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Innovative Solutions for Enhancing Longevity in Canada

On October 21, 2026, Manulife, in partnership with UpLink, a program by the World Economic Forum aimed at fostering early-stage innovation, disclosed the winners of the 'Shaping Canada's Longevity Advantage Challenge.' This initiative, which is part of a multi-year collaboration, aims to propel innovative solutions that can enhance health, financial stability, and social connections among Canadians.

As the population of Canada ages, with a notable 40% of Canadians currently over the age of 50, addressing the challenges associated with prolonged life expectancy has become imperative. The challenge garnered international interest, inviting innovators from both Canada and beyond to propose practical solutions that promote a healthier, more financially secure lifestyle as well as a stronger community connection.

Selection of Winning Innovations

The challenge culminated in the selection of ten innovative ventures that stand out for their potential to improve the quality of life for older Canadians:
1. Amical (Quebec City, Canada) - An AI-powered companion designed to provide support to seniors and individuals with cognitive disorders through a simple telephone interface.

2. Childfree Trust (Mount Juliet, United States) - Offers estate planning and emergency services specially tailored for childfree individuals and those planning for solo aging.

3. Clay Financial (Toronto, Canada) - Facilitates home equity sharing agreements, allowing seniors to unlock home equity without incurring debt or monthly payments.

4. Cosm Medical (Toronto, Canada) - Leverages AI and 3D printing techniques to create personalized pelvic health devices, enabling users to maintain an active and independent lifestyle.

5. Idem (Montreal, Canada) - Develops cognitive aids that assist individuals with dementia in maintaining independence and coordinating care.

6. LINK Plans (Calgary, Canada) - Aims to increase access to workplace retirement savings plans through collaboration with financial institutions.

7. MIMOSA Diagnostics (Toronto, Canada) - Utilizes portable imaging technology to identify skin pressure injuries before visible symptoms arise.

8. Myant Health (Mississauga, Canada) - Transforms clothing into health monitoring tools using smart textile technology.

9. Pontosense (Toronto, Canada) - Employs AI-based wireless sensors to monitor vital signs and detect falls, promoting independent living without the use of wearable devices.

10. PragmaClin (St. John's, Canada) - Features an AI-driven neurological assessment platform tailored for individuals suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

The Importance of Longevity Solutions

Patrick Graham, President and CEO of Manulife Canada, emphasized the significance of these innovations in navigating the complexities associated with longer lifespans. He stated, “Living longer presents tremendous opportunities yet also compels us to rethink our approach to health and financial security.” This recognition reflects the pressing need for innovative strategies to tackle the unique challenges posed by aging populations.

According to the National Institute on Ageing, a substantial proportion of older Canadians face high risks of social isolation, with many feeling financially insecure as they approach retirement age. The findings highlight three critical focus areas:

• - Aiding individuals in planning for and navigating their later years
• - Facilitating preventive care and efficient care coordination
• - Fostering intergenerational connections and a sense of belonging within communities

Opportunities Ahead for Winning Ventures

The selected winners will have the chance to join UpLink's global innovation ecosystem which offers numerous resources, including connections to potential investors, corporate partners, and policymakers to help them expand their reach and enhance their societal impact.

John Dutton, Head of UpLink at the World Economic Forum, noted that, “By partnering with Manulife, we are excited to scale ventures that empower individuals to lead healthier, more financially secure lives.” This collaboration highlights the broader mission of both organizations to drive transformative change within Canada’s health, financial, and caregiving systems.

The 'Shaping Canada's Longevity Advantage Challenge' marks the conclusion of a three-part series after the successful launches of the previous challenges aimed at promoting longevity solutions. Through the Manulife Longevity Institute, this initiative epitomizes their commitment to fostering environments where individuals can thrive at any age.

For those keen on learning more about these innovative efforts and the ongoing initiatives of the Manulife Longevity Institute, further information can be found at manulife.com.