Newcastle University is leading the way in this field at the National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA). Established through a collaboration with the university and UK government, the NICA enables businesses to harness opportunities related to the longevity economy through human experience, ethics, data, collaboration, emerging technologies and innovative business models.

Research and insights obtained through VOICE, a digital network and community embedded within NICA, helps businesses engage with and understand the needs of older consumers. This is part of a data-driven approach to business development and longevity product development described as 'Ageing Intelligence'.  

In addition, NICA work to deliver export-led growth in new and growing international markets with initiatives including the UK-China Healthy Ageing Project. This was a UK Government funded 3-year programme which established a healthy ageing accelerator focussed on helping 40 innovative businesses explore commercial opportunities in China for products which support healthy longevity.

Building on this success, the university is developing the UK’s first Health Innovation Neighbourhood (HIN) on the former site of the Newcastle General Hospital. The £500m investment is part of a joint venture with Genr8 Kajima Regeneration Ltd, in partnership with the Newcastle NHS trust, the North East Combined Authority, city council and Northumbria University. Drawing on Newcastle’s world-leading research and innovation, HIN aims to reshape approaches to preventative healthcare, reduce inequalities, and provide a model for holistic community wellbeing, future global health practice and neighbourhood place-making. It will also deliver high-value job and lifelong learning opportunities, 100,000 sq ft of NHS and other health-related facilities, and 1,250 new homes. 

Image: Newcastle University's vision for a Health Innovation Neighbourhood