Today, the Center for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), powered by Baycrest, launched Ignite, its new funding program to support Canadian innovators designing solutions for older adults. As Canada’s aging population grows rapidly – with nearly 20 percent of people over the age of 65 – the need for innovations that improve the lives of older adults, including those affected by dementia, will also increase.
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 adults and people affected by dementia. Yet these innovators face several barriers that prevent them from turning their promising ideas into real-world impact.
Ignite provides funding between $50,000 and $150,000 CAD, along with acceleration services, to early-stage innovators, allowing them to develop, test and validate their solutions in the field, with the ultimate goal of getting the best solutions to people who need them the most. Funds can be used for all kinds of activities, such as:
- Technological research and development activities
- Concept and prototype development
- Test and simulate activities
- Validation tests
At CABHI, we are continuously improving our programs to help innovators -; researchers, doctors, healthcare and seniors organizations, entrepreneurs and companies -; catalyzing solutions that improve the lives of older adults and their care partners. Our new Ignite program drives innovation at an early stage, helping to overcome barriers and achieve rapid, real impact, especially for people at risk of or living with dementia.”
Dr. Allison Sekuler, president and chief scientist at CABHI and the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education
Ignite is seeking applications from early-stage Canadian researchers, clinicians, healthcare organizations and companies with a solution that meets eligibility requirements and addresses at least one of CABHI’s innovation themes:
- Growing older at home
- Support for healthcare providers
- Care coordination and navigation
- Cognitive and mental health
- Financial health and wellness
“CABHI is doing exceptional work to help Ontario researchers and entrepreneurs develop and commercialize new products and services that can significantly improve the well-being of our loved ones living with dementia,” said the Honorable Nolan Quinn, Ontario’s Minister of Colleges and Universities. “That’s why our government has played an active role in supporting CABHI’s work and initiatives like the new Ignite program, which provides much-needed support to early-stage innovators.”
Ignite applications open online today, October 22, 2024, and will accept submissions until December 2, 2024. For more information, visit https://www.cabhi.com/ignite/.
Additional quotes:
“CABHI’s commitment to mobilizing science-based innovations that improve the lives of older adults and those affected by dementia is truly inspiring.” says Valerie Bradford, Member of Parliament for Kitchener South – Hevezel. “The new Ignite program offers Canadian innovators a valuable opportunity to make a significant difference from coast to coast to coast.”