CABHI companies win prestigious award for Canadian innovation in healthy aging and social connectedness
Amical, Cosm Medical, and PragmaClin are among 10 start-ups recognized for developing solutions that help people live longer, healthier, and more connected lives
Three companies supported by the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), powered by Baycrest, have been selected among the 10 winners of UpLink’s Shaping Canada’s Longevity Advantage Challenge. Amical, Cosm Medical, and PragmaClin are being recognized for their innovative solutions that improve health, longevity, and social connectedness throughout the aging experience.
The winning start-ups have secured access to a global network of companies, investors, and policymakers, helping them build new connections and advance their solutions toward global deployment and international scale.
This timely challenge focusing on the aging and brain health sector comes as Canada’s rapidly aging population creates a growing opportunity for critical technologies and AI-powered solutions that help people age well. With the country reaching super-aged status—20% of the population is over age 60—and nearly 40% of Canadians over age 50, 43% of the population is at high risk of social isolation. Supporting Canadian innovators in bringing effective solutions to market can improve quality of life, strengthen communities, and contribute to a more resilient longevity economy.
Mel Barsky, Director of Business Development at CABHI and Partner of CABHI Ventures, served as a judge for the challenge, drawing on his expertise in identifying and accelerating high-potential aging and brain health solutions.
Meet the award-winning CABHI companies transforming aging and brain health
Amical: Cutting-edge AI built into everyday technology
Amical is combatting loneliness and social isolation with an AI-powered companion available 24 hours a day. Rather than asking users to learn new technology, Amical lets residents pick up a familiar telephone and begin talking. The companion can engage in conversation, share reminders, and conduct well-being checks. It can also alert family members and care teams when a conversation may require urgent attention, helping identify potential signs of cognitive or emotional decline earlier. Designed to complement—not replace—the care provided by families and healthcare professionals, Amical offers added support and reassurance for residents and their care networks.
CABHI has genuinely been one of the best programs we’ve been part of. The funding allowed us to move quickly and strengthen our team, but what really stands out is everything that came with it: the mentorship, the resources, the support from the CABHI team, and access to the aging and senior care ecosystem in Toronto.
—Tony Aubé, Co-founder of Amical
Cosm Medical: Personalizing pelvic health care
Cosm Medical is combining AI, software, and 3D printing to develop personalized pelvic health devices that help people stay active and independent.
CABHI supported Cosm Medical through the Mentorship, Capital, and Continuation (MC2) program in partnership with National Bank (now Fuel), providing investment and tailored acceleration services to help the company achieve validation and business milestones on its pathway to commercialization, growth, and scale.
CABHI's MC2 Capital program [now Fuel] has been great. We worked together with CABHI on projects including value framework, health economics, and non-dilutive grant funding. I would recommend CABHI to any healthtech startup looking for a value-added investor!
—Derek Sham, Founder and CEO of Cosm Medical
PragmaClin: Expanding access to Parkinson’s assessment
PragmaClin is the creator of Parkinson’s Remote Interactive Monitoring System (PRIMS), a user-friendly digital health technology designed to support faster Parkinson’s assessment and care, regardless of a person’s location or access to a medical centre. The system uses cameras connected to a computer to monitor client movements, while its software collects and analyzes those movements in real time. Results are then made readily available to the client and their healthcare providers.
The story behind PragmaClin is rooted in a commitment to improving the lives of those affected by neurological disorders. PRIMS is a testament to that commitment, offering a groundbreaking approach to Parkinson’s disease assessment through advanced technology. CABHI’s support has been pivotal, not only providing the necessary financial resources but also validating our efforts and giving us the confidence to push forward.
—Bronwyn Bridges, CEO of PragmaClin
This award is just one example of how CABHI-supported companies are having a real impact on healthspan and brain health across Canada and around the globe. Read more stories like this in our latest Impact Report.