AGE-WELL is launching its annual National Impact Challenge – with a twist. This year’s competition focuses on Canadian startups whose technologies or services can improve quality of life for older adults or their caregivers.
The AGE-WELL National Impact Challenge: Startup Edition will recognize top start-ups in Canada’s technology and aging sector, and support entrepreneurship that focuses on healthy aging.
Applicants from across the country will be challenged to explain in a two-minute (or less) video how their solution can positively impact older Canadians and/or caregivers.
“AGE-WELL has a broad mandate designed to respond to the pressing challenges of an aging population and to seize the opportunity that technology offers.”
A panel drawn from AGE-WELL’s business development team, Core Facility in Entrepreneurship and Older Adult and Caregiver Advisory Committee will select the finalists.
Five finalists will compete in each of three regional pitch competitions (held in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal – travel support will be provided), attended by thought leaders and interested members of the public.
Once the votes are tallied, the winner of each regional competition will receive $15,000 in cash, plus in-kind prizes.
“We’re excited to be launching this challenge, which will increase awareness of top startups in the tech and aging space – and support innovations that can help shape the future of aging,” says Dr. Alex Mihailidis, Scientific Co-Director and CEO of the AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence (NCE).
As Canada’s Technology and Aging Network, AGE-WELL brings together researchers, older adults, caregivers, partner organizations and future leaders to accelerate the delivery of technology-based solutions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians.
“AGE-WELL has a broad mandate designed to respond to the pressing challenges of an aging population and to seize the opportunity that technology offers,” says Dr. Mihailidis. “The AGE-WELL National Impact Challenge: Startup Edition aligns perfectly with our focus on practical solutions that help people in everyday life and bring social and economic benefits to Canadians.”
YouAreUNLTD is pleased to partner with AGE-WELL as media sponsor for the National Impact Challenge. We will be profiling the finalists, covering the events and highlighting the winners. Follow us on social media and join our network to stay up to date.
“Our mandate is to shine a light on the products and solutions people need to age powerfully,” says YouAreUNLTD partner, David Wright, who also sits on the Research Management Committee at AGE-WELL. “Part of that is encouraging innovation and shining a spotlight on companies and organizations disrupting the technology and aging sector.”
Other valuable sponsors of the competition include: CARP, Fasken, The Impact Centre at the University of Toronto, MEDTEQ and Ontario Brain Institute.
The deadline for startups to submit their video is Friday, May 10, 2019: Click here for details.
