship Manager will give you a call and set up a meeting to explore how we can help your business.
During the meeting, your Relationship Manager will talk you through the next steps, the levels of support we can provide, and begin collating important information
Your Relationship Manager will sort out all the paperwork for you, so we can get started
Time to accelerate your business with the help of IoCT.
Testimonials.
“I thought the process was very ‘user friendly’ and, importantly required little input from Crable. This was because the people involved immediately understood the purpose and value proposition of our charging shelves.”
William McClelland
Director
“I want to test the prototype, and I am looking at the best/ shortest path for product testing. I am trying to explore if I need certification at this stage or not. The citizen-led feedback was very supportive and helped me in this decision.”
Manish Shukla
Director
“The networking and providing a focal point in supporting Mantara build the right relationships across all the support networks in the North East. For me, having a defined central hub was key to this and also how supportive and helpful the team (especially Claire) were in developing relationships. Linking up with the support provided by the CPI (and Sandy Gunn) was also a bonus.”
Stephen Fletcher
CEO
“ The feedback from VOICE panel was fantastic for validating some of our hypotheses and strategic decisions. It was encouraging to see decisions that we had made but not shared echoed back by the panel such as the subscription “rent a shoe” model mentioned in the report. We valued the feedback outlining areas that need attention and areas of concern. Finally, the collaborative nature of the programme team was fantastic, I appreciated the step-by-step communication and the following resources that were shared. Overall, I appreciated the manner in which the team conducted this project.”
Alecia Esson
Founder and CEO
“Gaining practical feedback on end consumer perspectives. The reality of feedback is important. All feedback pushes us into doing a more patient-centric activity, in particularly pushing into the NHS to ensure patient equality. We have also pushed ahead with new product development – 4 more products now in the pipeline, 2 working prototypes – now ahead of expectations.”
Andrew Tasker
CEO
“It was great to get such a comprehensive, external, objective evaluation including citizen and expert assessments or market concepts. The feedback has encouraged us to further develop the platform. The citizen-led feedback was invaluable and helped us identify and demonstrate its value for individuals with some helpful pointers on what to concentrate on next.”
Jackie Gray
Founder
Testimonials.
“I thought the process was very ‘user friendly’ and, importantly required little input from Crable. This was because the people involved immediately understood the purpose and value proposition of our charging shelves.”
William McClelland
Director
“I want to test the prototype, and I am looking at the best/ shortest path for product testing. I am trying to explore if I need certification at this stage or not. The citizen-led feedback was very supportive and helped me in this decision.”
Manish Shukla
Director
“The networking and providing a focal point in supporting Mantara build the right relationships across all the support networks in the North East. For me, having a defined central hub was key to this and also how supportive and helpful the team (especially Claire) were in developing relationships. Linking up with the support provided by the CPI (and Sandy Gunn) was also a bonus.”
Stephen Fletcher
CEO
“ The feedback from VOICE panel was fantastic for validating some of our hypotheses and strategic decisions. It was encouraging to see decisions that we had made but not shared echoed back by the panel such as the subscription “rent a shoe” model mentioned in the report. We valued the feedback outlining areas that need attention and areas of concern. Finally, the collaborative nature of the programme team was fantastic, I appreciated the step-by-step communication and the following resources that were shared. Overall, I appreciated the manner in which the team conducted this project.”
Alecia Esson
Founder and CEO
“Gaining practical feedback on end consumer perspectives. The reality of feedback is important. All feedback pushes us into doing a more patient-centric activity, in particularly pushing into the NHS to ensure patient equality. We have also pushed ahead with new product development – 4 more products now in the pipeline, 2 working prototypes – now ahead of expectations.”
Andrew Tasker
CEO
“It was great to get such a comprehensive, external, objective evaluation including citizen and expert assessments or market concepts. The feedback has encouraged us to further develop the platform. The citizen-led feedback was invaluable and helped us identify and demonstrate its value for individuals with some helpful pointers on what to concentrate on next.”
Jackie Gray
Founder

News & Events.

Keep up with us in the news and learn
about one of our upcoming events.

Keep up with us in the news and learn about one of our upcoming events.

Grainger Market ‘Being Well Place’ launches to help people of the North East stay healthy

The people of Newcastle can visit a new health hub in the city centre.

Community Toolbox

We’re excited to announce the launch of Community Toolbox, where we give individuals and communities in the North East the opportunity to borrow smart sensing technologies for free – exploring how data on our surroundings, ourselves, and even pets can support our health, well-being, and daily lives.

Click here to learn more.

Event Roundup: Celebrating Innovation in the North of Tyne Region

A summary of our Celebration of Innovation Event on the 12th of December 2023.

Event Roundup: Navigating the Longevity Tourism Landscape

A summary of our Longevity as a Destination Event on the 28th of November, 2023.

Ageing tech innovators come to Newcastle thanks to pioneering start-up programme

Start-ups and established businesses have been attracted to The Internet of Caring Things programme, from Newcastle University the National Innovation Centre for Ageing.

More news coming soon

More news coming soon

Infuriating Objects: Can Your Business Help Eradicate Them?

Join the Internet of Caring Things® team as we tackle the everyday objects that drive people mad! Through extensive research with the public, we’ve identified a range of Infuriating Objects—everyday items that are frustrating to use. Now, we need your expertise to make them better.

• A guided tour of our Infuriating Objects Exhibition
• Insights from IoCT’s lead designer, Adam Cosherill on early-stage solutions
• Open discussion—your chance to share ideas and refine designs

Are you a designer, maker, entrepreneur, or engineer with a passion for problem-solving? Then we want to hear from you!

Date: 26/02/25 @ 13:00 – 15:00

Read more…

Discovery Workshop: Your Pathway To The Longevity Market!

Join us on the 4th of September 2024 at 13:00 (at The Catalyst, Newcastle) for our Discovery Workshop: Your Pathway To The Longevity Market!

Discover, identify, and connect with the longevity market through three pivotal themes essential for the success of your business.

Shaping the Future of Tourism in the North East

Join us on either the 17th of April at 9:00am (at The Core, Newcastle), 15th of May at 10:00am (at Alnwick Castle & Gardens), 5th of June at 10am (in Northumberland), or 17th of July at 9:00am (at The Catalyst, Newcastle) 2024 for one of our Shaping the Future of Tourism in the North East workshops, hosted in Partnership with Destination North East England.

Discover how you can leverage cross-referencing and technological advancements to shape the future of the tourism sector.

Newcastle FinTech Forum

Join us on Thursday, 7th March 2024, at 08:00 AM at the co-working space at One Strawberry Lane, Newcastle, for the Newcastle FinTech Forum, hosted in Partnership with FinTech North, Innovation SuperNetwork and FinPact. Discover how connected technologies enable us to learn about financial processes, our spending and saving behaviours, and ultimately help us to live happier, healthier, longer lives.

Cluster Connect

Meet us on the last Wednesday of every month at 16:00 in The Catalyst for an in-person, informal members get-together, bringing opportunities, connections, support and lived experience to cluster members entering the growing longevity market..

HealthTech Regulatory Advice

Join us on Tuesday, 16th Jan 2024, at 09:30 AM at the Royal Station Hotel, Newcastle, to learn how The Internet of Caring Things® Can Support Your HealthTech Device Development.

Longevity as a Destination

Come and join a conversation on the 28th of November in The Catalyst, together with IoCT™ and Destination North East England, about how the Tourism and Longevity sectors can combine to create healthy longevity as a destination.

MedTech sector Sprint Workshop

Meet us on 21st November in The Catalyst for the HealthTech Regulatory Advice workshop to get on top of the legal requirements for your company.
This event is invite-only; please express your interest via  IoCT@newcastle.ac.uk

Cluster Connect

Meet us on the 15th of November at 17:00 in The Catalyst for an in-person, informal members get together in with a focus on what YOU want from YOUR cluster and a roadmap for 2024.

Listening to the VOICE of your Consumer.
We bring the community into the world of technology and innovation
Through our purpose-built programme of online and in-person events, focus groups and interactive workshops, our one-of-a-kind VOICE® platform brings together local people, businesses, and organisations to develop and enhance products and services that help our economy thrive.
The North of Tyne region has a rich history of innovation, creativity and community, and now we invite you to join us in harnessing the kinds of powerful citizen insights that reveal precisely what your target audience thinks about your offering and how it could be adapted to better suit their needs and aspirations.

Your experiences count too!
Want to make a positive difference and help shape the future of products and services?

Listening to the VOICE of your Consumer.

We bring the community into the world of technology and innovation.

Through our purpose-built programme of online and in-person events, focus groups and interactive workshops, our one-of-a-kind VOICE® platform brings together local people, businesses, and organisations to develop and enhance products and services that help our economy thrive.

The North of Tyne region has a rich history of innovation, creativity and community, and now we invite you to join us in harnessing the kinds of powerful citizen insights that reveal precisely what your target audience thinks about your offering and how it could be adapted to better suit their needs and aspirations.

Sign up here

Get In Touch.

We help businesses at all stages of their respective journeys to realise their full potential.

Whether you are a start-up, an established business, or have an idea you’d like to take further, get in touch with us and let’s discuss how we can help you thrive in the ever-evolving longevity economy.

Follow us on social media for regular updates on what we’re up to, behind-the-scenes glimpses and client successes.

The Catalyst, 3 Science Square,
Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5TG
T: 0191 208 2503
E: ioct@newcastle.ac.uk