CoLab-event: Bridging the Growing Gap Between an Ageing Population and Health & Care Providers, Kristianstad, Sweden
Kristianstad University, together with our allied partners, the municipality of Kristianstad and Krinova Incubator and Science Park, welcome you to COLOURS Coab on the topic Bridging the Growing Gap Between an Ageing Population and Health & Care Providers arranged by Kristianstad University June 1-2 2026.
Health and care systems across municipalities, regions, civil society, academia and the private sector are facing increasing pressure. An ageing population, growing care needs and workforce shortages require new ways of working, together.
In June 2026, Kristianstad University invites you to take part in a Co-Lab focused on co-creating sustainable solutions for the future of health, care and wellbeing.
Programme details will be updated regularly.
The societal challenge
How can we bridge the growing gap between an ageing population and a shrinking proportion of healthcare and care providers?
The challenge calls for prevention, health promotion and new models for care and services that reduce strain on healthcare systems while strengthening quality of life for older people.
Purpose of the Co-Lab
The Co-Lab is a collaborative arena for cross-sector co-creation. Together we aim to:
- Identify shared and system-level challenges related to ageing, health and care
- Develop concrete and innovative solutions for prevention, health promotion and sustainable care
- Create new models, partnerships and directions for future development
- Lay the foundation for new collaborations and continued innovation, implementation and research projects
Available funding
After the completion of the Co-Lab and the jury’s evaluation, a call for project funding for students and PhD students will be announced and remain open for four weeks. The aim is that selected ideas will be further developed within structured innovation and research processes, creating real opportunities for long-term societal impact.
Live broadcast – follow the current state of the challenge
The presentations during the first part of Day 1 (research and sector perspectives on the challenge) will be broadcast live.
This enables all interested stakeholders to:
- Take part in the presentations
- Gain insight into current research and practice
- Understand key challenges and knowledge gaps
- Participation in the live broadcast does not require attendance in the full Co-Lab.
Participation and commitment
Active participation in the Co-Lab requires attendance on both Day 1 and Day 2 (1–2 June 2026).
The workshops build progressively over the two days, and continuity is essential for meaningful outcomes.
The Co-Lab workshops will be conducted in English.
Please inform the Co-Space Officer, Fredrika Braw, if you require language support.
Who is the Co-Lab for?
We welcome participants from:
- Municipalities and regional organisations
- Civil society organisations and associations
- Private companies and innovation actors within health, care and welfare technology
- Researchers, educators and students
- Other stakeholders engaged in health, care and wellbeing
No prior experience of innovation or research projects is required.
Practical information and registration
Dates:
Co-Lab: 1–2 June 2026
Research Day: 3 June 2026, registration in the form.
Venue: Town Hall Rådhus Skåne, Västra Storgatan 12, Kristianstad.
A digital pre-information session will be held on March the 30th 2026 between 11-12 am. Link to the meeting no registration is required: https://hkr-se.zoom.us/j/5254490834
Register for the Colab and the Research Day
How to get to Kristianstad
The nearest airport is Copenhagen Airport or Malmoe Airport (Sturup)
Train: Take the train from Copenhagen Airport or Malmoe C, bound for Karlskrona, the stop is Kristianstad C.
Accomodation – hotels
Grand hotel Kristianstad
Hotel C4
Stadshotellet
Hotell Park Allé
Organiser:
Kristianstad University, the faculty of health Science and associated partners, Municipality of Kristianstad, Krinova Incubator and Science Park.
The agenda and programme for the co-lab are currently under development.
We are in the process of booking relevant speakers with representation from the entire quadruple helix. The full programme will be published no later than March.
Secure your place already now and expect full and engaging days on site in Kristianstad.
We hope to welcome you to Kristianstad in June!
COLOURS-team Kristianstad
Associated partners:
