About

We are a Collaborative Laboratory recognised by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), established as a non-profit association under private law. Our mission is to lead research and innovation aimed at addressing the multiple challenges and seizing the opportunities presented by an ageing population.

At CoLAB4Ageing, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and developing cutting-edge solutions to improve the quality of life of older people. Our work bridges the gap between research and practice, fostering collaboration between researchers, healthcare professionals and community stakeholders.

By focusing on the evolving needs of an ageing society, we strive to create impactful solutions that improve care, support independence and promote well-being. We are committed to being at the forefront of developing innovative approaches that enable older adults to lead lives of purpose, dignity and respect.

At CoLAB4Ageing we promote healthy ageing. Our mission is to be a patient-centred physical hub, seamlessly integrated with national health services, dedicated to advancing knowledge and pioneering innovative solutions that improve the quality of life of older adults. We strive to create impactful, evidence-based interventions and work with key stakeholders to foster an inclusive and supportive environment that meets the evolving needs of our ageing population.

CoLAB4Ageing envisions a future where we are at the heart and forefront of Portugal’s central regional health ecosystem. We aim to lead in innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to ensure that the journey of ageing is one of exceptional care, respect and fulfilment.

Mission
& Vision

Partners

CoLAB4Ageing is a collaborative hub that brings together a diverse group of key stakeholders, each playing a vital role in our mission to promote healthy ageing.

Our network includes leading companies, an academic institution, technology centre, healthcare providers and local authorities, all committed to advancing solutions for an ageing population.

Together, these stakeholders form a robust and dynamic platform for advancing healthy ageing, leveraging their collective expertise and resources to create innovative and impactful solutions.

Funding

Our business model

At CoLAB4Ageing, our business model is based on four strategic pillars designed to drive innovation, collaboration and excellence in the field of ageing and healthcare. Each pillar supports our mission to improve the quality of life of older adults through cutting-edge solutions and practices.

We promote an open innovation approach to facilitate the rapid transfer of technology and knowledge between the private and public sectors. By fostering collaboration with diverse stakeholders, we enable the seamless integration of novel ideas and solutions into real-world applications. Our Open Innovation Framework supports

  • Technology transfer: Efficiently moving technological advances from research to practice.
  • Knowledge sharing: Encouraging the exchange of insights and expertise across sectors.
  • Partnership development: Building strategic alliances to address the complex challenges of ageing.

CoLAB4Ageing serves as a dynamic physical hub for research and development, equipped to test and refine innovative concepts. Our infrastructure supports

  • Development and evaluation: Creating and evaluating patient-centred models of care for the NHS to ensure they meet the needs of older adults.
  • Spin-off test beds: Providing a platform for start-up companies to validate their proof of concepts using our advanced facilities.
  • Competitive solutions: Developing integrated care solutions that attract investment and technological advances, enhancing regional attractiveness.
  • Talent retention: Attracting and retaining top talents by providing a robust environment for innovation and growth.

We are committed to enhancing the skills of healthcare professionals through our comprehensive education programmes. Our campus activities focus on

  • Continuing education courses: Providing specialist training in geriatric care to support the introduction of new models of care.
  • Lifelong learning: Promoting continuing professional development to keep pace with evolving practices and technologies in ageing and healthcare.

CoLAB4Ageing provides a range of services designed to exploit our research results and support the wider health sector:

  • Exploitation of results: The use of research results to provide consultancy and advisory services tailored to the needs of the Portuguese private and public health sectors.
  • Provision of products and services: Supporting the integration of external innovations and solutions into the healthcare system, thereby improving the overall performance of the sector.

By focusing on these four pillars, CoLAB4Ageing aims to stimulate innovation, support professional development and facilitate the implementation of effective healthcare solutions for an ageing population. 

Our integrated approach ensures that we will address the areas of :

  1. Healthy living & disease prevention
  2. Patient-centred care & multimorbidity