Over summer of 2024, while I took a vacation from my usual weekly posts on a broad range of matters related to the field of aging and longevity, I still kept my eye on what’s up. So to start with, the focus for the next two weeks is on innovation challenge competitions now under way.
First in Canada. Back on July 8th there was the launch of the SE Health Chrysalis Innovation Challengewhich calls for start-ups, community-based organizations and individuals to submit their ideas to help address the changing needs of Canada’s aging population. An important detail for those interested in submitting an application; the closing date is Sept.27, 2024.
This national Innovation Challenge speaks to two groups, one defined as “Impact Builders”, open to the start-ups and community-based organizations with products, services or programs for older adults; and the other defined as “Impact Ideators”, open to people interacting with older adults (individuals or small teams) who have innovative ideas tailored for older adults.
In each case, applications for these innovations must fall under one of the following themes – Aging In Place, Living With Purpose or People Supporting People. The website page in the SE Health Future of Aging section is very clearly laid out as to what is expected and how to apply for one of the cash prizes. However if you have never signed up for a pitch presentation before, you might want to watch how it’s done to make a compelling story in a short 2 minute video. Having seen so many of these over the last ten years, I can say that it will make a difference.
Watch the YouTube Chrysalis Innovation Challenge information video session and you will find a segment that offers this link “How to Pitch Guide”. It did hit me though – a sudden daring reflection after looking at the videos. Do the inferences from the images and logos you see lead you to believe that your product, service (or whatever your solution) needs to be AgeTech based? Perhaps you as an individual, or your community-based organization has a social program or interaction that is not directly dependant on technology? That would see an interesting twist.
The big day for the Chrysalis Innovation Challenge Pitch Awards is Nov. 14, 2024 – LIVE in person OR Virtual and semi-finalists will be selected by mid-October. Hint, as to how your pitch might lean – the final line in the call to Impact Builders to reach for the pitch deck…“Get in front of the CAN Health Network – a leader in commercialization for Canadian health tech companies.” CAN Health Network develops new solutions into the health care system and is a sponsor of this SE Health event.
