From its inception in 2019 until April 2020, the Centre for Health Technology's pop-up centre supported local business start-ups and a thriving regional and digital entrepreneur network. It also brought together an interdisciplinary cohort of University researchers and students from computing, nursing, design, robotics, design, medicine, engineering and architecture.
The pop-up was based in The Plot, Stonehouse, Plymouth and aimed to address local health inequalities and social deprivation using digital technology and eHealth solutions. This included companion robots as well as apps and internet-based health and welfare resources.
The Centre also worked with the charity, Nudge Community Builders, who own and create community activities in disused urban spaces in Plymouth. By working alongside this group, who had access to their own community networks, researchers could explore how to make better use of eHealth solutions.
Ultimately, the pop-up sowed the seeds for the Greenhouse Project , led by the School of Art, Design and Architecture. The Greenhouse acts as a creative technology hub for local organisations and residents and provides technological and digital support through a neighbourhood-based drop-in centre.
