Latest news with #AgeTech
Cision Canada
a day ago
- 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:
Cision Canada
08-05-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
Toronto's new innovation studio highlights aging-in-place solutions Français
AGE-WELL, Canada's Technology and Aging Network, launches immersive space in partnership with University of Toronto, IKEA, and AGE-WELL startups TORONTO, May 8, 2025 /CNW/ - Most older adults want to stay in their own homes as they age, and technology is key to making this a reality. A new space in downtown Toronto is demonstrating how innovative solutions can support independent living and healthy aging. Today, AGE-WELL officially opens the AGE-WELL Innovation Studio—an immersive space that brings to life the role of technology and thoughtfully designed environments in enabling people to age in place. Modelled after a typical one-bedroom apartment, the studio integrates smart-home systems, health monitoring devices, voice integrated personal aides and other cutting-edge technologies to show how they can seamlessly support daily activities and health needs. Specific features include a smart stove safety device that alerts users or caregivers if the stove is left unattended; a sleep tracker that can detect vital signs and sense when someone gets out of bed, helping monitor sleep patterns and safety; and an exergame that promotes both physical and cognitive health by pairing cycling with scenic videos. More than just a demonstration space, the studio serves as a hub for innovation, connecting startups, larger companies, researchers, senior living and home care organizations, older adults, caregivers, investors and other partners. "By providing a platform for companies to showcase brilliant products and connect with key stakeholders, the AGE-WELL Innovation Studio will speed up the adoption of AgeTech innovations that benefit older adults and their caregivers. It's all about getting these essential solutions into people's hands," said Bridgette Murphy, Acting CEO, AGE-WELL. The studio also enables practical testing of AgeTech solutions in a realistic environment, allowing researchers and developers to collect user feedback and refine their products. "The real-life setting is crucial, as is direct engagement with older adults and caregivers. Technologies and services must align with the needs and priorities of the people who will actually use them," said Ms. Murphy. Located at 800 Bay Street, the AGE-WELL Innovation Studio was created by AGE-WELL with support from the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering at the University of Toronto and in partnership with IKEA Toronto Downtown, which provided the furniture; and AGE-WELL startups. AGE-WELL is Canada's Technology and Aging Network, and a member of the University of Toronto's Institutional Strategic Initiatives (ISI) program, which supports large-scale interdisciplinary research networks that address grand challenges. "The Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering at the University of Toronto is proud to support the AGE-WELL Innovation Studio. This important addition to Canada's innovation landscape provides a much-needed space to exhibit advanced technologies and prototypes that support healthy aging. It offers a valuable platform for University of Toronto researchers and entrepreneurs − as well as innovators from across Canada and beyond − to exhibit their innovations and connect with partners who can help bring these solutions to the people who need them most," said Dr. Chris Yip, Dean, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, University of Toronto. For Paul Lea, an older adult living with vascular dementia, technology has already made a meaningful difference in his daily life. "Smart home devices have given me a sense of security and independence. I can control my lights with my voice. My door locks automatically if I forget to lock it. I have an app that reminds me when it's time to take my medications. I'm glad there's a place like the AGE-WELL Innovation Studio that shows how technology can support older people to live safely and independently at home." Designing for independence "At IKEA, we believe that a well-designed home can significantly enhance the quality of life for everyone, including older adults," said Arnar Eidskrem, Market Manager, IKEA Toronto Downtown. "Our collaboration with AGE-WELL is a testament to our commitment in creating functional and beautiful spaces that support independent living. By integrating our thoughtfully designed, affordable furniture, we aim to demonstrate how older adults can live independently and comfortably in their own homes." The AGE-WELL Innovation Studio will also function as an educational space, offering training sessions for students, caregivers and professionals in the field of aging and technology. "Our ultimate goal is to enable older adults to live independently for longer and enhance their quality of life while fostering collaboration between researchers, companies, and the community," said Dr. Alex Mihailidis, Academic Director, AGE-WELL ISI, and Vice-Chair, Research, AGE-WELL Board of Directors. A leading researcher in aging and technology, Dr. Mihailidis has spent decades developing solutions to support older adults and caregivers. "AGE-WELL has long been a convener in the AgeTech sector, bringing everyone together to drive innovation. Now, we have a physical space where innovators can showcase solutions directly to potential users, accelerating the uptake of existing technologies and advancing new innovations." With one in four Canadians expected to be over 65 by 2035, the need for technology-driven solutions is more urgent than ever. According to a 2019 Environics Research poll, more than 8 in 10 Canadians over the age of 65 believe technological advances can help older adults stay safe, in their own homes longer, and stay independent. "AGE-WELL is thrilled to collaborate on this exciting initiative with partners who share our mission to accelerate the delivery of technology-based solutions that support healthy aging," said Ms. Murphy. "Technology can never replace the human touch, but it is a powerful tool that can help older adults lead healthy, independent, and engaged lives." AGE-WELL extends its thanks to U of T and IKEA Toronto Downtown, and wishes to acknowledge the AGE-WELL Startup Affiliates who are the first users of this space: AltumView, Centivizer, Chirp, and Tochtech Technologies. Visit or partner with the AGE-WELL Innovation Studio Want to see how technology can help you or a loved one live independently? Are you a company looking to showcase or test your solution in a real-world setting? Visit the AGE-WELL Innovation Studio for a guided tour, experience the latest innovations firsthand, or participate in a demo session. Learn more and explore partnership opportunities by visiting our Innovation Studio webpage or contact us at: [email protected] 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:
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
EQUITAGE VENTURES ANNOUNCES NEW $47.3 MILLION TECH INVESTMENT FUND FOCUSED ON SENIOR CARE AND AGING
DENVER, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Equitage Ventures, an early-stage AgeTech venture capital firm investing in technology and technology-enabled services companies in senior care, has announced the final close of a new $47.3 million fund providing capital, distribution, and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs addressing the unmet physical, mental, spiritual, and social needs of older adults. This is the first fund for Equitage, led by an investment team with many decades of experience investing in and operating senior care businesses that includes Russell Hirsch, a co-founder of Generator Ventures; Adam Kaplan, CEO of Solera Senior Living; and Daniel Kaplan, an investor who also worked with Generator Ventures. Equitage's limited partner capital spans the care continuum, including senior living and skilled nursing operators, home health and hospice agencies, and home care leaders, as well as corporates from healthcare technology, healthcare real estate, and consumer products. The firm leverages this extensive network to connect portfolio companies with key customers, strategic partners, top-tier talent, and seasoned advisors, empowering them to scale rapidly and deliver their needed, impactful solutions to more older adults and families. The firm is actively seeking to invest in companies that will truly transform healthcare and is deploying capital into themes where it sees urgent need, real opportunity or long-term transformation. This includes compliance infrastructure for senior housing and skilled nursing facilities, documentation automation for home and facility-based care, passive monitoring, oral health, dementia and behavioral health, care navigation, and family caregiving. This first fund will target early-stage tech and services companies, allowing Equitage to back best-in-class founders and executives operating in markets where the firm believes it can add the most value. Equitage is eager to meet with companies building the next-generation senior care companies and encourages founders to proactively reach out at any stage to discuss funding opportunities. Please contact for more information regarding the firm and the Equitage I fund. About EquitageEquitage is an early-stage AgeTech venture capital firm investing in technology and technology-enabled services companies in senior care. The firm provides capital, distribution, and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs addressing the unmet physical, mental, spiritual, and social needs of older adults. For more information on Equitage, visit View original content: SOURCE Equitage Ventures Sign in to access your portfolio
