How agetech innovators can access new Canadian support fund

A new funding programme has been launched in Canada to find innovative solutions to enable living well longer, as the country’s aging population grows rapidly.

The Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) has launched Ignite, its new funding programme to support Canadian innovators designing solutions for older people.

As Canada’s aging population rapidly grows – with nearly 20 per cent of people above the age of 65 – so too will the need for innovations that enhance the lives of older persons, including those impacted by dementia.

Canadian early-stage innovators – including researchers, point-of-care staff, and companies – are developing innovative solutions that can improve the independence and quality of life of older persons and those impacted by dementia. Yet, these innovators face several barriers that prevent them from translating their promising ideas into real-world impact.

Ignite offers funding between CAD$50,000 to CAD$150,000, along with acceleration services, to early-stage innovators, empowering them to develop, test, and validate their solutions in real-world settings, with the ultimate goal of getting the best solutions to people who need them most.

Funds can be applied to a variety of activities, such as technological research and development activities, concept and prototype development and validation trials

Dr. Allison Sekuler, president and chief scientist at CABHI and the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education, says: “At CABHI, we are continually enhancing our programmes to help innovators — researchers, clinicians, healthcare and seniors’ organisations, entrepreneurs, and companies — catalyse solutions that improve the lives of older persons and their care partners.

“Our new Ignite programme fuels early-stage innovation, helping to overcome barriers and achieve rapid, real-world impact, especially for those at risk for or living with dementia.”

Ignite is seeking applications from early-stage Canadian researchers, clinicians, healthcare organisations, and companies with a solution that meets the eligibility requirements and addresses at least one of CABHI’s innovation themes:

• Aging at Home
• Caregiver Support
• Care Coordination and Navigation
• Cognitive and Mental Health
• Financial Health and Wellness

Ignite is accepting submissions until December 2, 2024. See here for more information.

CABHI was established in 2015 to support researchers, clinicians, and innovators, as they develop, validate, scale, and promote the adoption of innovations that improve the lives of older persons, including those impacted by dementia.

It is a collaboration of healthcare, science, industry, not-for-profit, and government partners.

It is supported by Baycrest, an aging and brain health innovation company.