A young tech wizard from Maidenhead is on a top awards’ shortlist for his invention designed to help address the ‘critical issue’ of care for older people.

Max Bateson, 24 is vying for the title of Engineers in Business Fellowship’s (EIBF) Champion of Champions – which grants vital funding for his invention HYGGE.

HYGGE is a portable living space designed to help elderly people who need complex medical care but want to live close to loved ones.

Max said: “HYGGE was inspired by my personal experience when my grandmother, who suffers from dementia, moved into my parents’ home, putting a significant emotional, financial, and psychological strain on our family.

“Watching her lose her independence and seeing my parents struggle as informal carers, I realised the urgent need for a solution that could keep dependents close to their loved ones without compromising their dignity or overwhelming the caregivers.

“Traditional nursing homes were not an option due to their high costs, negative reputations, and the isolation they impose on residents.”

HYGGE features remote health monitoring technology and connects with NHS virtual wards to allow coordinated care between family caregivers and healthcare providers.

Virtual wards are becoming increasingly important in the NHS and wider health sector.

They allow a patient’s condition to be reviewed from their home and avoid the need for them to use a bed in hospital or other care facility.

HYGGE is designed to help reduce stress on family caregivers and ease pressures on public health infrastructure.

Winning EIBF’s top award grants entrepreneurs a share of a £16,500 prize pot to help further develop ideas and get them out on the market.

It also links aspiring inventors with business leaders to.

And Max, a Bournemouth University graduate, is optimistic about the final.

“It provides an incredible platform to showcase HYGGE on a larger stage, bringing attention to the critical issue of elderly care,” he said.

The Champion of Champions competition is held at Royal Academy of Engineering in London on November 8.

Ten teams from UK universities are facing off for the top prize but thousands of graduates and undergraduates have been involved over the year.

Max said: “This competition not only validates the hard work and dedication I’ve put into HYGGE but also connects me with like-minded entrepreneurs, potential investors, and mentors who can support the next phase of HYGGE’s growth.”

“For student and graduate engineers, understanding business skills is crucial because it bridges the gap between innovative ideas and practical implementation.

“Engineers are often at the forefront of solving complex problems, but without business acumen, they may struggle to turn their solutions into viable products or services.

“Learning business skills such as market analysis, financial planning, and strategic partnerships enables engineers to commercialize their innovations effectively, secure funding, and scale their impact.”

For more information on the competition visit eibc.org.uk

HYGGE is a Danish word describing the feeling of coziness and warmth.