The Isle of Man is launching an international call for technology entrepreneurs, start-ups and established digital health companies to launch its Innovation Challenge 2026, which this year will focus exclusively on transforming the island’s health and social care system.
After three years of focusing on FinTech, cleantech, and data and AI, the government is turning the challenge to one of the country’s most pressing challenges: meeting rising demand for healthcare, addressing workforce shortages, and promoting more integrated, patient-centered care.
The challenge is organized by the Department for Enterprise’s Executive Agencies and delivered in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care, Manx Care and Public Health Isle of Man. The initiative brings together public sector expertise, clinical leadership and the island’s unique environment as a “national proving ground”, providing innovators the opportunity to test, refine and scale real-world solutions.
The 2026 program will focus on three key themes:
Work Smarter – We are transforming the way systems work, connect and communicate to unlock frontline capacity, improve patient and staff experiences and deliver better outcomes.
Wellness – Moving from reactive treatment to proactive prevention, supporting self-care, early intervention and community-based healthcare models.
Home First – Enabling quality care outside of hospitals and clinics by making services more accessible, personalized and integrated into daily life.
A special Biosphere Prize will be awarded to the finalist who demonstrates the strongest contribution to sustainability and wellbeing within the Isle of Man UNESCO Biosphere.
Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, said refocusing the Challenge on health and social care allowed the island to address issues affecting communities worldwide.
“The Isle of Man offers a unique collaborative environment where innovative companies can test, refine and pilot solutions, with direct access to government, healthcare partners and a fast-paced digital ecosystem.”
Claire Christian MHK, Minister for Health and Social Care, said the initiative was ultimately about redesigning care around people’s lives.
“This challenge is about transforming lives by testing solutions that bring care closer to home. By leveraging new technologies, we aim to set a new benchmark for what is possible in healthcare – better outcomes, greater wellbeing and a future-ready system.”
Lyle Wraxall, managing director of Digital Isle of Man, said the expansion of the program reflected the island’s ambition to drive innovation where it matters most.
“This is an opportunity for innovators to make a lasting impact on one of society’s most important services. Whether you are already working in digital health or have a technology with untapped health potential, we want to hear from you.”
Registration is possible until February 27, 2026, and the finalists will be announced on April 3. Selected teams receive mentorship, access to healthcare executives, networking opportunities and international visibility. The challenge will culminate in a showcase final in June 2026 where winners will be selected.
The Isle of Man government says the initiative will help position the island at the forefront of healthcare innovation while offering global technology companies a rare chance to test solutions in a real-world, system-wide environment.
