TORONTO, Oct. 22, 2024 – Today, the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), powered by Baycrest launched Ignite, its new funding program to support Canadian innovators designing solutions for older persons. As Canada’s aging population rapidly grows – with nearly 20 per cent of people above the age of 65 – so too will the need for innovations that enhance the lives of older persons, including those impacted by dementia.
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 persons and those impacted by dementia. Yet, these innovators face several barriers that prevent them from translating their promising ideas into real-world impact.
Ignite offers funding between $50,000 to $150,000 CAD, along with acceleration services, to early-stage innovators, empowering them to develop, test, and validate their solutions in real-world settings, with the ultimate goal of getting the best solutions to people who need them most. Funds can be applied to a variety of activities, such as:
- Technological research and development activities
- Concept and prototype development
- Testing and simulating activities
- Validation trials
“At CABHI, we are continually enhancing our programs to help innovators — researchers, clinicians, healthcare and seniors' organizations, entrepreneurs, and companies — catalyze solutions that improve the lives of older persons and their care partners,” says Dr. Allison Sekuler, President and Chief Scientist at CABHI and the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education. “Our new Ignite program fuels early-stage innovation, helping to overcome barriers and achieve rapid, real-world impact, especially for those at risk for or living with dementia.”
Ignite is seeking applications from early-stage Canadian researchers, clinicians, healthcare organizations, and companies with a solution that meets the eligibility requirements and addresses at least one of CABHI’s innovation themes:
- Aging at Home
- Caregiver Support
- 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 greatly improve the wellbeing of our loved ones who are living with dementia,” said the Honourable Nolan Quinn, Ontario’s Minister of Colleges and Universities. “That’s why our government has played an active role in supporting the work of CABHI and initiatives like its new Ignite program that provide much-needed support to early-stage innovators.”
Ignite applications opened 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 persons and those affected by dementia is truly inspiring.” says Valerie Bradford, Member of Parliament for Kitchener South – Hespeler. “The new Ignite program presents Canadian innovators with a valuable opportunity to make a significant difference from coast to coast to coast.”
About the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation:
The Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), powered by Baycrest, was established in 2015 to support researchers, clinicians, and innovators, as they develop, validate, scale, and promote the adoption of innovations that improve the lives of older persons, including those impacted by dementia. CABHI is a unique collaboration of healthcare, science, industry, not-for-profit, and government partners. Through its funding programs and tailored acceleration services, including access to diverse end-user groups, CABHI advances transformative aging and brain health innovations across Canada and the world. For more information, visit: www.cabhi.com.
About Baycrest
At Baycrest, our vision is a world where every older person lives with purpose, fulfilment and dignity. Baycrest is a global leader in aging and brain health innovation, with over 105 years of expertise in seniors' care and cutting-edge research. Baycrest has been Designated with Exemplary Status by Accreditation Canada, and drives industry-leading care and safety outcomes. As the home of the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) powered by Baycrest, the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education (BARE) and the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging, Baycrest is at the forefront of dementia research. Affiliated with the University of Toronto, Baycrest's training programs shape the future of care globally, while Baycrest Global Solutions extends its expertise to senior living and healthcare internationally. For more information, visit: baycrest.org.
- 30 -
Media Contact: Rhea Singer, Senior Communications Specialist, rsinger@cabhi.com, 437-734-3708