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CABHI’s innovation and impact underscored by Members of Parliament

Announcements

The Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), powered by Baycrest, welcomed the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Honourable Marco Mendicino, MP for Eglinton-Lawrence to celebrate CABHI-funded portfolio projects and meet some of the leading Canadian innovators in aging and brain health on Friday, January 19.

The Strategic Science Fund (SSF) is jointly administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and Health Canada. In December 2023, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of ISED, and the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced this significant support for 24 independent, non-profit science, research, and innovation organizations, including CABHI, in this first-ever SSF competition. The SSF serves as a unifying platform, harnessing the strengths and capabilities of independent science and research organizations nationwide. It is an exemplary collaborative effort to advance priority areas across Canada. The targeted funding to CABHI demonstrates the government’s acknowledgment of CABHI’s contribution to advancing aging and brain health initiatives and Canada’s National Dementia Strategy.

“Funding through the Strategic Science Fund (SSF) is a testament to the collective vision we share for a brighter, healthier, and more resilient future for all Canadians,” says Dr. Allison Sekuler, President and Chief Scientist at CABHI. “On behalf of CABHI, the companies we support, and the communities of older adults we serve, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to Ministers Champagne and Holland for their unwavering support.”

“This federal government support strengthens Baycrest and CABHI’s ability to advance the most promising innovations that improve dementia prevention, early detection, novel treatments, and care while enhancing the brain health and well-being of all Canadians,” says Dr. William Reichman, President & CEO Baycrest Seniors Care.

Minister Champagne and Member of Parliament, Marco Mendicino participated in a showcase of some of CABHI’s supported innovations, including:

  • RetiSpec: an AI-based company that focuses on early detection of neurodegenerative diseases through a non-invasive eye exam.

  • Muse: a brain-sensing headband that uses real-time biofeedback to help older adults, people living with cognitive impairments, and family caregivers practice meditation and mindfulness.

  • Gotcare: a database of over 30,000 licensed care workers that allows users to submit care requests, select culturally appropriate support workers, converse with them, and predict the budget, thereby enabling case managers and their clients to get a personalized healthcare experience in the home.

  • iRegained: this company develops medical devices intended to address the physical rehabilitation needs of individuals.

  • ABOUT BAYCREST

    Baycrest is a global leader in aging and brain through research, innovation, care and education, working to defeat dementia and create a world where every older adult enjoys a life of purpose, inspiration and fulfilment. Baycrest is home to a robust research and innovation network, including one of the world’s top research institutes in cognitive neuroscience, the Rotman Research Institute; the scientific headquarters of the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging, Canada’s largest national dementia research initiative; and the Baycrest-powered Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation, a solution accelerator focused on driving innovation in the aging and brain health sector. For more information, visit baycrest.org.

  • ABOUT CABHI

    A solution accelerator for the aging and brain health sector, CABHI provides funding and support to innovators for the development, testing, and dissemination of the latest ideas and technologies that address unmet brain health and seniors’ care needs. Established in 2015, it is the result of the largest investment in brain health and aging in Canadian history. CABHI is a unique collaboration of healthcare, science, industry, not-for-profit, and government partners whose aim is to help improve quality of life for the world’s aging population, allowing older adults to age safely in the setting of their choice while maintaining their cognitive, emotional, and physical well-being.

    CABHI also gratefully acknowledges the support of its current funders: the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, and the Government of Canada through the Public Health Agency of Canada.