MEDTEQ+ and AGE-WELL offer test beds for innovators

MONTREAL and TORONTO – MEDTEQ+ and AGE-WELL are thrilled to name six esteemed organizations that will provide support over five years, as Beachheads, to collaborative projects funded through envisAGE, the pan-Canadian initiative fostering quality aging through innovation.

Within envisAGE, Beachheads are centres with expertise in measuring benefits and impacts. They specialize in evaluating the integration of technologies in real-world settings. Their expertise supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to be competitive in the growing AgeTech market, advancing the development and delivery of solutions for older adults, caregivers, health and community service providers.

“The engagement of Beachheads marks a significant milestone in the growth and evolution of envisAGE. We are delighted that these renowned organizations are part of our Network. They bring valuable expertise to an ecosystem that will provide the most relevant and inclusive solutions for improving the quality of life of older Canadians. As Beachheads, these organizations will support stakeholders to get AgeTech solutions into the hands of older adults and caregivers, and to healthcare and service providers in the community,” said Sabrina Boutin (pictured), executive director, envisAGE, and vice-president, MEDTEQ+.

Beachheads collaborate closely on projects with SMEs and Community Labs – organizations supporting older adults and caregivers that will integrate technology solutions.

The Beachheads officially supporting collaborative projects are:

• Alberta Health Services
  Alberta Health Services (AHS) is the provincial authority responsible for planning and delivering health support and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. The Innovation and Business Intelligence team at AHS works closely with partners to address specific health care needs. AHS has developed a robust evaluation framework with input from an internal team of experts, including technology assessment, benefits realization and health economic modelling, rapid reviews and market analysis, and implementation and impact evaluation.
• Bruyère
  Bruyère is Eastern Ontario’s leading health organization specializing in aging, rehabilitation, and care for those with multiple complex medical conditions. Patients benefit from cutting-edge research happening at Bruyère that is pushing boundaries on care delivery. Technologies researched, developed, and tested through Bruyère’s innovation program are benefitting care teams and improving the quality of life of older Canadians and caregivers. Bruyère recognizes that supporting SMEs and Community Labs who are leading innovation has huge potential to solve some of the greatest health care challenges.
• Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Nord-de-l’Île-de-Montréal
  The Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux (CIUSSS) du Nord-de-l’Île-de-Montréal provides care and services to nearly 450,000 Montrealers in numerous communities. It also provides specialized services, mainly in trauma, respiratory, cardiovascular and mental health, to 1.8 million Quebec citizens in various regions. As part of the envisAGE initiative, tools and models have been developed to facilitate and structure impact assessments of technological innovations, guaranteeing in-depth analysis for all stakeholders. The results of these assessments are documented in detailed reports, providing a solid basis for informed decisions regarding the adoption of innovations by stakeholders. By accelerating the adoption of high-impact innovations, it’s Innovation Centre contributes to improving the quality of life of users and their caregivers, as well as the quality of services provided.
• Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM) – Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal (CCSMTL)
  Since its creation in 1982, the Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (CRIUGM) of the CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Ïle-de-Montréal has been committed to advancing knowledge in the field of health and aging. The mission of CRIUGM is to better understand the aging process from a holistic view of the interactions between the body, the brain and the environment, and to develop innovative solutions that promote the health and well-being of older adults. As a BeachheadTM, the CRIUGM plays a leading role in evaluating the integration of technologies and contributes to creating a key link between one or more research laboratories, a private company and a community environment, to carry out collaborative projects. CRIUGM aims to improve the quality of life of older adults and support them in the living environment of their choice.
• Ontario Brain Institute
  The Ontario Brain Institute (OBI) is a provincially funded, not-for-profit organization that accelerates discovery and innovation. OBI uses a “team science” approach to promote brain research, commercialization, and care by connecting researchers, clinicians, industry, patients, and their advocates to improve the lives of those living with brain disorders. In their role as an envisAGE Beachhead™, OBI will co-design projects with community partners and companies to get evidence-based neurotechnology into the hands of older Canadians. This process includes assisting with the evaluation of how these technologies can empower older adults to age safely, independently and with dignity.
• OROT (CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal)
  The mission of CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal is to ensure the organization, accessibility and integration of general and specialized health care and social services to meet the needs of a region with over 380,000 residents through more than 30 care centres. CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal is committed to providing people with timely access to a continuum of care that meets individuals’ needs. OROT is a health incubator connected to the CIUSSS, its mission is to reinvent health care and transform the user experience through an integrated model of patient-centered research, innovation and implementation informed by large-scale scientific data. OROT is one of the main pillars of CIUSSS’s Your Care Everywhere philosophy, a bold approach that embraces the transformative vision of the future of health care delivery. As part of CIUSSS du Centre-Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, a network with extensive home support and facilities for seniors, OROT has solid expertise in value-based care and the science of digital technology evaluation and implementation.

The first cohort of collaborative projects selected to receive access to funding, coaching and support through envisAGE will be announced in the near future. More Beachheads will also be announced as the envisAGE network continues to expand.

“Our government is committed to ensuring our seniors have access to the best possible care, and supporting innovation in the AgeTech sector is an important facet of achieving this goal. The addition of six new envisAGE Beachheads, through funding from the Strategic Innovation Fund, will support the well-being of our seniors using the real-world application of cutting-edge technology solutions,” said François-Philippe Champagne, federal minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

The work of envisAGE is timely and much needed. By 2035, more than 25 percent of Canadians will be over the age of 65. Most older Canadians believe technological advances can help them maintain relationships with family and friends, manage health, and stay safe, independent, and active as they age. Technology can also support caregivers at a time when millions of Canadians are caring for family members and friends. The unique collaborative model of envisAGE brings together key players in the ecosystem to ensure solutions meet market needs to address the challenges of aging and solidify Canada’s leadership in AgeTech.

To learn more about envisAGE and its Beachheads, visit www.envis-age.ca.