Innovative Solutions for a Healthier, Wealthier Canada Announced in Manulife's Challenge

Manulife and UpLink's Longevity Challenge Winners

On October 21, 2026, Manulife, in partnership with UpLink, announced the winners of the 'Shaping Canada's Longevity Advantage Challenge.' This challenge aims to identify and promote innovative solutions that can help Canadians live longer, healthier, and more financially secure lives. As Canadians experience longer lifespans, it is essential to address the accompanying challenges in health, financial resilience, and social connectedness.

This initiative is part of Manulife's Longevity Institute, which focuses on developing solutions for an aging population. Out of numerous submissions from innovators in Canada and globally, ten exceptional ventures were selected for their promising contributions to enhancing the lives of older Canadians.

The Winning Innovators

The winners reflect a diverse range of fields, from technology to financial services, all with a common goal: to improve the quality of life for Canadians navigating their later years. The winners are:

1. Amical (Quebec City, Canada) - This company has created an AI-powered companion accessible via a familiar telephone interface, aimed at supporting older adults and those with cognitive disorders.
2. Childfree Trust (Mount Juliet, United States) - Focused on childfree individuals and solo agers, this venture offers tailored estate planning, fiduciary, and emergency response services.
3. Clay Financial (Toronto, Canada) - It provides older Canadians with the opportunity to unlock home equity through Home Equity Sharing Agreements, eliminating the need for debt or monthly payments.
4. Cosm Medical (Toronto, Canada) - Specializing in personalized pelvic health devices, this company employs AI and 3D printing technology to promote active and independent living.
5. Idem (Montreal, Canada) - This venture develops smart cognitive aids supporting independence and care coordination for dementia patients.
6. LINK Plans (Calgary, Canada) - This initiative enhances access to workplace retirement savings plans via financial institutions and payroll providers.
7. MIMOSA Diagnostics (Toronto, Canada) - With portable imaging technology, this company aims to detect pressure injuries before they are visible.
8. Myant Health (Mississauga, Canada) - Transforming clothing into health-monitoring tools, this venture integrates smart textile technology into everyday wear.
9. Pontosense (Toronto, Canada) - Utilizing AI-powered wireless sensing technology, they offer solutions to detect falls and monitor vital signs without the need for cameras or wearables.
10. PragmaClin (St. John's, Canada) - They have created an AI-backed platform for neurological assessments specifically designed for individuals living with Parkinson's disease.

The Need for Innovation

Living longer is a double-edged sword; while it presents opportunities, it also poses challenges related to health and financial stability. Nearly 40% of Canadians are already aged 50 or older, suggesting a pressing need for effective solutions addressing health, financial concerns, and social connectivity. Research indicates that many older Canadians face significant risks of social isolation. Moreover, only a small percentage feel they could afford retirement.

Patrick Graham, President and CEO of Manulife Canada, stated, "Living longer presents both an opportunity and a challenge. The innovators selected in this challenge are addressing crucial questions around longevity, such as maintaining health and enhancing financial resilience. These are significant issues that require innovative solutions."

Paul Lorentz, President of Manulife Wealth and Asset Management, highlighted Canada's chance to lead in longevity by fostering solutions that enable healthy and connected living. He emphasized how these innovations provide meaningful support to families and communities.

Looking Ahead

All winning ventures will gain access to UpLink's global innovation ecosystem, which will provide connections with corporate partners, investors, and policymakers to accelerate their growth. John Dutton, Head of UpLink, expressed pride in partnering with Manulife to empower innovators focused on promoting healthier and more fulfilling lives for individuals.

The 'Shaping Canada's Longevity Advantage Challenge' is part of a broader collaboration between Manulife and UpLink that began in 2024. This initiative aims to inspire and support innovations that enhance the financial and health landscapes for an aging global population.

As Manulife continues to push forward in the longevity sector through its Longevity Institute, the hope is that these advancements will translate into real help for individuals navigating the complexities of longer lives. For further insights into Manulife's longevity initiatives, visit manulife.com.