Center For Digital Innovation Launches ‘Healthy Aging’ Lab

December 24, 2017 | Israel’s Center for Digital Innovation (CDI), established in 2015 at Gav Yam Technology Park in the Negev in collaboration with the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and Israeli entrepreneurs, announced that it was launching a “Healthy Aging Lab” to cater to the needs of the elderly population. “CDI is establishing a multidisciplinary center and simulation laboratory to deepen understanding of the third age, develop solutions, and boost this fast-growing global industry among Israeli innovators,” the center says on its website. Globes reported that the lab was set up with an investment of NIS 5 million, in collaboration with a number of partners including the National Insurance Institute of Israel, the City of Beersheba, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). A number of startups are already operating in the lab to work toward pilot programs. CDI co-founder Boaz Gur Lavie told Globes that the lab was the “first of its kind in the entire world.” He added: “The prolonged life expectancy of today’s 3rd and 4th aged senior citizens has brought upon us new challenges. The market for these initiatives is huge and holds great potential. Now we are simply giving a chance to the great minds of our startup nation, to prove their capabilities in this area as well.” CDI also operates a digital health lab, an education lab and a smart cities lab.