ITEC 2026: Introducing Aico’s Technology Enabled Care Platform

0​4 March 2026

As we approach ITEC 2026 at the ICC Birmingham, we are pleased to share an early introduction to Aico’s forthcoming Technology Enabled Care (TEC) platform, which will be formally unveiled at the conference.

ITEC provides an important opportunity for the sector to reflect on the progress of digital transformation and to collaborate on the challenges and opportunities ahead. With the 2027 analogue-to-digital switchover fast approaching, the conversation is no longer about if change is coming — but how we ensure it is safe, scalable and beneficial for residents and providers alike.

A Digital-First Telecare Ecosystem

Aico Technology Enabled Care has been developed as a digital-first telecare ecosystem, designed to support independent living while reducing complexity and cost for housing providers, local authorities and care partners.

Built on Aico’s trusted life-safety heritage, the platform brings together:

• Wearable pendants with two-way speech and fall detection
• “I’m OK” and “I’m Not OK” reassurance buttons
• Environmental sensing
• Secure digital connectivity
• The HomeLINK platform with Virtual Call Centre (VCC) capability

Rather than approaching digital transition as a simple analogue replacement, our focus has been on creating an ecosystem that enables more proactive and preventative care models — while maintaining the high standards of compliance and assurance expected across the sector.

Assurance, Standards and Sector Confidence

As digital services evolve, independent verification and recognised standards are increasingly important in building sector trust.

The role of accreditation bodies such as UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) remains central in providing confidence that services and systems are assessed against robust, recognised criteria.

Similarly, alignment with recognised frameworks and quality benchmarks, including those associated with QSF Audit, reflects the wider commitment across housing, health and care to measurable quality, accountability and continual improvement.

At Aico, we recognise that digital transition is not only about technology — it is about governance, auditability and demonstrating that systems are safe, reliable and fit for purpose within established regulatory and quality frameworks.

Responding to the 2027 Digital Switchover

The analogue-to-digital transition presents both urgency and opportunity. Housing providers and commissioners have consistently highlighted three core priorities: simplicity, reliability and affordability.

Our TEC solution has been designed with these principles at its core — enabling organisations to future-proof their services without adding unnecessary operational burden.

The Principles Behind the Platform

Several key principles underpin the development of Aico Technology Enabled Care:

Flexible Deployment

Organisations can begin with a simple configuration and scale the system as resident needs evolve.

Holistic Coverage

The integration of fire, carbon monoxide, environmental monitoring and telecare within a single ecosystem provides a more complete safety solution.

Peace of Mind

The system delivers reassurance for residents, improved visibility for landlords and greater confidence for families.

Importantly, the platform is designed to work alongside Alarm Receiving Centres and established responder models across the UK. It offers configurable response pathways and clear audit trails, ensuring accountability and transparency.

Crucially, the system is event-led and focused on safety and consent — not surveillance.

ITEC 2026: A Soft Launch Phase

ITEC 2026 marks the soft launch of the platform. Pilot schemes are currently underway, with broader rollout planned later in the year.

We look forward to engaging with TSA members at the conference to explore how digital telecare can evolve beyond analogue replacement and support a more preventative, connected approach to resident wellbeing.

As the sector continues its digital journey, collaboration, accreditation and audit readiness will be essential. We welcome the opportunity to contribute to ongoing dialogue around delivering a safe, reliable and scalable digital transition.