In Twente and Salland, many people have to deal with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis and dementia. At the same time, healthcare is under pressure with staff shortages and a continuously increasing demand for care. To keep healthcare accessible, affordable, high-quality and future-proof, it is necessary to organise healthcare smarter and differently. Technological care innovations offer plenty of opportunities but are still insufficiently exploited. The ‘Zorg Innovatie Plein’ (Care Innovation Square) aims to turn this around, focusing on technology, regional cooperation and impact.
On May 21, 2025, the 'Zorg Innovation Plein’ kick-off meeting took place. This project is part of the Twente Region Deal and focuses on technological innovations to future-proof care for people with chronic conditions. This is done within Twente and in cooperation with the Salland region through the Deventer Hospital. The Technical Medical Centre of the University of Twente is leading this project.
In ‘Zorg Innovatie Plein’, healthcare institutions, knowledge institutions, companies and citizens join forces. The goal: to develop and implement solutions that contribute to accessible care, close to the citizens and with an eye for workability in practice.
Examples include monitoring chronic conditions from home, like detecting foot wounds in people with diabetes, or measuring fatigue in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
‘Zorg Innovatie Plein’ works according to a 'learning by doing' approach: through impactful practical examples (use cases), joint regional working methods are developed.
Would you like to know more about this initiative? Then please read the interview with the Twente Board, or take a look at the project’s website Zorg Innovatie Plein, with up-to-date information and contact options.
Do you have an innovative idea, or would you like to think along with ‘Zorg Innovatie Plein’? We'd love to hear from you!
Get in touch via zorginnovatieplein@utwente.nl
