--- title: AARP Innovation Labs Startup Challenges image: https://more.masschallenge.org/hubfs/AARP%20Hero%20Image4.png --- [![AARP_InnovationLabs_Logo](https://more.masschallenge.org/hs-fs/hubfs/AARP_InnovationLabs_Logo.png?width=335&height=40&name=AARP_InnovationLabs_Logo.png "AARP_InnovationLabs_Logo")](http://aarpinnovationlabs.org) [![MCHT Horizontal_WH@3x-2](https://more.masschallenge.org/hs-fs/hubfs/MCHT%20Horizontal_WH@3x-2.png?width=302&height=40&name=MCHT%20Horizontal_WH@3x-2.png "MCHT Horizontal_WH@3x-2")](https://masschallenge.org/programs-healthtech) # Innovation Challenges AARP Innovation Labs is teaming up with MassChallenge to host a series of innovation challenges showcasing the disruptive startups with technologies that empower people to choose how they live as they age. Selected startups will gain exposure to aging industry experts and AARP Innovation Labs. # **CHALLENGE DETAILS** The Innovation Challenges are designed to showcase startups at the forefront of AgeTech, with solutions that empower people to choose how they live as they age. The Challenges have included digital learning for older adults, fraud and personal security, and entertainment, among others. See below for a complete list of Challenges and descriptions. [RSVP HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aarp-innovation-labs-innovation-challenges-tickets-239180825287) to attend the Challenges as an audience member - apply to pitch below. **Finalist and Winner Benefits** AARP Innovation Labs and MassChallenge are committed to showcasing top technologies that empower people as they age. We are tackling unique challenges in aging and asking innovative and disruptive startups to solve them. Startups are encouraged to apply to the Challenge most relevant to their solution. Startups selected to showcase their solution may be offered a spot in an upcoming [AARP Innovation Labs’ accelerator ](https://aarpinnovationlabs.org/work-with-us/)cohort, where they can expect hands-on mentorship by a team with years of experience building and creating solutions for the 50+ audience. *Note: Final Candidates subject to approval.* **Eligibility** We accept applications from technologies that empower people as they age. Startups should meet the following criteria:    - The startup is set to make a big impact in the aging space, and is relevant to the specific Challenge - The startup has not previously worked with AARP Innovation Labs - The startup has generated less than $1M annual revenue and/or less than $5M equity raised --- # UPCOMING CHALLENGES      --- # PAST CHALLENGES AND WINNERS **Fun At Any Age Challenge** | March 15, 2022 Our desire to live a longer and fuller life never stops. Genetics may account for just 25% of a person’s longevity, but the rest is up to you.  From staying connected to your loved ones or discovering a new skill, we are looking for immersive and fun solutions that curate the fun in life, regardless of one’s age and stage in life. Congratulations to our winners! Challenge Winner: [Sunbound](http://www.sunboundhomes.com/) Judges Choice: [Gaitbetter](http://www.gaitbetter.com/) Honorable Mentions: [Cognishape](http://www.cognishape.com/), [Goldacare](http://www.goldacare.com/), [CollabCare](http://www.collabcare.com/familyshare), [Heyday Fitness](http://heyday.fitness)   **Living Independently Challenge** | February 15, 2022 Over 75% of older adults want to age in place. Independence and accessibility is fundamental to the their physical and mental well-being, yet housing options and communities aren’t built for aging. As older adults want to remain in their homes and communities for the long term, how can new, disruptive solutions help individuals remain independent in and outside the home? Congratulations to our winners! Challenge Winner: [iGuard Home Solutions](http://www.iguardhomesolutions.com/) Audience Choice: [Jukebox Health](https://www.jukeboxhealth.com/) Honorable Mentions: [EllieGrid](http://elliegrid.com/), [Wheelstair Sp. z.o.o.](http://www.wheelstair.com/), and [Parrots Inc.](https://www.flyparrots.com/), [6degrees](https://www.6degrees.tech/)   **The Retirement Paradox** | December 14, 2021 Although people aged 50+ control most household wealth, many are unprepared for retirement, due to such things as credit card debt, mortgages, student loans, medical bills, etc. The result is that some in this population are draining what savings they have to-date, delaying retirement altogether, and/or returning to the workforce. **Congratulations to our winners! Challenge Winner:** [Trustworthy](https://www.trustworthy.com/home-v2/) **Audience Choice:** [Clocr](https://clocr.com/)   **Health & Wellness Challenge |** November 9, 2021 As populations age, they are increasingly turning to digital solutions to manage aging-related health needs, general wellness, and chronic disease. There are opportunities to be had in spaces that reimagine medication adherence, transform the way people access medical products, or disrupt areas that were formerly seen as taboo like menopause and sexual health. **Congratulations to our winners! Challenge Winner:** [Coral](https://getcoral.app/) **Audience Choice:**[Coral](https://getcoral.app/) Challenge Finalists: [Effectivate](https://effectivate.com/), [NuCook](https://www.nucook.org/), [Sexence](https://www.sexence.com/), [SageSurfer](https://www.sagesurfer.com/), [Soundable](https://www.soundablehealth.com/) **Safe and Effective Aging in Place Challenge ** | February, 2021 We're embarking on a global search for solutions that help people age in place more effectively and safely.   **Congratulations to our winners!** **Challenge Winner:** [Minka Homes & Communities](http://www.myminka.com/) **Audience Choice:** [Braze Mobility Inc.](http://www.brazemobility.com/) Challenge Finalists: [Beeyonder](http://www.beeyonder.com/), [CurieAi](https://www.curiehealth.care/), [EmPowerYu](http://www.empoweryu.com/), [Thrive Community Inc.](https://www.thrive-community.com/) **Female-Founders Social Connection Challenge** | January, 2021 Women founders with solutions that support long term relationship development and building, this may be of interest to you! From pen pals to romantic relationships, do you have a disruptive solution that will help develop better relationships?  **Congratulations to our winners!** **Challenge Winner:** [BuzzClub](https://www.buzzclubhq.com/) **Audience Choice:** [Big & Mini](https://bigandmini.org/) Challenge Finalists: [Daily Haloha](https://dailyhaloha.com/), [LifeBio](https://www.lifebio.org/), [SAYge Link](https://www.saygelink.com/), [MentalHappy](https://www.mentalhappy.com/) **Entertainment Challenge** | November, 2020 Do you have an innovative entertainment solution that curates the fun in life for older adults? We are highly encouraging our 50+ entrepreneurs and founders to apply to this challenge.  **Congratulations to our winners!** **Challenge Winner: [Caribu](https://caribu.com/)** **Audience Choice Winner**: [Silver Shoes Dance Club](https://www.silvershoesdanceclub.com/) Challenge Finalists: [Readeo](https://www.readeo.com/), [Tellinga](https://www.tellinga.com/), [2gether](https://www.2gether.fun/?v=88588bacf0da), [CityGuyd](https://www.cityguydapp.com/)  **Gaming Innovation Challenge ** | October, 2020 Whether you poured coins away at local arcades, stayed up late trying to beat a level, or simply scored big with the perfect word between meetings, there's a gamer in all of us! We are looking for immersive and fun video games that are engaging and accessible, regardless of one's age and stage in life. Games can be developed for mobile devices, console systems, and/or PC. **Congratulations to our winners!** **Challenge Winner: **[Litesprite](https://litesprite.com/) **Audience Choice Winner: **[Brain+](https://www.brain-plus.com/) Challenge Finalists: [Ready](https://www.thereadygames.com/), [HypGames](https://www.hypgames.com/), [SuperBetter](https://www.superbetter.com/), [Rally Cry](https://about.rallycry.gg/)   **Digital Learning Challenge** | September, 2020 Our desire to learn never stops. We're looking for creative and disruptive solutions that transform the digital learning industry, particularly for people as they age. Whether it be keeping current skills fresh or adding new tools to one’s repertoire. We want solutions that allow us to zoom through learning a new language, turn back the tick tock-ing clock as we learn new dance moves, or become a master class chef overnight.  **Congratulations to our winners!** **Challenge Winner: **[Mighty Health](https://www.mightyhealth.com/) **Audience Choice Winner**: [Tomplay](https://tomplay.com/) Challenge Finalists: [Fluent Forever](https://fluent-forever.com/app/), [TekMate](https://www.wearetekmate.com/), [Cookable](https://www.cookable.ai/), [SkillPop](https://www.skillpop.com/) **Fraud and Personal Security Challenge | **September, 2020  Have a solution that protects people’s information online? We are looking for disruptive personal security and fraud solutions that keep people from losing personal digital information.   **Congratulations to our winners!** **Challenge Winner:** [Nomorobo](https://www.nomorobo.com/) **Audience Choice Winner:** [CallHero](https://getcallhero.com/) Challenge Finalists: [Elefend, ](https://www.elefend.com/)[HackNotice, ](https://hacknotice.com/)[SPHER](https://www.spherinc.com/)  # **FAQs** **When do I need to apply by?** Please see “Challenge Details” for specific application deadlines. All applications are due by 12 PM Eastern.    **When are the Challenge Events?**  Please see “Challenge Details” for specific dates.  **What are the Challenge Events?**   Each event will be different, but finalists can expect to talk about their product or demo their products to a live audience of innovation enthusiasts and AARP community. There will be a judging panel and a winner announced following each event. Challenge Events will occur virtually. The MassChallenge HealthTech team will coordinate all technological logistics with you. Register for our Challenge Events  here.  **What do I need to apply?** 1. Read the Challenge Benefits and Eligibility Requirements  2. Create an optional 1-2 minute video outlining your founder story and product demo  3. Upload the video to YouTube or other platform  4. Complete the application for the challenge you are applying (we recommend creating your application first offline in a word processor)  5. Submit your application  **What should my video look like? **  Keep it short and sweet. We would like to see 1) your founding story and problem you are solving and, 2) a demo of your product. The video should be 1-2 minutes long. You will have the opportunity to pitch your solution live if you are selected to pitch for the competitions.   **What do I do if I have any questions?** Email Jessica Davis at [jdavis@masschallenge.org](mailto:jdavis@masschallenge.org )     --- **ABOUT AARP INNOVATION LABS** AARP Innovation Labs delivers on AARP’s mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age by disrupting, accelerating, and amplifying solutions for the 50+ market. We do this by discovering the best and brightest early-stage startups, mentoring them through an accelerator program, and connecting them with the leading minds in AgeTech. --- **ABOUT MASSCHALLENGE** MassChallenge is a global network of zero-equity startup accelerators. Headquartered in the United States with locations in Boston, Israel, Mexico, Rhode Island, Switzerland, and Texas, MassChallenge is committed to strengthening the global innovation ecosystem by supporting high-potential startups across all industries, from anywhere in the world. To date, our 2,344 MassChallenge alumni have raised more than $5 billion in funding, generated more than $2.7 billion in revenue, and created more than 136,000 jobs. Learn more about MassChallenge at [masschallenge.org](http://masschallenge.org). [![HQ Standard_Horizontal_ Transparent](https://more.masschallenge.org/hs-fs/hubfs/HQ%20Standard_Horizontal_%20Transparent.png?width=1671&height=225&name=HQ%20Standard_Horizontal_%20Transparent.png "HQ Standard_Horizontal_ Transparent")](https://masschallenge.org/) © Copyright 2025 MassChallenge, Inc. All rights reserved.