The objective of the joint research programme Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) is to enhance the quality of life of older people through the use of information and communication technologies. Several European countries are involved in AAL. All are members of the AAL Association, an international entity which is in charge of the coordination of the programme.

The Luxembourg government has made the commitment to set aside €600,000 per year to finance the national participations shortlisted by the international AAL Association. €300,000 are reserved for public research organisations and €300,000 are for participants from the private sector. This national sum is complemented by European co-funding.

In the wider European context of demographic change and an ageing population, the AAL programme pursues a range of objectives:

• increase the autonomy, self-confidence and mobility of older people in order to extend the time they can live at home
• support to maintain the health and the functional capability of older individuals 
• promote a healthier lifestyle for individuals at risk 
• enhance security, prevent social isolation and support the maintenance of a multifunctional network surrounding older persons
• support families and care organisations
• increase the efficiency and productivity of the resources used in ageing societies

All businesses and private or public research organisations are potentially eligible for an AAL project. Calls for project proposals are published regularly. The participation rules are specified for each call. Projects must involve cooperation between organisations representing at least three AAL member countries. 

As AAL is a joint European research programme:

• the evaluation of project proposals is centralised (European)
• the funding is organised at national level 

The co-funding model involves contributions from the European Commission and financial support granted by the relevant member countries. In Luxembourg, the contact points are:

• for the private sector: Luxinnovation. Public co-funding is implemented in line with the Law of 5 June 2009 relating to the promotion of research, development and innovation (maximum aid intensities: 60% for a small business, 50% for a medium-sized enterprise, 40% for a large company)
• for public research organisations: the National Research Fund. Co-funding can cover up to 100% of the eligible cost

Consortia preparing project proposals are advised to consult Luxinnovation and/or the National Research Fund for free assistance.

If the proposal is evaluated favourably by the AAL programme, the enterprise or research organisation submits an application for funding to either Luxinnovation (for the private sector) or the National Research Fund (for public research organisations). Detailed guidelines are provided to project promoters whose proposals have been shortlisted by the evaluators.

The AAL programme complements the Cooperation programme of the 7th European Framework Programme for research and technological development (FP7). Financial support from the European Commission is granted in line with Article 185 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.