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 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 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:
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
Judges Choice: Gaitbetter
Honorable Mentions: Cognishape, Goldacare, CollabCare, 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
Audience Choice: Jukebox Health
Honorable Mentions: EllieGrid, Wheelstair Sp. z.o.o., and Parrots Inc., 6degrees
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
Audience Choice: Clocr
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
Audience Choice:Coral
Challenge Finalists: Effectivate, NuCook, Sexence, SageSurfer, Soundable
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
Audience Choice: Braze Mobility Inc.
Challenge Finalists: Beeyonder, CurieAi, EmPowerYu, Thrive Community Inc.
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
Audience Choice: Big & Mini
Challenge Finalists: Daily Haloha, LifeBio, SAYge Link, MentalHappy
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
Audience Choice Winner: Silver Shoes Dance Club
Challenge Finalists: Readeo, Tellinga, 2gether, CityGuyd
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
Audience Choice Winner: Brain+
Challenge Finalists: Ready, HypGames, SuperBetter, Rally Cry
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
Audience Choice Winner: Tomplay
Challenge Finalists: Fluent Forever, TekMate, Cookable, SkillPop
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
Audience Choice Winner: CallHero
Challenge Finalists: Elefend, HackNotice, SPHER
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?
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
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.
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