This week, ECHAlliance – Global Health Connector colleagues Andy Bleaden and Adriana Díaz Martín-Zamorano travelled to Lille, France, to take part in the latest partner meeting of the NOTRE Project, funded by the Interreg Europe programme. The event was hosted by our Hauts-de-France ecosystem, led by Eurasanté, and welcomed project partners from across Europe.
The NOTRE Project is designed to support the improvement of regional policies related to new product development, with a particular focus on innovations that serve elderly populations. Through shared experiences, training, and site visits, the project aims to strengthen regional testing infrastructures and boost the relevance and effectiveness of elderly care solutions.
Day 1 of the meeting began with a guided visit to Hub Eurasanté, a leading innovation hub dedicated to health and life sciences. Partners then heard updates on current activities, alongside successful examples of policy improvements and staff exchanges that are already making a tangible impact. The day continued at the Conseil Régional Hauts-de-France, where participants learned about the regional innovation strategy — including its health innovation and silver economy ecosystem.
Day 2 focused on training and site visits. In the morning, the ECHAlliance team delivered a training session on how ecosystems can translate their strategies into practical steps for start-ups and SMEs. In the afternoon, the group visited HMS Vilgo, a company specialising in mobility and care equipment, followed by Maison Lill’Ages, an initiative focused on adapting living environments to meet the needs of the elderly.
Day 3 concluded with the European Silver Day conferences — a space for thought leadership, exchange, and reflection on Europe’s aging population and how innovation can serve as a powerful enabler.
ECHAlliance is proud to be part of this dynamic EU project, working alongside committed partners to foster regional innovation ecosystems and shape the future of elderly care across Europe.
