Applications have opened for the 2026 Innovation Challenge, an annual programme that invites global innovators to develop and test new technologies on the island.

Announced at Digital Isle 2025, the fourth edition of the Challenge will focus on health and social care, aiming to accelerate digital transformation and support system-wide improvements.

The initiative is led by Digital Isle of Man and the Department for Enterprise, in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care, Manx Care, and Public Health Isle of Man.

Organisers say the collaboration will give participants direct access to government partners, regulators, clinicians, and care providers.

The 2026 cohort will concentrate on three central themes: ‘Working Smarter’, which includes improving how healthcare is delivered and connected; ‘Wellness’, focused on supporting people to maintain health throughout life; and ‘Home First’, which aims to expand access to care in community and home settings.

Entrants are encouraged to submit technologies that could improve patient outcomes, increase efficiency, or offer new support for frontline professionals.

The Challenge looks to offer a setting for companies to pilot and validate new solutions within the island’s technology ecosystem.

The Isle of Man’s designation as the first entire-nation UNESCO Biosphere is also highlighted as a draw for businesses interested in real-world testing environments.

Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented: ‘This is the fourth year that the Executive Agencies have delivered the Innovation Challenge, each time addressing real issues facing local businesses and our community, and attracting innovative solutions from around the world to support the island’s development.

‘I am pleased to see this year’s focus on healthcare, and I believe it provides a valuable opportunity for the Isle of Man to leverage global expertise and innovation to improve patient experience, increase efficiency, and strengthen workforce capacity.

‘I look forward to welcoming innovators from across the globe as we work together to explore meaningful solutions that will benefit our community and economy.’

Since its launch, the Innovation Challenge has received applications from more than 130 businesses across over 20 countries, with previous editions focusing on sectors including FinTech, Cleantech, and Data & AI.

The 2026 programme marks a shift toward health-focused innovation while maintaining the Challenge’s broader goal of supporting technology-led development.

Claire Christian MHK, Minister for Health and Social Care, added: ‘The Isle of Man is taking a bold and forward-looking approach to health innovation.

‘By bringing together government, healthcare providers, and global technology leaders, we are creating an environment where transformative ideas can thrive.

‘Working collaboratively with Digital Isle of Man, Manx Care, and Public Health gives technology companies a unique opportunity to work directly with clinicians and service teams on solutions rooted in real need and real-world application.’

2026 Challenge Finalists will be announced in April 2026, based on the ambition, market potential and scalability of their solution.

Over the following months, the cohort will work to further develop their solutions to meet the island’s pressing needs, before presenting them at the Innovation Challenge Finale Day on June 25 2026.

Applications for the 2026 Innovation Challenge are open until February 27 2026.

To find out more and apply, you can visit https://www.digitalisleofman.com/innovation-challenge/