Would you like to contribute to solving future healthcare challenges in a groundbreaking, interdisciplinary innovation project with Systematic? Participate in a interdisciplinary innovation project as part of your project-based internship at Aarhus University. 

Expected start: August 2026

Elaboration of the Problem Statement

As the population in the 50–70-year age group grows; new health challenges arise. Many in this demographic experience a life phase characterized by low physical activity, increasing loneliness, and reduced engagement in communities, which can negatively impact both health and quality of life.

At the same time, this group often faces life situations where children have left home, divorces are more frequent, and financial means are available but do not necessarily lead to improved well-being. These factors contribute to a situation where the risk of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, etc., can be higher, placing a strain on the healthcare system. Men in this group are particularly affected. Beyond visiting doctors less frequently, many men also seldom discuss health and well-being with colleagues or family. Often, they only seek help in emergencies, which may come too late.

This project aims to explore whether easily accessible solutions in public spaces can be developed and implemented, which not only aid in preventing somatic illnesses but also motivate healthier lifestyles and encourage increased social interaction. By ensuring everyone gets access to the solution, for example through screening programs or by placing these solutions in public spaces access to health information and follow-up becomes easier, without requiring users to directly seek out the healthcare system. This can make it more manageable for the target group to gain insights into their health status and encourage swift, preventive measures.

Gamification elements and artificial intelligence may also be integrated to enhance engagement and make the experience both attractive and motivating. Through points, rewards, and social challenges, the solutions could encourage users to engage in regular follow-ups and possibly participate in small, shared health activities.

The project will investigate how best to implement new initiatives to meet the target group's need for easy access to health services while considering their social challenges. Can the project foster a proactive approach to health by combining functionality with gamification and offering citizens new, inclusive communities? The goal is not merely to provide health monitoring but to create positive experiences and inspire healthier lifestyles that combat loneliness and nurture new communities.

Expected Outcome
According to the problem statement, numerous relevant analysis products, design outputs, medical testing products, IT prototypes, educational materials, and implementation products could be delivered by the team.

The specific deliverables of the project-oriented course will naturally depend on the academic composition of the project group. Thus, during the kickoff week, the team must refine and adjust the problem statement and decide on the specific deliverables in collaboration with Systematic.

The outcome will be used as a recommendation to Systematic Healthcare Product Board, which decides on product investments for healthcare products provided by the company.

Who are you? 
You are currently a master’s student at Aarhus University in your 8th semester and are seeking a project-oriented placement in your 9th semester in autumn 2026.

Your academic background is not decisive. We are broadly recruiting candidates from all five faculties because we work interdisciplinarily. This means you will have the opportunity to contribute your specific expertise while collaborating with students from entirely different fields. We believe this is how the best and most innovative solutions are created. Thus, we need profiles from:

• humanities
• business
• technology
• health
• natural sciences. 

As a person, you are curious, open to collaboration, yet able to work independently and confident in your expertise. Additionally, you should be ambitious, quality-conscious, open to change, and receptive to constructive feedback. The project is open to both Danish and English-speaking students from AU.

The task requires insights into areas such as ethics, healthcare, GDPR, technology, business models, innovation processes, user involvement, value creation, design, analysis, and society.  

We offer 
A fascinating and socially relevant task with significant potential impact for Danish citizens, carried out in collaboration with other disciplines. 

In addition, you will receive: 

• A creative office environment close to Ringgaden and Aarhus University. 
• Free lunch. 
• A dedicated contact person (specialist) with special focus on the business perspective, knowledge of project implementation, development methods and healthcare domain knowledge. 
• An interdisciplinary coordinator from Aarhus University (specialist in innovation processes) to support both Systematic and the team in ensuring a good innovation and learning process. You will still have your individual academic supervisor as your subject-specific mentor. 
• Onboarding and kick-off to qualify the problem and your product deliveries based on your ideas and team. 
• Introduction to business development and innovation based on the methods we use at Systematic. 
• Training to help you succeed as a team, fostering respect for one another’s expertise and competencies. 
• Facilitated team meetings every two weeks, where you’ll reflect on collaboration and project progress. 

Application Process and Project Timeline

You apply by filling out the form on the application page and attaching a motivated application. In your application, you should explain why you deserve a spot in one of the two innovation teams. Also, briefly outline what skills and expertise you bring and what you hope to gain from the project.

The application deadline is April 1, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and teams will be formed as suitable candidates are identified. Hurry to apply, as we expect significant interest in this groundbreaking project.

Project Timeline

• The project begins August 11–13 with a joint onboarding program. Selected candidates will receive further information and practical details well in advance.
• The team will organize workflows, meetings, etc., during the course to balance potential differences in team members' resources.
• There may be variations in ECTS credits among team members. Facilitated team meetings are planned every two weeks, to be agreed upon with the team during the kickoff week.
• On December 15, the team will pitch their project idea to our internal Healthcare Product Board. Following the pitch, the team will receive feedback on their idea and the presented product.

You can find a short video from former participants talking about this opportunity here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oAhfGQV19PQ 

Contact for questions 

If you have questions about the program or application process, please contact Mikkel Harbo, mikkel.harbo@systematic.com

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