# Shaping Canada’sLongevity Advantage

A call for integrated and actionable solutions that deliver measurable improvements in the health, financial resilience and social connectedness of Canadians while fostering purpose and opportunity across generations.


## Overview

Canadians are living longer, more complex and more multi-stage lives. With nearly 40% of Canadians already over 50, longer lifespans create both opportunities and challenges. Many adults are navigating their own health and financial needs while also supporting aging parents or caregiving for others. At the same time, pressures in Canada’s healthcare system, as well as market uncertainty, mean individuals must increasingly take proactive steps to maintain physical, mental and financial wellbeing.Insights from the National Institute on Ageing (2025) show that 43% of older Canadians are at high risk of social isolation, and only 29% feel they can afford to retire. These realities underscore the need for solutions that help people live not only longer — but better — with strong support systems, improved financial resilience, confidence and meaningful connections.The Shaping Canada’s Longevity Advantage Challenge, led by UpLink in collaboration with Manulife and the World Economic Forum’s Longevity Economy Initiative, responds to this opportunity by mobilizing early-stage solutions across financial resilience, health and wellness and social connection. The Challenge focuses on AI-enabled financial and care planning tools, preventative and digitally enabled health solutions and platforms that foster inclusion and intergenerational connection.Winners will gain access to a global network of corporates, investors and policymakers to support deployment and scale. Learn more about our longevity innovation ecosystem. This Challenge is part of the UpLink Innovation Challenge Series – Spring 2026, a global call for early-stage solutions ready to move from innovation to real-world deployment at scale, shaping the markets, industries and systems of tomorrow.


### Empowering Canadians to live longer with better health, financial resilience and social connection


## Focus areas


### Helping plan for and navigate longer lives, including retirement, care planning and financial tools for caregivers

Financial and planning solutions, including budgeting and savings tools designed for longer lifespans, with AI-enabled capabilities, as well as innovative retirement, future-planning and care planning platforms built for today’s realities. It also includes financing solutions for caregivers, particularly those balancing work, family and caregiving responsibilities.


### Supporting prevention, health navigation and care coordination for individuals and caregivers

Health and wellness solutions, including digitally enabled health navigation platforms, preventative care and wellness solutions aimed at reducing the onset and progression of chronic illness. It also includes tools, technologies and support systems for caregivers to help manage the health, care coordination and well-being of their loved ones.


### Strengthening engagement, belonging and intergenerational connections across digital, physical and community environments

Solutions that foster social connection and inclusion, including digital, physical and nature-based spaces for engagement, AI-supported platforms that strengthen social interaction, as well as intergenerational community-building initiatives that promote purpose and belonging.


## Selection criteria


## Frequently Asked Questions

*Common questions and answers*


### This challenge is now closed for new applications.

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## Benefits for selected UpLink Ventures

Approximately 10 submissions will be selected as winners, recognized as UpLink Ventures and become part of the UpLink Innovation Ecosystem, a curated programme designed for Founders, CEOs, Executive Directors, etc., which provides:


### Access

Participation in World Economic Forum and partner-led events, projects and communities.


### Visibility

Global exposure via the Forum’s and UpLink’s digital media channels.


### Connections

Strategic introductions to select organizations in the Forum’s and UpLink’s network.


### Targeted support

Programming and support on technical, business and operational matters.


## Expectations of selected UpLink Ventures

Once selected, UpLink Ventures are expected to actively contribute as members of its Innovation Ecosystem, including:Events: Participating in UpLink and partner-led programming and events.Marketing and media: Sharing relevant information and assets for marketing campaigns and media requests.Impact reporting: Engaging in regular communication touchpoints, including meetings and surveys, to assess needs and impact.


## Challenge timeline


## Timeline

*Chronological events and milestones*


## Partners


## Funded by


*Partner organizations and sponsors*


## In collaboration with the World Economic Forum's Longevity Economy Initiative


## Ecosystem partners


## Members

*Browse and filter community members*