The Isle of Man is issuing an international call to tech entrepreneurs, startups and established digital health companies as it launches its 2026 Innovation Challenge, this year focused entirely on transforming the Island’s health and social care system.
After three years centring on FinTech, Cleantech and Data & AI, the government is redirecting the Challenge towards one of the nation’s most urgent pressures: meeting rising healthcare demand, tackling workforce shortages and advancing more integrated, patient-centred care.
Organised by the Department for Enterprise’s Executive Agencies, the Challenge is being delivered in partnership with the Department of Health and Social Care, Manx Care, and Public Health Isle of Man. The initiative combines public-sector expertise, clinical leadership and the Island’s unique environment as a “national testbed”, offering innovators the chance to pilot, refine and scale real-world solutions.
The 2026 programme will centre on three priority themes:
Working Smarter — Transforming how systems operate, connect and communicate to free up frontline capacity, improve patient and staff experience and deliver better outcomes.
Wellness — Shifting from reactive treatment to proactive prevention, supporting self-care, early intervention and community-based health models.
Home First — Enabling high-quality care outside of hospitals and clinics, making services more accessible, personalised and integrated into daily life.
A special Biosphere Award will be presented to the finalist demonstrating the strongest contribution to sustainability and wellbeing within the Isle of Man UNESCO Biosphere.
Tim Johnston MHK, Minister for Enterprise, said refocusing the Challenge on health and social care enables the Island to confront issues affecting communities worldwide.
“The Isle of Man offers a uniquely collaborative environment where innovative companies can test, refine and prove solutions with direct access to government, healthcare partners and a fast-moving digital ecosystem.”
Claire Christian MHK, Minister for Health and Social Care, said the initiative is ultimately about redesigning care around people’s lives.
“This Challenge is about transforming lives by piloting solutions that bring care closer to home. By harnessing emerging technologies, we aim to set a new benchmark for what’s possible in healthcare — delivering better outcomes, greater wellbeing and a system ready for the future.”
Lyle Wraxall, Chief Executive of Digital Isle of Man, said the programme’s expansion reflects the Island’s ambition to drive innovation where it matters most.
“This is an opportunity for innovators to make a lasting impact on one of society’s most critical services. Whether you already work in digital health or have technology with untapped healthcare potential, we want to hear from you.”
Registration is open until 27 February 2026, with finalists to be announced on 3 April. Selected teams will gain mentorship, access to healthcare leaders, networking opportunities and international visibility. The Challenge will culminate in a showcase finale in June 2026, where winners will be chosen.
The Isle of Man government says the initiative will help position the Island at the forefront of healthcare innovation, while offering global tech companies a rare chance to test solutions in a real-world, system-wide environment.
