As seniors are at an elevated risk for severe health complications from COVID-19 and the adverse effects of social distancing, Mitacs and AGE-WELL are partnering to rapidly provide innovation-based solutions for this population.
The new COVID-19 dimension to the Mitacs–AGE-WELL partnership provides funding to support technology-based approaches that mitigate challenges faced by older adults or their caregivers in light of the pandemic.
The initiative will help businesses respond to federal and provincial requests to rapidly solve COVID-19 challenges.
For a finite period to expedite COVID-19-related research and development, enhanced leveraged funding is available for small- and medium-sized businesses from a special Mitacs initiative. Eligible projects related to COVID-19 are being fast-tracked to ensure a quick start.
Through this new Mitacs–AGE-WELL collaboration, additional funding is available for post-secondary and business partnership initiatives that address the unique issues faced by older adults and their caregivers in the context of COVID-19. Through these combined efforts, eligible businesses can get up to $20,000 from a $3,750 investment for a four-month research intern. Contact Mitacs to connect industry and eligible non-profit partners with academic expertise to support research and development.
To be eligible for the joint Mitacs–AGE-WELL funding, projects must have an emphasis on technology-based approaches to support healthy aging across one or more of AGE-WELL’s eight Challenge Areas:
- Supportive Homes & Communities
- Health Care & Health Service Delivery
- Autonomy & Independence
- Cognitive Health & Dementia
- Mobility & Transportation
- Healthy Lifestyles & Wellness
- Staying Connected
- Financial Wellness & Employment
Quotes:
Dr. Alex Mihailidis, AGE-WELL Scientific Director and CEO
“By collaborating with Mitacs on this initiative, we are funneling more support into research and Canada’s AgeTech sector, all with the goal of bringing forward technological solutions that can help to combat COVID-19 and the challenges it presents for older adults and caregivers.”
John Hepburn, Mitacs CEO and Scientific Director
“Mitacs is pleased to partner with AGE-WELL to expedite the development of technology solutions for seniors affected by COVID-19. By mobilizing university and college researchers to work with Canadian companies and not-for-profit organizations, together we will develop the necessary solutions that will help seniors, one of our most vulnerable populations.”
Links:
For information about AGE-WELL and its programs, see agewell-nce.ca.
For Mitacs news including the following COVID-19-related releases:
Quick facts about AGE-WELL:
AGE-WELL is Canada’s Technology and Aging Network. The pan-Canadian network brings together researchers, older adults, caregivers, partner organizations and future leaders to accelerate the delivery of technology-based solutions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians.
AGE-WELL is funded through the federal Networks of Centres of Excellence program.
Quick facts about Mitacs:
Mitacs is a not-for-profit organization that fosters growth and innovation in Canada by solving business challenges with research solutions from academic institutions.
Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, and the Government of Saskatchewan.
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