The AUTH Medical Physics & Digital Innovation Lab was awarded the Second Prize in the Open Innovation Challenge during the InnoHealth Forum 2025, held at JOIST Innovation Park in #Larisa on the 27th of September.

The Open Innovation Challenge brought together startups, healthcare professionals, research teams, and healthcare innovators to propose solutions addressing challenges faced in the healthcare ecosystem. This recognition highlights the lab’s continued commitment to digital health innovation, with a focus on preventive care, early intervention, and improved patient outcomes.

Represented by research assistant, Annita Varella, the lab presented an innovative proposal under pillar A: Early detection and intervention of atrial fibrillation (AF) and associated stroke risk factors. As part of the proposal, the team showcased the capabilities of scaling-up the Integrated Healthcare System Long Lasting Memories - LLM Care. Long Lasting Memories LLM Care combines cognitive exercises with physical training in an integrated system, aiming to prevent cognitive and physical decline. It is exploited as an evidence-based intervention that offers a holistic, personalized approach to prevention and rehabilitation, specifically designed to meet the needs of vulnerable populations. In the context of the challenge, the LLM Care demonstrated its ability to be customized to support early intervention in AF and stroke risk, demonstrating its flexibility and potential as a comprehensive digital tool for physical, cognitive and emotional health. The proposal impressed the audience and the evaluation committee for its impactful approach and innovative potential, securing 2nd place overall in the challenge.

The award is a significant milestone for the lab’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between medical research and healthcare challenges through cutting-edge technological solutions. Indeed, this endeavour marks an important step in the system’s scale-up, as LLM Care is enriched with new modules and functionalities tailored to the needs of patients with AF. By integrating this additional population into its scope, the platform extends its impact beyond cognitive and physical decline prevention, offering a broader and more inclusive approach to digital healthcare innovation.

Building on this achievement, the Lab of Medical Physics and Digital Innovation is now preparing for its next challenge - participation in the 16th Innovation & Technology Competition, a prestigious national contest that celebrates creativity, impact, and the power of technology to transform society.