The DETECT 2.0 project fosters AI-driven innovation to enhance the independence and quality of life for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early-stage dementia. By equipping healthcare and ICT students in HEI and VET with AI related knowledge and human-centric innovation skills, it ensures future professionals’ capability to develop and apply ethical, patient-centered technology in dementia care. DETECT 2.0 also increases awareness about AI’s potential among professionals in dementia care, ensuring better adoption of new technologies. With a collaborative innovation ecosystem approach, DETECT 2.0 integrates healthcare organizations, AI companies, educators, and researchers, and strengthens regional AI innovation ecosystems, boosting economic vitality, future workforce development and driving sustainable healthcare transformation to a green economy. It leverages European expertise to address the growing burden of dementia, empowering future healthcare and ICT professionals to develop responsible AI solutions. DETECT 2.0 expected short-term impact and results: • 150 HEI & VET students participated in experiential learning to develop AI-based dementia care innovations. • 50 dementia care professionals gain AI awareness and innovation skills. • 4 AI innovation ecosystems established. • 1 AI Innovation Hub supporting regional & transnational collaboration. • 5 HEI/VET curricula modernized with AI content. • 40 new digital educational materials developed. • 1 open-access online library for digital AI-focused educational materials. • 20 real-world dementia care challenges for development of AI-Based Prototypes. Through renewed HEI and VET education and educational materials DETECT 2.0 strengthens innovation capacity, digital and entrepreneurial skills, and collaborative networks, and thus shapes the future workforce, ensuring lasting impact on dementia care and healthcare digitalization in Europe.