Latest news with #AgeTech
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Aon Appoints Jo Ann Jenkins to Board of Directors
DUBLIN, Aug. 4, 2025 /CNW/ -- Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today announced that Jo Ann Jenkins has been appointed to its Board of Directors, effective August 15, 2025. "We are pleased to welcome Jo Ann Jenkins to Aon's Board of Directors," said Board Chair Lester B. Knight. "Jo Ann's experience leading large nonprofit and public sector organizations will bring new insights to our Board as we look to deliver more value for Aon's clients, colleagues and shareholders." Jenkins previously served as CEO of AARP, the world's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to social change and helping people 50 and over to improve the quality of their lives. Among her accomplishments at AARP, Jenkins championed the multigenerational workforce, healthy longevity, protecting Social Security and Medicare and lowering the cost of prescription drugs. She led through a spirit of innovation, creating AgeTech and launching a Digital First journey to help AARP better serve its members in the future. Prior to her appointment as CEO, Jenkins served as AARP's COO and before that as president of AARP Foundation. Before joining AARP, Jenkins served at the Library of Congress as COO and Chief of Staff. She has also held a variety of senior roles at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Jenkins also serves on the board of General Mills and Avnet and has held a variety of board and advisory positions, including with AARP Services, AARP Funds, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the Wall Street Journal CEO Council, Kennedy Center National Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, Stanford School of Medicine Board of Fellows, U.S. Small Business Administration Council on Underserved Communities and Caring for Military Families. Fortune magazine named Jenkins as "One of the World's 50 Greatest Leaders" in 2019 and 2021 and she is the author of the best-selling book, Disrupt Aging: A Bold New Path to Living Your Best Life at Every Age. "It is exciting to join Aon's Board as the firm accelerates its strategy to help organizations around the world address interconnected risk and people issues in an increasingly complex and uncertain environment," said Jenkins. "I am looking forward to sharing my perspective and working together with Aon's board and executive leadership to unlock further opportunities for the firm's clients to empower their people and protect and grow their businesses." For more information about Aon's corporate governance practices and Board of Directors, please click here. Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses. Media Contact [email protected] Toll-free (U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico): +1 833 751 8114 International: +1 312 381 3024 SOURCE Aon plc
Forbes
21-07-2025
- Health
- Forbes
AI Is Reimagining Retirement, But Who's Plugging It In?
When retirement and aging-in-place meets 'please hold for tech support.' Living well in retirement isn't just about planning for financial security in older age; it's increasingly about integrating artificial intelligence in your thermostat, your watch, and your medicine cabinet. The shelves are full. The websites are endless. The power and promise of technology to improve retirement life is profound. Sensors that detect falls before they happen. Smart pillboxes that chirp when you forget your meds. AI-powered doorbells that recognize faces. Countertop devices that ask if you're okay. Fluffy robot pets that purr for your attention or tell you a joke. Watches that monitor your gait. Wall-mounted devices that listen for silence when there should be sound. This isn't science fiction. This is where older age meets new technology. Welcome to the world of AgeTech. Why Aging And Technology Still Don't Connect I recently wandered into a big-box consumer electronics store, just looking around to see what off-the-shelf technology might offer older consumers or their caregivers. What I found wasn't clarity. It was confusion. Overhead banners proudly read 'Smart Home.' The displays were blinking and polished. The store associates were friendly. Everything claimed to be simple. But none of it seemed to say, 'Here's something that could give you peace of mind that mom is okay while you're juggling a job and long-distance caregiving,' or 'This might provide convenience today and care for you tomorrow.' Even after nearly three decades at the MIT AgeLab, working at the intersection of aging and technology, I found myself standing in front of a smart thermostat display wondering: Is this what aging-in-place is supposed to look like? I went online next, hoping the web's infinite shelf space might offer clarity. Instead, I got the digital equivalent of 1,000 greeters at the front door. Some wore clinical white coats, others friendly cardigans. Some platforms claimed to be a hub to solve 'all your caregiving needs.' Former caregivers offered up a singular device for a single function that connected with nothing I owned. Others swore their wearable was different because it is discreet, fashionable, and FDA-cleared. All smiled confidently from my screen. None helped me decide what I needed, how it would work in my life, or who would help me install it. There is a broken connection between technology's promise on the lab bench and its actual use in the living room. It was the consumer journey equivalent of Russian roulette: click, buy, and hope for the best. The Technology Is Ready. The Experience Is Not What we're seeing in AgeTech is not a lack of innovation. It's a lack of integration. A failure not in engineering, but in empathy and understanding the context of aging and caregiving. The tools are here. The support is not. From machine learning and predictive analytics to emotion-aware AI and ambient sensors, the innovations are staggering. According to AARP, the 50-plus are anticipated to be a $120 billion technology market by 2030. AgeTech is projected to double in size from a current market of $1 trillion to $2 trillion. But without trusted support, these tools risk becoming just another unopened box on the kitchen counter. What's missing is a system that gets this technology out of the box and into the lives of real people. And by real people, I mean two in particular: They're not gadget geeks. They're not early adopters. They're not browsing for fun. They're looking because something, like a fall, just happened, or they're afraid it might. Yet what greets these consumers is a paradox of choice: too many options, too little guidance, and no trusted advisor to lead the way. Today's adult daughters are not only caregivers, they're Chief Technology Officers of their parents' ... More homes. Smart Tech Meets Its Biggest Challenge: Retirement Living Surveys consistently show that the vast majority of people over age 50 want to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. And so, technology has risen to meet that goal. We now have ambient sensors that detect patterns of daily life and alert loved ones or call centers to deviations. Wearables track everything from steps to oxygen saturation. Platforms offer video visits, medication management, and virtual companionship. The tools are here. But aging-in-place isn't just about installing devices. It's about building a way of life. Retirement is no longer an extended vacation. It's potentially 8,000 days, nearly a full third of our adult lives. And that life will increasingly rely on tech not just to entertain or monitor, but to enable. But here's the challenge: retirement living now requires an IT department. Who installs the devices? Who explains them? Who updates them? Who makes sure they're still working when the Wi-Fi hiccups? How to pay for it all? The greatest unmet need in AgeTech is not a new gadget. It is the emergence of a new service profession. The Most Important Job In Aging Tech Hasn't Been Invented Yet Too many startups and retailers are introducing unrelated devices into a home technology ecosystem that's missing an instruction manual. We need someone who understands more than gadgets. There are home security companies that offer some safety features. A highly fragmented home automation installation sector offers smart lighting and entertainment systems, but AgeTech is in addition to, not the focus of, their business. But technology knowledge alone is not enough. To truly optimize the power and potential of AgeTech, a new service business must develop. A service company that provides professionals with a deep understanding of older adults, caregivers, and the real dynamics of retirement living at home. Call them an AgeTech professional, a longevity tech planner, a caregiving concierge, or a smart home coach. Call them anything. But what we need is someone who can ensure that the systems we buy actually work, work together, reliably, for the long haul. Imagine if we approached aging and technology the same methodological way we approach retirement financial planning. Not with 'Buy This Thing' ads, but with trained and qualified advisors. Personalized plans. Regular check-ins. Adjustments as necessary. Trust. Why Aging And Technology Needs More Human Touch We often talk about aging as a demographic trend or economic issue. But at the center of it are real people trying to live well, live long, and live independently. And when technology enters that story, whether it's a wearable, a sensor, or a digital companion, it doesn't arrive as a neutral tool. It is first a stranger in someone's daily life and most personal space, their home. Older adults don't just evaluate technology based on utility and cost. They weigh the safety of a camera watching them against the loss of dignity that comes with less privacy. Caregivers don't just want data. They want reassurance. They want to know they're doing the right thing. That they're not alone. And that the tech they choose helps them rather than adds to their already long list of things to manage. That's why AgeTech isn't just about the device. It's about the service. Ultimately, it's about providing a solution. From the moment someone realizes they need help, through installation, learning, troubleshooting, and eventual updating, technology in older age is a profoundly human journey. The Next AgeTech Killer App Will Come With A Smile The AgeTech revolution is real. The technology that is coming is astonishing. But it risks stalling not because the tech isn't good, but because no one is there to plug it in, literally and figuratively. The next great breakthrough in the longevity economy may not be a smarter robot. The next killer app will likely arrive in a van with a trusted, universally recognized brand, in a uniform, deliver a smile, be patient and understanding, and be an expert in all things aging and technology. Because in retirement living, the real innovation isn't a gadget or form of artificial intelligence. The next big thing is trusted, human-centered service.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
MEDTEQ+ and AGE-WELL announce a new pan-Canadian cohort of innovative collaborative projects through the envisAGE initiative
20 new technological solutions to support the quality of life of older adults and caregivers MONTREAL, July 10, 2025 /CNW/ - MEDTEQ+ and AGE-WELL, two leaders in the AgeTech sector, are pleased to announce the second cohort of 20 collaborative projects selected as part of envisAGE, an initiative that enables mature AgeTech innovations to be tested and evaluated in real-world settings across Canada with the aim of accelerating their commercialization. The innovations selected address priority needs relevant to supporting quality aging for Canadians, including autonomy and independence, cognitive health and dementia, healthy lifestyles and wellness, maintaining social connections, supportive homes and communities, health care and health service delivery, mobility and transportation, financial wellness and employment. This second cohort of collaborative projects adds to the 15 other projects announced last year and consists of 20 SMEs, 19 Community Labs (real-world implementation settings), 7 Beachheads (expert evaluation centres), and three Innovation Hubs (centres of excellence), all mobilized to improve the quality of life of older adults through technological innovations from across Canada. " Older adults are critical to building our country and deserve the best possible health and wellness outcomes. Through the envisAGE initiative, we are supporting the development of cutting-edge technological innovations that are having a tremendous positive impact on the lives of Canadian seniors from coast-to-coast-to-coast," said The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. "In Québec, we're joining forces to harness technological innovation for the well-being of the population. The envisAGE initiative is a great example, as it accelerates the implementation of innovative technologies developed by local SMEs to help older adults stay safe, maintain their autonomy and improve their quality of life," said Christopher Skeete, Minister for the Economy, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region. "We are inspired by the impressive response from Canada's AgeTech ecosystem and its mobilization through envisAGE. These collaborative projects bring together stakeholders from six different provinces with a common goal of improving the quality of life of older adults and helping professionals and caregivers. By mobilizing industry, academia, clinical and community sectors, and older adults and caregivers, envisAGE is propelling innovative solutions to market to support quality," said Sabrina Boutin, Executive Director of envisAGE, Vice President of Strategy and Global Partnerships at MEDTEQ+. The funding for the second cohort of projects totals more than $23 million including up to $6 million in funding from the envisAGE initiative which is supported by the Government of Canada's Strategic Innovation Fund, and approximately $1.6 million from the Quebec government's Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie. The projects selected for the second cohort include: Connected clock and Idem pillbox: implementation and evaluation of benefits in the context of home support for older adults Eugeria, the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal and le Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM) are collaborating to implement a technology combining a smart clock and a connected pillbox. The evaluation will assess the innovation's impact on the autonomy of seniors receiving home care. AI as a conversational companion for older adults living in an institutional setting An AI-powered companion created by Amical, an SME specializing in artificial intelligence (AI), will be assessed in collaboration with the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale and Groupe Santé Arbec. Replacement nurse call system for management of fall prevention, unwanted exits, and infection control in a long-term care setting St. Michael's Long-Term Care Centre (LTC) and Acute Care Alberta will evaluate longer-term impacts of Tenera Care management platform as a replacement nurse call system. Wearable device in continuing care homes for resident monitoring, response time, fall prevention, and reduction of harm AgeCare, and Acute Care Alberta will assess the impact to resident safety through the Fallyx wearable sensor with advanced fall detection and location monitoring technology. TAKECARE: optimizing care and well-being in older adults' residences To demonstrate the adaptability and applicability of a cutting-edge monitoring tool for a wide range of needs, Solutions Greybox is partnering with the Appartements du Square Angus and the NIM Intelliance/CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal Innovation Centre. Air-Sequr inflatable hip protector for older residents at risk of falling in long-term care A partnership between Azimut Médical, CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Montreal Chinese Hospital) and Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal - CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal will recruit residents at the Montreal Chinese Hospital Long-Term Care residence to assess inflatable hip devices. AMBA smart room: enhancing resident safety and predictive care in long-term care through passive monitoring and AI-driven insights Led by Amba Health and Care Canada Ltd., in collaboration with Donald Berman Jewish Eldercare Centre, and OROT / CIUSSS Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, this initiative will deploy smart room technology to automate resident monitoring, detect early health risks and optimize nighttime care. Soins de Vie Plus: the care security program that promotes the autonomy of seniors at home through AI The Soins de Vie Plus project, led by Equinoxe in collaboration with OROT- CIUSSS Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, will assess a smart remote monitoring solution allowing seniors to live safely at home. Ambulation and retraining mobility mechanism, to improve resident mobility and independence, and staff efficienciesBISEP Innovations Inc., The Brenda Strafford Foundation, CLIQ and Acute Care Alberta partner to evaluate the implementation, feasibility and impact of a device to attach to wheelchairs to support patient transfers and ambulation in a continuing care setting. Dementia home operations monitoring assessment project (DHOMA) Josephine Care, NIM Intelliance Innovation Centre - CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal and MedicAlert Foundation Canada will assess the use of passive in-home monitoring to support older adults living with dementia and their care partners to reduce the stress related to managing evolving and changing behaviours associated with the progression of dementia and dementia-related wandering. Evaluating the effectiveness of intelligent companion dolls in reducing social isolation and loneliness in long-term care residents, improving resident quality of life, and reducing care provider burnout VanTech Med, in collaboration with Broadmead Care and the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA), are conducting a project to evaluate the impact of Sundae Doll, an AI-powered companion doll on older adults' well-being and social engagement. Integrating AI into pharmacy workflows to enhance efficiency, reduce medication errors, and improve patient safety Asepha, in collaboration with MediSystem and Bruyère Health, is implementing an AI-powered medication reconciliation tool to automate this process. SAGE powered by iMatr: empowering older adults using democratic technology (DemTech) - Your Voice Matters IMtar Canada Inc. partners with Sunrise Senior Living (Burlington) and McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) to assess the impact of SAGE (Seniors' Awareness and Global Events) to enable older adults to stay informed, discuss current events, and engage directly with their communities and elected representatives. Taebo Reboot CogniFlow: an immersive approach combining physical exercise and cognitive stimulation for active agingTaebo Reboot CogniFlow is an initiative led by XPR Labs that aims to integrate cognitive stimulation into a proven immersive physical exercise platform in partnership with OROT – CIUSSS Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal and the Douglas Mental Health University Institute – Centre intégré universitaire de santéet de services sociaux de l'Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal). Community screening app for atrial fibrillation in older adults Braver, Université Laval and Fondation AGES collaborate to increase early detection of atrial fibrillation and improve treatment adherence to prevent stroke. AI-powered monitoring and real-time alerts for responsive behaviours and wandering prevention in long-term care NeuraVue, in collaboration with Langley Lodge, Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North (CTAAN), and Sensors and Analytics for Monitoring Mobility and Memory (SAM3), is implementing an AI-powered real time monitoring systems to enhance resident safety and caregiver support in long-term care environments. This innovative solution detects and alerts caregivers about responsive behaviours, such as aggression, verbal escalations, and wandering/elopement risks. Mance-AI: intelligent detection and alert solution to enhance older adults' safety at Sentiom, Habitations Bordeleau and IVADO are teaming up to improve the safety and quality of services in older adults' residences through a real-time analysis and alert platform linked to sensors to monitor older adults. Integrated pharmacy-based tiered primary care model A collaboration between Cridge Pharmacy, Care2Talk, and Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North (CTAAN), introduces an innovative pharmacy-based virtual care model that integrates in-person pharmacist consultations, virtual healthcare visits, and on-site nurse practitioner (NP) care. NurseGPT: Improving resident care in long-term care through AI-enhanced nursing documentation Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North (CTAAN), Broadmead Care and Carecorp Seniors Services are collaborating to evaluate NurseGPT, an innovative AI-powered documentation solution designed specifically to increase direct care hours provided to residents in long-term care (LTC). Integrating sensor technology and multidisciplinary care to ensure safe, secure and healthy independent aging The collaboration between Sensors and Analytics for Monitoring Mobility and Memory (SAM3), and Generations aims to redefine independent aging through innovative technology which monitors, detects risks, and facilitates communication. The entire list of 35 collaborative projects is available here. "MEDTEQ+ is proud to co-lead this initiative which, in just two years, already supports 35 collaborative projects aimed at improving the quality of life of older adults and their caregivers through technological innovation. I would like to congratulate the funded teams for their commitment and creativity. We deeply value the contributions of all our partners in the Canadian AgeTech ecosystem, including AGE-WELL and the various levels of government for their vital support. As the needs associated with aging grow rapidly, we are putting our expertise to work for businesses and research to build a strong sector and deliver concrete solutions that allow older adults to remain autonomous, connected, and free to choose where and how they live."Annie-Kim Gilbert, President and CEO, MEDTEQ+ "AGE-WELL congratulates the teams behind today's project announcement. AGE-WELL is committed to advancing AgeTech solutions to enhance the well-being and independence of older adults while supporting caregivers and healthcare professionals. Through envisAGE, we're bringing AgeTech to communities across Canada, driving commercialization and empowering Canadian innovators to lead in the AgeTech market. We extend our sincere appreciation to all our partners, including our co-lead MEDTEQ+, as well as the various levels of government, for their invaluable collaboration in shaping a vibrant and responsive AgeTech ecosystem."Bridgette Murphy, Acting CEO, AGE-WELL About envisAGE MEDTEQ+, a leader in accelerating innovation and supporting entrepreneurs in the Canadian MedTech industry, and AGE-WELL, Canada's leading research and innovation network in AgeTech, have joined forces as co-leads in envisAGE. This large-scale pan-Canadian five-year initiative brings stakeholders together to provide resources and support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to integrate technologies that address the challenges of aging and build Canadian leadership in the AgeTech market. The envisAGE initiative is funded through the Government of Canada's Strategic Innovation Fund, with additional contributions of 4.5 million from the Government of Quebec, industry, non-profits, and other partners. To learn more about envisAGE, visit: About MEDTEQ+ MEDTEQ+, a pan-Canadian industrial research and innovation consortium, is dedicated to helping healthcare technology companies bring their innovations to market, accelerate economic growth and contribute to improving the health of the population. Through its unique expertise and collaborative approach, MEDTEQ+ offers support services across the innovation continuum, validation and integration of technological solutions in real-life environments, financing and networking with key ecosystem partners to accelerate the commercialization of innovative healthcare technologies. MEDTEQ+ also supports the envisAGE initiative, which aims to catalyze the AgeTech ecosystem and stimulate technological development in supporting aging. MEDTEQ+ relies, among others, on financial support from the Government of Quebec, the Government of Canada, the private sector and complementary partners to foster research and industry About AGE-WELL AGE-WELL is Canada's Technology and Aging Network. As a dynamic pan-Canadian network with global reach, AGE-WELL has mobilized a vast community of 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 older Canadians and their caregivers. AGE-WELL serves as a catalyst for technological innovation that supports healthy aging while driving Canada's growing AgeTech sector. SOURCE AGE-WELL View original content to download multimedia: Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Cision Canada
10-07-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
MEDTEQ+ and AGE-WELL announce a new pan-Canadian cohort of innovative collaborative projects through the envisAGE initiative
20 new technological solutions to support the quality of life of older adults and caregivers MONTREAL, July 10, 2025 /CNW/ - MEDTEQ+ and AGE-WELL, two leaders in the AgeTech sector, are pleased to announce the second cohort of 20 collaborative projects selected as part of envisAGE, an initiative that enables mature AgeTech innovations to be tested and evaluated in real-world settings across Canada with the aim of accelerating their commercialization. The innovations selected address priority needs relevant to supporting quality aging for Canadians, including autonomy and independence, cognitive health and dementia, healthy lifestyles and wellness, maintaining social connections, supportive homes and communities, health care and health service delivery, mobility and transportation, financial wellness and employment. This second cohort of collaborative projects adds to the 15 other projects announced last year and consists of 20 SMEs, 19 Community Labs (real-world implementation settings), 7 Beachheads (expert evaluation centres), and three Innovation Hubs (centres of excellence), all mobilized to improve the quality of life of older adults through technological innovations from across Canada. " Older adults are critical to building our country and deserve the best possible health and wellness outcomes. Through the envisAGE initiative, we are supporting the development of cutting-edge technological innovations that are having a tremendous positive impact on the lives of Canadian seniors from coast-to-coast-to-coast," said The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. "In Québec, we're joining forces to harness technological innovation for the well-being of the population. The envisAGE initiative is a great example, as it accelerates the implementation of innovative technologies developed by local SMEs to help older adults stay safe, maintain their autonomy and improve their quality of life," said Christopher Skeete, Minister for the Economy, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region. "We are inspired by the impressive response from Canada's AgeTech ecosystem and its mobilization through envisAGE. These collaborative projects bring together stakeholders from six different provinces with a common goal of improving the quality of life of older adults and helping professionals and caregivers. By mobilizing industry, academia, clinical and community sectors, and older adults and caregivers, envisAGE is propelling innovative solutions to market to support quality," said Sabrina Boutin, Executive Director of envisAGE, Vice President of Strategy and Global Partnerships at MEDTEQ+. The funding for the second cohort of projects totals more than $23 million including up to $6 million in funding from the envisAGE initiative which is supported by the Government of Canada's Strategic Innovation Fund, and approximately $1.6 million from the Quebec government's Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie. The projects selected for the second cohort include: Connected clock and Idem pillbox: implementation and evaluation of benefits in the context of home support for older adults Eugeria, the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal and le Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM) are collaborating to implement a technology combining a smart clock and a connected pillbox. The evaluation will assess the innovation's impact on the autonomy of seniors receiving home care. AI as a conversational companion for older adults living in an institutional setting An AI-powered companion created by Amical, an SME specializing in artificial intelligence (AI), will be assessed in collaboration with the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale and Groupe Santé Arbec. Replacement nurse call system for management of fall prevention, unwanted exits, and infection control in a long-term care setting St. Michael's Long-Term Care Centre (LTC) and Acute Care Alberta will evaluate longer-term impacts of Tenera Care management platform as a replacement nurse call system. Wearable device in continuing care homes for resident monitoring, response time, fall prevention, and reduction of harm AgeCare, and Acute Care Alberta will assess the impact to resident safety through the Fallyx wearable sensor with advanced fall detection and location monitoring technology. TAKECARE: optimizing care and well-being in older adults' residences To demonstrate the adaptability and applicability of a cutting-edge monitoring tool for a wide range of needs, Solutions Greybox is partnering with the Appartements du Square Angus and the NIM Intelliance/CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal Innovation Centre. Air-Sequr inflatable hip protector for older residents at risk of falling in long-term care A partnership between Azimut Médical, CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal (Montreal Chinese Hospital) and Centre de recherche de l'Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal - CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l' Î le-de-Montréal will recruit residents at the Montreal Chinese Hospital Long-Term Care residence to assess inflatable hip devices. AMBA smart room: enhancing resident safety and predictive care in long-term care through passive monitoring and AI-driven insights Led by Amba Health and Care Canada Ltd., in collaboration with Donald Berman Jewish Eldercare Centre, and OROT / CIUSSS Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, this initiative will deploy smart room technology to automate resident monitoring, detect early health risks and optimize nighttime care. Soins de Vie Plus: the care security program that promotes the autonomy of seniors at home through AI The Soins de Vie Plus project, led by Equinoxe in collaboration with OROT- CIUSSS Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, will assess a smart remote monitoring solution allowing seniors to live safely at home. Ambulation and retraining mobility mechanism, to improve resident mobility and independence, and staff efficiencies BISEP Innovations Inc., The Brenda Strafford Foundation, CLIQ and Acute Care Alberta partner to evaluate the implementation, feasibility and impact of a device to attach to wheelchairs to support patient transfers and ambulation in a continuing care setting. Dementia home operations monitoring assessment project (DHOMA) Josephine Care, NIM Intelliance Innovation Centre - CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'Île-de-Montréal and MedicAlert Foundation Canada will assess the use of passive in-home monitoring to support older adults living with dementia and their care partners to reduce the stress related to managing evolving and changing behaviours associated with the progression of dementia and dementia-related wandering. Evaluating the effectiveness of intelligent companion dolls in reducing social isolation and loneliness in long-term care residents, improving resident quality of life, and reducing care provider burnout VanTech Med, in collaboration with Broadmead Care and the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA), are conducting a project to evaluate the impact of Sundae Doll, an AI-powered companion doll on older adults' well-being and social engagement. Integrating AI into pharmacy workflows to enhance efficiency, reduce medication errors, and improve patient safety Asepha, in collaboration with MediSystem and Bruyère Health, is implementing an AI-powered medication reconciliation tool to automate this process. SAGE powered by iMatr: empowering older adults using democratic technology (DemTech) - Your Voice Matters IMtar Canada Inc. partners with Sunrise Senior Living (Burlington) and McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA) to assess the impact of SAGE (Seniors' Awareness and Global Events) to enable older adults to stay informed, discuss current events, and engage directly with their communities and elected representatives. Taebo Reboot CogniFlow: an immersive approach combining physical exercise and cognitive stimulation for active aging Taebo Reboot CogniFlow is an initiative led by XPR Labs that aims to integrate cognitive stimulation into a proven immersive physical exercise platform in partnership with OROT – CIUSSS Centre-Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal and the Douglas Mental Health University Institute – Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l'Ouest-de-l'Île-de-Montréal). Community screening app for atrial fibrillation in older adults Braver, Université Laval and Fondation AGES collaborate to increase early detection of atrial fibrillation and improve treatment adherence to prevent stroke. AI-powered monitoring and real-time alerts for responsive behaviours and wandering prevention in long-term care NeuraVue, in collaboration with Langley Lodge, Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North (CTAAN), and Sensors and Analytics for Monitoring Mobility and Memory (SAM 3), is implementing an AI-powered real time monitoring systems to enhance resident safety and caregiver support in long-term care environments. This innovative solution detects and alerts caregivers about responsive behaviours, such as aggression, verbal escalations, and wandering/elopement risks. Mance-AI: intelligent detection and alert solution to enhance older adults' safety at Sentiom, Habitations Bordeleau and IVADO are teaming up to improve the safety and quality of services in older adults' residences through a real-time analysis and alert platform linked to sensors to monitor older adults. Integrated pharmacy-based tiered primary care model A collaboration between Cridge Pharmacy, Care2Talk, and Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North (CTAAN), introduces an innovative pharmacy-based virtual care model that integrates in-person pharmacist consultations, virtual healthcare visits, and on-site nurse practitioner (NP) care. NurseGPT: Improving resident care in long-term care through AI-enhanced nursing documentation Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North (CTAAN), Broadmead Care and Carecorp Seniors Services are collaborating to evaluate NurseGPT, an innovative AI-powered documentation solution designed specifically to increase direct care hours provided to residents in long-term care (LTC). Integrating sensor technology and multidisciplinary care to ensure safe, secure and healthy independent aging The collaboration between Sensors and Analytics for Monitoring Mobility and Memory (SAM 3), and Generations aims to redefine independent aging through innovative technology which monitors, detects risks, and facilitates communication. The entire list of 35 collaborative projects is available here. "MEDTEQ+ is proud to co-lead this initiative which, in just two years, already supports 35 collaborative projects aimed at improving the quality of life of older adults and their caregivers through technological innovation. I would like to congratulate the funded teams for their commitment and creativity. We deeply value the contributions of all our partners in the Canadian AgeTech ecosystem, including AGE-WELL and the various levels of government for their vital support. As the needs associated with aging grow rapidly, we are putting our expertise to work for businesses and research to build a strong sector and deliver concrete solutions that allow older adults to remain autonomous, connected, and free to choose where and how they live." Annie-Kim Gilbert, President and CEO, MEDTEQ+ "AGE-WELL congratulates the teams behind today's project announcement. AGE-WELL is committed to advancing AgeTech solutions to enhance the well-being and independence of older adults while supporting caregivers and healthcare professionals. Through envisAGE, we're bringing AgeTech to communities across Canada, driving commercialization and empowering Canadian innovators to lead in the AgeTech market. We extend our sincere appreciation to all our partners, including our co-lead MEDTEQ+, as well as the various levels of government, for their invaluable collaboration in shaping a vibrant and responsive AgeTech ecosystem." Bridgette Murphy, Acting CEO, AGE-WELL About envisAGE MEDTEQ+, a leader in accelerating innovation and supporting entrepreneurs in the Canadian MedTech industry, and AGE-WELL, Canada's leading research and innovation network in AgeTech, have joined forces as co-leads in envisAGE. This large-scale pan-Canadian five-year initiative brings stakeholders together to provide resources and support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to integrate technologies that address the challenges of aging and build Canadian leadership in the AgeTech market. The envisAGE initiative is funded through the Government of Canada's Strategic Innovation Fund, with additional contributions of 4.5 million from the Government of Quebec, industry, non-profits, and other partners. To learn more about envisAGE, visit: About MEDTEQ+ MEDTEQ+, a pan-Canadian industrial research and innovation consortium, is dedicated to helping healthcare technology companies bring their innovations to market, accelerate economic growth and contribute to improving the health of the population. Through its unique expertise and collaborative approach, MEDTEQ+ offers support services across the innovation continuum, validation and integration of technological solutions in real-life environments, financing and networking with key ecosystem partners to accelerate the commercialization of innovative healthcare technologies. MEDTEQ+ also supports the envisAGE initiative, which aims to catalyze the AgeTech ecosystem and stimulate technological development in supporting aging. MEDTEQ+ relies, among others, on financial support from the Government of Quebec, the Government of Canada, the private sector and complementary partners to foster research and industry relations. About AGE-WELL AGE-WELL is Canada's Technology and Aging Network. As a dynamic pan-Canadian network with global reach, AGE-WELL has mobilized a vast community of 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 older Canadians and their caregivers. AGE-WELL serves as a catalyst for technological innovation that supports healthy aging while driving Canada's growing AgeTech sector.
Cision Canada
18-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
AGE-WELL invites startups and SMEs to pitch tech solutions for older adults and caregivers
TORONTO, June 18, 2025 /CNW/ - AGE-WELL has launched the 2025 AGE-WELL National Impact Challenge: Implementing Change, a national pitch competition that spotlights innovators with technology-based solutions designed to support healthy aging. One of Canada's most dynamic pitch competitions, this year's challenge spotlights Canadian startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) whose AgeTech innovations are ready for real-world implementation. Whether you're actively partnering with an organization that serves older adults and/or caregivers, or selling directly to older adults──with a strong plan for adoption, this is your chance to showcase how your solution can make a difference in the lives of older adult and/or caregivers. Selected finalists will pitch live before a panel of expert judges at the AGE-WELL 10th Annual Conference, with a chance to win at least $20,000 along with various in-kind prizes, gain access to the AGE-WELL Innovation Studio, and receive resources to help drive real-world implementation. "Implementation is where impact truly begins," said Bridgette Murphy, Acting CEO of AGE-WELL, Canada's technology and aging network. "This year's AGE-WELL National Impact Challenge is focused on advancing AgeTech innovations that are ready for real-world implementation – solutions with the potential to transform homes, communities and care settings. It's all about improving the health, quality of life, or work for older Canadians and caregivers." Applicants are asked to submit an online form and a 2-minute video pitch by August 14, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST. For applicants implementing their solution, you should be involved in a partnership that places you at Stage 2 through 4 of AGE-WELL's Implementation Journey Map. At the time of a finalist pitch, project activities must still be ongoing and/or in an active scale up phase together with your adoption partner. To apply or find out more about the 2025 AGE-WELL National Impact Challenge: Implementing Change, please visit the competition main page. For a decade, AGE-WELL has served as a catalyst for technological innovation that advances Canada's AgeTech sector and empowers older adults to live healthy, independent and engaged lives. AGE-WELL thanks the generous sponsors of this year's 2025 National Impact Challenge: Implementing Change: the Ontario Brain Institute (OBI) and SE Health. Join the conversation: #AWImpact About AGE-WELL: AGE-WELL is Canada's Technology and Aging Network. As a dynamic pan-Canadian network with global reach, AGE-WELL has mobilized a vast community of 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 older Canadians and their caregivers. AGE-WELL serves as a catalyst for technological innovation that supports healthy aging while driving Canada's growing AgeTech sector. AGE-WELL's groundbreaking programs are funded by the Government of Canada through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Health Canada, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Discover how AGE-WELL is changing the future of aging at:
