Manulife and World Economic Forum Launch Canadian Longevity Innovation Challenge

The Canadian Longevity Innovation Challenge: A New Initiative for Health and Resilience

On April 22, 2026, Manulife, in collaboration with UpLink—an early-stage innovation initiative by the World Economic Forum—officially launched the 'Shaping Canada's Longevity Advantage' challenge. This initiative aims to address the pressing need for innovative solutions that can enhance health and financial resilience as Canadians live longer, more complex lives.

Understanding the Challenge

Demographic data shows that Canadians are experiencing longer lifespans, but this is accompanied by multifaceted challenges. According to a survey conducted by the National Institute on Ageing (NIA), 43% of older Canadians are at risk of social isolation, while only 29% feel financially secure enough to retire. These statistics highlight the urgent necessity for practical solutions that promote not only longevity but also quality of life.

The Innovation Challenge invites entrepreneurs and innovators to propose integrated solutions that can make a tangible difference in areas critical to longevity. There are three main focus areas outlined by the initiative:

1. Financial Resilience Across Life Stages: Innovations are sought that can aid Canadians in budgeting and saving over longer lifespans. This includes AI-driven financial planning tools, platforms for modern retirement planning, and assistance for caregivers managing work and family responsibilities concurrently.

2. Healthy Aging for All: This area seeks innovations that facilitate better health management. This may involve digital health navigation platforms, preventative health measures, or tools designed for caregivers to enhance their well-being and efficiency in coordinating care.

3. Purpose and Connection: Innovations that foster social engagement among individuals of all ages are vital. This can include platforms and initiatives that reduce loneliness, create community ties, and promote activities that generate a sense of belonging.

The Goal and Expected Impact

The ultimate goal of the 'Shaping Canada’s Longevity Advantage' challenge is to discover and support viable solutions that foster resilience and connection among Canadians of all ages. Naveed Irshad, President and CEO of Manulife Canada, emphasized that "Living longer should also mean living healthier," asserting the need for strategies that enable Canadians to confidently navigate their long-term health and financial journeys.

Paul Lorentz, President and CEO of Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, added that as Canadians evolve toward longer and more complicated life paths, the approach toward financial planning must also adapt to this new reality. This underscores the increasing significance of financial resilience as a core component of a healthy, long life.

John Dutton, Head of UpLink at the World Economic Forum, remarked on the monumental impact of the longevity economy as it shapes growth and resilience for the future. With Canada becoming a 'super-aged' country by 2026, this initiative could not come at a more critical time.

Participation and Future Directions

The challenge is part of a broader, multi-year collaboration between Manulife and the World Economic Forum's UpLink initiative, which aims to harness the potential of innovation to tackle global aging-related challenges. Previous challenges under this partnership in the United States and Asia laid the groundwork for what promises to be a transformative approach for Canadian innovators.

By fostering an ecosystem of creative thinkers and innovators, the challenge aims to generate localized solutions that can serve not just Canadian seniors but also caregivers and families across various demographic landscapes. Manulife's Longevity Institute stands as a testament to this commitment, focusing on research, advocacy, and community investment to propel this agenda.

For those interested in participating, all relevant details and entry information can be found on the official website. As this initiative unfolds, it is expected to enhance the quality of life for Canadians while strategically shaping the longevity economy's landscape for future generations.

For additional insights, please visit Manulife's Longevity Institute.