Eight finalists have been chosen to compete in the National Impact Challenge 2023 – Bold Innovations for Living, powered by AGE-WELL and SE Health.
This exciting competition brings together selected finalists from across Canada to pitch their technology, innovative program or service for aging with choice and dignity in Canada.
Finalists will compete in two separate categories: 1) startups (with a prototype, market-ready or looking to scale); and 2) community-based, community-serving or youth organizations (ideation or scaling).
The finalists in the startup category are:
- Axtion Independence Mobility
- Chirp
- ElderPRIME
- UVX
The finalists in the community category are:
- AGING proACTIVELY
- Amintro
- Root & Seed
- Social Services Network
Read about the finalists here.
The winner in each category will receive $25,000 in cash plus in-kind prizes. The runner-up in each category may be eligible for a $10,000 prize. Winners and runners-up will partake in the post-pitch mentorship program.
Additionally, there will be People’s Choice Awards, with online voting now underway. View the videos from our finalists and vote on your favourite here. There are two voting categories: (1) Startups and (2) Community Organizations. The finalist with the most votes in each category will win our People’s Choice Award. Voting is limited to once a day for each category. Voting period ends on June 22 right after the live pitches finish at the event being held that day.
Register now to attend the live pitch night
The National Impact Challenge – Bold Innovations for Living Pitch Night will take place on June 22, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Toronto. To attend this live event and experience the excitement of watching this year’s finalists compete, register today.
Each finalist will have four minutes to explain to a panel of expert judges how their solution can positively impact older Canadians or caregivers.
The challenge is focused on three themes:
1. Aging in Place & Community: How can we enable older adults to age in the place of their choosing?
- Supportive Homes & Communities
- Support Networks or Community Building
- Products, Tools, and Strategies to Support Living at Home (e.g. Everyday Tasks, Services)
- Cognitive & Mental Health
2. Living with Purpose & Meaning: How can we reimagine how older adults can contribute their skills, talents, and years of experience towards a new purpose?
- Staying Connected, Intergenerational Programs
- Financial Wellness & Employment; Reimagining Work – Transition to 3rd Act (e.g. Working Part-Time, Mentoring)
3. Empowerment: How can older adults have choice, dignity, autonomy, and matching support to age well in their community, on their own terms with the resources that align with their wishes?
- Healthy Lifestyles & Wellness
- Health Care & Health Service Delivery
- Autonomy & Independence
- Mobility & Transportation
AGE-WELL and SE Health would like to thank all those who submitted applications to the National Impact Challenge 2023 – Bold Innovations for Living, and extend a hearty congratulations to the finalists.
We also thank the generous sponsors of the National Impact Challenge 2023 – Bold Innovations for Living: Ontario Brain Institute (OBI), Spotlight Development Inc. (presenting sponsors), the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) (silver sponsor), Sodexo, SPACES and Bereskin & Parr (supporting sponsors).
Learn more about the National Impact Challenge 2023 – Bold Innovations for Living on the competition main page.
About AGE-WELL:
AGE-WELL NCE Inc. is Canada’s Technology and Aging Network. The pan-Canadian network 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 researchers are producing technologies, services, policies and practices that improve quality of life for older adults and caregivers, and generate social and economic benefits for Canada. AGE-WELL is funded through the federal Networks of Centres of Excellence program. www.agewell-nce.ca
About SE Health:
SE Health is a not-for-profit social enterprise, applying knowledge, vision, and drive to impact how people live and age at home, today and into the future. With Canadian roots and 110+ years of expertise, the organization’s purpose is to bring hope and happiness to the people it serves, emphasizing its values of life care, love, and work with purpose, and delivering quality, excellence, and innovation to home care, seniors’ lifestyle, and family caregiving. Through its team of 8,000 Leaders of Impact, SE Health delivers 25,000 care exchanges daily, totaling 50 million in the last decade alone. www.sehc.com.