The increase in life expectancy, driven by scientific and technological advancements, contributes to population aging. While this allows people to live longer, it also leads to a higher prevalence of diseases and disabilities, many of which cause prolonged suffering. This reality presents a challenge for healthcare services. In this context, higher education professionals play a key role. Teachers must be motivated and prepared to understand and embrace this reality while equipping students with the necessary skills for their professional future. The Link Me Up – 1000 Ideas project, a system supporting co-creation in innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship, led by 13 Portuguese Polytechnic Institutes, fosters an entrepreneurial mindset and empowers students and young entrepreneurs. By connecting higher education with various entities, such as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, the project promotes innovative pedagogical practices in co-creation, fostering close cooperation with the local community. Specifically, in the area of Therapy and Rehabilitation, the Occupational Therapy degree program at the Polytechnic of Leiria’s School of Health allowed two professors to develop co-creation projects during the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic years. These projects Over a nine-week period, two professors collaborated with other faculty members (from Management) and small teams of 5-6 students in a structured co-creation process. These interdisciplinary teams worked alongside representatives from selected partner institutions to address pressing, complex issues that concerned both academia and industry. The Visioning process allowed teams to explore and design innovative health solutions for two small and medium-sized enterprises in Leiria specializing in aging and rehabilitation:
"Wellbeing in Rehabilitation" – Developed for a Medium-Term Rehabilitation Unit within the Portuguese network of integrated continuous care. This project explored aspects that contribute to the well-being of patients during their temporary (up to 90 days) hospitalization, at discharge, and post-discharge into the community.
"Let’s Make Caretaking an Attractive Job" – Designed for a residential care facility for older adults, this project identified the occupational needs of formal caregivers in their daily work routines. The team developed a prototype for a new diaper-changing system, aimed at reducing physical strain and saving caregivers’ time.

These micro-projects, part of the broader Link Me Up – 1000 Ideas initiative, resulted in a final report and provided professors with valuable knowledge on project-based learning, collaborative work, and innovative product development. The experience reinforced the importance of academia-industry cooperation in creating practical solutions aligned with megatrends and technological advancements shaping healthcare until 2030.

Conclusion:
Integrating students, teachers, and community partner institutions strengthens experiential learning, social responsibility, and innovation, benefiting both participants and the wider community. Practical experiences enhance students' employability, foster a culture of inclusion, and promote social responsibility.

Keywords: Education, Occupational Therapy, Community Services, Polytechnic Institutes.