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Celebrating International Innovation: Highlights from CABHI’s Global Dementia Research + Innovation Showcase at AAIC 2025

Events
On July 30, 2025, the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), powered by Baycrest, hosted the Global Dementia Research + Innovation Showcase during the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) in Toronto.  

The engaging event brought together more than 350 guests from across Canada and around the world, including national and international ecosystem partners, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, healthcare organizations, and thought leaders who are reimagining the future of aging and dementia care. 

Among the distinguished attendees were Michelle Cooper, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance, Member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Eglinton—Lawrence., and Laura Smith, First Vice-Chair, Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Member of the Standing Committee on Government, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Thornhill.

Event highlights included: 

  • A dynamic pitch competition, where six innovators presented their groundbreaking solutions to enhance dementia care and quality of life for older persons. Dr. Galit Kleiner, a CABHI’s Ignite program awardee whose project addresses paratonia in dementia, won the live audience vote! Thank you to Appscent Medical, QurCan Therapeutics, SmartSocks by Milbotix, CAREfall, and Neu Health for compelling and informative pitches!  

  • An inspiring panel discussion featuring Professor Fiona Carragher, Dr. Gillian Einstein, and Dr. Mary Sano, who shared perspectives on research trends, innovation priorities, and opportunities for collaboration in the aging and brain health sector, specifically related to advancing dementia prevention, detection, treatment, and care.

  • Interactive demos from companies, including Amical, Interaxon Inc., Effectivate, Treventis Corporation, Jelly Drops, Recreo VR, SmartSocks by Milbotix, and Appscent Medical.  

  • The launch of AgeTech Insights: CABHI’s novel hub to mobilize knowledge and share market intelligence in the aging and brain health sector. Check out the first report and accompanying infographic.

  • Knowledge Exchange: Through interactive mapping activities, event attendees were asked to share their insights on topics such as the role of AI in shaping the future of aging and brain health, the promise of emerging diagnostic technologies, resources and supports needed for early career researchers and scientists, and more! 

The success of this event would not have been possible without our dedicated event sponsors and partners; their valuable support is a true testament to the collaboration in the aging and brain health sector. Through events like this, CABHI is proud to play its role as an ecosystem convener, ensuring diverse stakeholders can come together, share learnings, and celebrate innovations that drive impact.