Startup competition will recognize top innovators in Canada's technology and aging sector

Winners to receive $15,000 in cash plus in-kind prizes

TORONTO, April 10, 2019 /CNW/ - AGE-WELL is pleased to announce a national competition for Canadian startups whose technologies or services can improve quality of life for older adults or their caregivers.

The AGE-WELL National Impact Challenge: Startup Edition will recognize top startups in Canada's technology and aging sector, and support entrepreneurship in the sector.

Applicants from across the country will be challenged to explain how their solution can positively impact older Canadians and/or caregivers.

Five finalists will compete in each of three regional pitch competitions (held in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal), attended by thought leaders. Travel support will be provided.

The winner of each regional competition will receive $15,000 in cash plus in-kind prizes. For competition terms and conditions, please see the competition main page.

"We're excited to be launching this challenge, which will increase awareness of top startups in the tech and aging space ? and support innovations that can help shape the future of aging," says Dr. Alex Mihailidis, Scientific Co-Director and CEO of the AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence (NCE).

As Canada's Technology and Aging Network, AGE-WELL 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 has a broad mandate designed to respond to the pressing challenges of an aging population and to seize the opportunity that technology offers," says Dr. Mihailidis. "The AGE-WELL National Impact Challenge: Startup Edition aligns perfectly with our focus on practical solutions that help people in everyday life and bring social and economic benefits to Canadians."

Sponsors of the competition are: CARP, Fasken, The Impact Centre at the University of Toronto, MEDTEQ, Ontario Brain Institute, and YouAreUNLTD.

About AGE-WELL:

AGE-WELL NCE Inc. (http://www.agewell-nce.ca/, @AGEWELL_NCE) is a pan-Canadian network that 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.

SOURCE AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence (NCE)