A groundbreaking innovation in assistive technology is set to transform life for people living with Dementia. The Longitude Prize on Dementia has awarded its £1 million grand prize to CrossSense, a London-based team pioneering an AI-powered assistant designed for smart glasses.
At the heart of the technology is Wispy—a conversational AI companion that gently guides users through everyday tasks. From making a cup of tea to hosting friends, the system recognises objects in real time and adapts to each individual’s habits, helping maintain independence at home.
Szczepan Orlins, CEO, CrossSense Ltd said: “Winning the Longitude Prize on Dementia is a dream come true. As a small team with big ambitions, the prize’s support has accelerated CrossSense in ways that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. The technology is designed to support daily living, integrating multiple senses to simplify essential tasks. We’re grateful to the people living with dementia and their families who helped shape it. This win brings us closer to making CrossSense available to the public within the next year.”
Developed with input from people living with dementia and researchers at the University of Sussex, the technology has already shown promising results—improving memory, object recognition, and confidence in daily routines.
With dementia cases in the UK projected to reach 1.4 million by 2040, initiatives backed by organisations like Alzheimer’s Society and Innovate UK are increasingly vital. CrossSense’s win marks a major step forward, with plans to bring the technology to the public by 2027.
As AI continues to evolve, solutions like Wispy could redefine care—offering not just assistance, but dignity, independence, and a renewed sense of control.
