Young Ideas for the Society of Tomorrow

Awards ceremony for the student innovation competition showcases creativity and vision

Bold, creative, and forward-thinking — this is how the ten best projects of the idea competition “Innovations in Social and Healthcare Services – The Society of Tomorrow” were presented at an awards ceremony in Innsbruck.

Numerous committed students from the 11th grade onwards across Austria submitted their innovative concepts for a fairer, more sustainable, and more humane social and healthcare system. The top ten ideas were recognized in the presence of distinguished guests.

Regional Councilor Cornelia Hagele, who initiated the competition together with the Center for Social & Health Innovation (CSHI) at MCI, the Social, Health & Public Management degree program, and Caritas of the Diocese of Innsbruck, expressed her enthusiasm: "Our young people are full of ideas, initiative, and determination — and that’s exactly what we need to address the social and healthcare challenges of tomorrow. The submitted projects show how much innovation and social responsibility the next generation holds. Those who think ahead today will help shape a society tomorrow that puts solidarity and humanity at its center."

Caritas Director Elisabeth Rathgeb also emphasized the importance of the competition: "When young people raise their voices and contribute their ideas, hope emerges. These projects demonstrate how education and social responsibility can go hand in hand."

Head of Studies Lukas Kerschbaumer highlighted the role of education as a driver for social transformation in his address:"The ideas submitted are exemplary of what we promote in our degree program: social awareness, innovative thinking, and solution-oriented action — right from the start."

From the ten finalist ideas, three winning projects were selected by a panel of experts and awarded €600 each:

• Title: CareConnect - A Platform for Social Support
  Students: Lilan Bajo; Rama Alyahya
  A digital platform that connects people seeking help with volunteer supporters through matching, instant aid, and reward systems — fostering social assistance in everyday life.
• Title: Plaque-Clear - A Chip: The Solution for Alzheimer’s
  Students: Mia Martic; Acelya Özcan
  An implantable chip using ultrasound technology designed to target and break down amyloid plaques in the brain, offering new hope in the fight against Alzheimer’s for millions worldwide.
• Title: SightWay: The Revolutionary Visual Aid for blind and visually impaired people
  Students: Toqa Al-Zbedy; Leoni Jelic
  An AI-powered smart glasses system with camera, object detection, smart home integration, and emotion recognition, providing greater independence and social participation for blind and visually impaired individuals.

The winning ideas have been documented in an online brochure and stand as examples of the remarkable potential of the next generation to actively contribute to shaping our society.

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