Manulife, World Economic Forum launch longevity innovation challenge

Manulife, World Economic Forum launch longevity innovation challenge | Insurance Business Canada

Life & Health

Manulife, World Economic Forum launch longevity innovation challenge

Partnership brought on by “shared sense of urgency”

Life & Health

By
Terry Gangcuangco

Manulife, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF), has unveiled the Prospering in Longevity Challenge via UpLink, WEF’s open innovation platform.

The challenge, part of a multi-year partnership announced earlier this year at the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos, is the first of three innovation challenges aimed at advancing longevity innovation.

Manulife and WEF are calling on global startups to participate in the challenge by offering innovative solutions for preventative healthcare and financial well-being. The solutions should enable individuals across all generations to lead financially resilient and fulfilling long lives.

“By 2050, the global population over 65 is expected to double to 1.6 billion, bringing significant health and wealth challenges for our planet,” said Sarah Chapman (pictured), Manulife’s global chief sustainability officer.

UpLink head John Dutton added: “Innovation is key to achieving the sustainable development goals by 2030, and by partnering with Manulife, we are committed to sourcing and scaling innovative solutions that strengthen financial resilience across longer lives and embrace a preventative approach to healthcare.

“This collaboration will democratize access to tools that increase financial resilience and surface solutions aimed at improving physical and mental health.”

The ongoing partnership enhances Manulife’s previous collaboration with WEF’s UpLink to promote nature-based solutions to climate change.

Applications to the inaugural longevity innovation challenge are open until July 22, with full project details, eligibility criteria, and timelines available on the challenge page.

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