AGETECH IMPLEMENTATION RESPONSE (AIR) PROGRAM
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Program Launch: January 24, 2022
Application Deadline: March 18, 2022
Anticipated Notice of Decision: April 2022
Funding Start Date: April 2022

Do you have an innovative evidence-based AgeTech solution that is ready for implementation or scaling up in the real world? AGE-WELL’s AgeTech Implementation Response (AIR) Program supports post-discovery projects focused on implementing solutions.

This program focuses on implementation practice defined as using strategies to change people’s behavior and the environment in which they are working (e.g. communities, home care, long-term care and seniors living settings) by introducing innovative solutions. Implementation practice is informed by implementation science, which is defined as the best evidence available related to the successful implementation of technology-based solutions.

The focus of this RFP is to enable implementation efforts by focusing on real-world application of AgeTech innovations in collaboration with partners. Applications must be submitted through AGE-WELL’s Forum Research Portal. The application module is accessible under My Applications in Forum. Interested applicants will need a Forum account to access the module and submit their application. To request a Forum account, please e-mail applications@agewell-nce.ca.

Download the Application Form here.

ELIGIBLE AREAS OF ACTIVITY

  • Knowledge mobilization (KM) or implementation of KM products, including evidence-based policies, practices, guidelines or tools, in real-world settings
  • Commercialization or implementation of validated technologies, products, and/or services in real-world settings

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for funding, proposals must:

  • include a previously validated, evidence-based solution that will allow for implementation or scaling up in the real-world (solutions can come from researchers themselves or partners)
  • include the appropriate practice change, partner site and/or governmental policy and service delivery considerations for the implementation or scaling up of the solution
  • align to one of AGE-WELL’s Challenge Areas
  • be user-centred, involving end-users and stakeholders in all stages of the implementation process
  • have the potential to lead to economic and social impact for older Canadians including consideration of equity-seeking groups

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

To be considered for funding, proposals must:

  • include an implementation science framework, model and/or theory and describe how it will be used to meet project objectives and inform methods for implementation practice
  • consider how the work will be relevant to organizational, municipal, territorial and/or federal policy priorities
  • describe how change will be measured and long-term impact achieved
  • use a transdisciplinary approach as part of the implementation framework and include the specific stakeholder groups to achieve this
  • demonstrate prior testing/validation of the solution in a real-world setting (for technology implementation projects)

Principal Knowledge User Requirement 

Proposals must be co-developed with at least one partner organization that has a site ready for testing, installation or uptake with the goal of actively supporting implementation efforts and, if appropriate, interest sustaining the solution in the long-term. The Principal Knowledge User partner organization must also provide a detailed letter of support confirming commitments outlined in the proposal.

For reporting purposes, all partnership activities and contributions (cash and in-kind) should be quantified in the application including number of implementation sites. The quality and level of support will be explicitly rated and those with stronger contributions will be given priority. Cash contributions committed through letters of support will be requested from partners by either AGE-WELL or the project lead’s home institution.

FUNDS AVAILABLE

Up to $50,000 per project over 12 months.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

AGE-WELL will also explore collaborations with Network partners to provide additional resources as part of this RFP including:

  • TEMI: The TEMI personal robot is a device that provides autonomous navigation and AI technologies in hospitality, senior living and other settings. There is an opportunity for software solutions to be integrated into the TEMI platform.

If you are interested in collaborating on an implementation project with this industry partner, please email partnerships@agewell-nce.ca for initial discussion and subsequent introductions.

General questions about this funding program can be directed to applications@agewell-nce.ca.

POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

  • All AGE-WELL funding will be held by the Project Lead(s).
  • Project Lead(s) must be based at Canadian research institutions working in the field of technology and aging, and be eligible to apply. AGE-WELL uses the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) definition of “independent researchers” when defining eligible grant holders (see http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/34190.html).
  • AGE-WELL abides by the funding rules of the Tri-Council Agencies and CIHR in particular. Please consult the Tri-Agency Financial Administration Guide about eligibility, eligible grant expenses, partner contributions, etc.
  • The applicant’s host institution must be eligible to hold Tri-Council funding. Canadian universities and investigators who are not already members of AGE-WELL will be required to sign onto the Network Agreement prior to receiving funds.
  • AIR Program funds cannot be used for activities funded through other AGE-WELL research competitions (e.g. activities that are part of an AGE-WELL Core Research Program).
  • AGE-WELL is committed to principles of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) (statement webpage). Applicants are encouraged to explain their process of identifying, recruiting and selecting research team personnel based on equity, diversity and inclusion best practices. Please see the following resources: CIHR’s Gender Equity Framework, NSERC’s Framework on EDI, and Guide for Applicants: Considering equity, diversity and inclusion in your application.

General AGE-WELL Policies

Successful applicants funded through this funding opportunity and any other persons working on the project must fully comply with the applicable AGE-WELL Terms and Conditions of Funding.

Allowable Expenses

Applicants should review the Use of Grant Funds section of the Tri-Agency (CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC) Financial Administration Guide for a complete listing and description of allowable costs and activities.

The focus of this RFP is to enable implementation efforts by focusing on real-world application of AgeTech innovations in collaboration with partners. Expenses for refining a product (e.g. prototype development) are not eligible.