The global COVID-19 pandemic is hitting the older adult population the hardest, not only from a risk and mortality perspective, but also in the way it is exacerbating isolation and loneliness due to social distancing. The Global Innovation Search, co-hosted by Aging2.0 and The Louisville Healthcare CEO Council (LHCC), provided an opportunity for innovators around the world to showcase their products and services to help keep older adults connected to their communities, families, healthcare providers and vital information. 

We were thrilled with the incredible response we received throughout the Global Innovation Search and the quality of innovations that were presented. Click on the following hyperlinks to view the 48 semi-finalists and 10 finalists.

Soundmind is the easiest way for older adults to video chat. Their voice-activated care platform allows families and caregivers to securely manage appointments, share memories, provide vital information and engaging content. Devices are pre-configured when shipped. www.soundmindinc.com

Tombot makes robotic animals for seniors facing social isolation or dementia. Peer-reviewed studies show robotic animals reduce loneliness, anxiety, depression and pain, reducing the need for psychotropic and opioid medications. www.tombot.com

Global Innovation Search Timeline

Eligibility Requirements

• The innovation should address social isolation and loneliness in older adults
• Innovators must have a commercial-ready or commercially available product/service
• The company's Founder or C-level executive (or equivalent) must be the person to present if selected to advance to the Virtual Pitch Competition
• The top ten innovators that are selected to pitch at the Virtual Pitch Competition will be required to present in English
• The Global Innovation Search is not only open to startups. Established companies and non-profits are welcome to apply if they have recently (within the last 3 years) launched an innovative solution to improve the lives of older adults
  
  

Prizes

Semi-Finalists (the innovators that are nominated by Chapter Ambassadors) will:

• Be featured on the Aging2.0 website, social media and CoverAGE newsletter during the public voting round

Finalists (based on online public voting) will:

• Receive Bronze Aging2.0 Network Sponsorship ($5K value) 
• Receive Aging2.0 mentorship and pitch training
• Compete in a virtual pitch event (P4P) judged by a panel of leaders from LHCC and Aging2.0. The overall event winner will continue on to pitch at the LHCC CareTech2.0 Pitch event in September
   

Program Goals

• Identify and learn about new innovations focused on mitigating social isolation and loneliness among older adults
• Educate the community about Aging2.0 and innovations related to aging
• Expand and deepen the global community

Nomination and Judging Criteria

• Idea / Product - quality of overall concept, viability of product or service
• Implementation - how innovators are taking their idea to market, including diversity and strength of team, sales record, funding, pipeline, strategic plan
• Impact on the Aging Experience - potential to improve quality of life for older adults, caregivers, and/or revolutionize the aging services industry
• Integration - how well the innovation integrates into the lives of older adults and/or professional setting. In particular, working well with other products and services