The Chrysalis Innovation Challenge

Bold Solutions. Big Ideas. Lasting Impact. #ChrysalisChallenge

The Chrysalis Innovation Challenge is a national competition seeking innovative solutions to address aging issues in Canada. We look for trailblazing solutions that address the changing needs of Canada’s aging population. We encourage startups, community organizations or anyone who helps older adults in their roles to participate in our challenge.

Thriving in Community

Your innovative solution must reflect on one of the following themes:

Aging In Place

How can we help older adults to age in the place of their choosing?

Financial Wellness
Support Networks or Community Building
Products, Tools and Strategies to support living at home
Mental Health

Living with Purpose

How can we reimagine how older adults can contribute their skills, talents, and years of experience towards a new purpose?

Social Connection
Reimagining Work
Arts/Recreation or Entertainment

People Supporting People

How can we support the people who provide the health, social, physical and mental supports to older adults and their families?

Recruitment and Retention
Caregiver Well-being
Peer-to-Peer Networks
Mobility & Transportation

Meet our 2024 Grand Prize Winner

Steadiwear Inc.

Congratulations to Steadiwear Inc. for winning the top prize of $30,000 for their innovative device. The Steadi-3 hand tremor device uses advanced technology to adapt to individual tremor patterns, providing reliable, real-time stabilization providing control and independence for those with Essential Tremor and Parkinson’s Disease.

The grand prize award was generously sponsored by the Peterson Foundation.

The Runners Up ($10,000)

caregiVR

CaregiVR is a personalized, clinically validated virtual reality platform designed for seniors living facilities, empowering residents to combat isolation, reduce aggression, and live with renewed purpose through immersive experiences tailored to their abilities and interests.

Headwaters Health Care Centre

The volunteer visiting program addresses the growing issue of social isolation among older adults in Canada, which is linked to declining health, increased hospitalizations, and reduced independence. By extending the TeleCheck model to include in-person volunteer visits and clinical support from Community Paramedics, the program provides emotional, practical, and medical assistance.

People’s Choice Award ($1,000)

MedicAlert

What would you do if you realized your loved one, living with dementia, had gone missing? This is a terrifying possibility for thousands of caregivers across Canada. MedicAlert has a simple, low-tech solution to band communities together to help identify people with dementia who wander—and help them return home safely. The Good Samaritan program will create safer communities and help ensure that seniors can maximize their independence.

Meet our Impact Ideators

All 2024 Impact Ideators were winners this year, showcasing truly innovative submissions. Each received $1,000, with the People’s Choice winner earning an extra $1,000.

Melanie McLean

Many seniors in our rural community face isolation due to distance and limited transportation. By improving access to technology and transportation, we can reconnect them with their community and bring them back into our adult day programs. This will help ease loneliness, offering them the companionship and support they deserve, no matter how far they are.

Alexis Hart & Florene Shuber

The “Intergenerational Classroom”, facilitates intergenerational exchange, mentorship and learning. The Intergenerational Classroom puts ‘learning into context’, drawing on diverse generational perspectives by embedding experiential learning about aging in shared educational environments.

Anjonique Beckford

Providing virtual friendly connector services aimed at alleviating social isolation and loneliness among Canadian Seniors. Virtual care supports via telephone, online platforms, engaging in meaningful conversations, group activities, emotional support, technology training and resources.

Dianara Michaela Veloria

Living with Purpose is a transformative initiative that reimagines aging by connecting older adults with meaningful roles in their communities. Through tailored mentorship and volunteer opportunities, we harness their rich life experiences and skills, fostering intergenerational relationships.

Majid Khakizadeh

In North America, one in three seniors experiences a fall each year. Home decluttering, safety reviews, and downsizing due to financial challenges or health changes are essential solutions to support aging in place.

KIV app (kiv.tech) is designed to address these challenges, enabling seniors to live safely and comfortably in their homes for as long as possible.

Roya Aghajani

SAIPH is a professional centre that brings together all senior housing specialists, product and service providers, and entrepreneurs to review the housing issue for seniors through the sharing of knowledge, experience and expertise. This hub is a credible expert reference.

Winnie Liang

Ma Robot AI is creating all-in-one assistive mobile robots with advanced navigation capabilities. This will allow robots to interact closely with people and to reach their full potential in addressing the aging challenge for both caregivers and older adults.