Dr. Allison Sekuler
President & Chief Scientist, CABHI and the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education
Supporting AgeTech innovation improves aging outcomes and fuels Canada’s brain economy, paving the way for a stronger, more sustainable healthcare system.
Preparing for demographic shifts
Canada’s aging population is growing rapidly, with nearly 20 per cent of Canadians now aged 65 or older. As Canada ages, the prevalence of dementia increases: current estimates predict that by 2050, over 1.7 million Canadians will be living with dementia, with related economic impacts on the Canadian economy expected to increase to over $110 billion annually.
These sobering statistics underscore the urgent need to prepare Canada’s healthcare system to support older persons living healthier lives—especially with respect to brain health. Strengthening our brain economy, which is fueled by the cognitive, emotional, and social resources of our population, is essential. Brain health doesn’t just affect an individual’s well-being; it directly shapes our economic future.
“We must find ways to reduce the strain on our healthcare system while also helping older persons live their best possible lives,” says Dr. Allison Sekuler, President and Chief Scientist of CABHI and the Baycrest Academy for Research and Education. “Investing in promising AgeTech innovations is the key.”
Supporting innovation for sustainable healthcare
At the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), powered by Baycrest, this mission underlies every program and partnership. By investing in Canadian innovators developing leading-edge solutions—AgeTech tools, BioTech breakthroughs, pharmaceutical therapies, and new approaches to care—CABHI drives the future of aging.
Its Fuel program supports innovators developing solutions that meaningfully improve the lives of older persons and their caregivers and reduce the pressure on our healthcare system. With targeted funding and acceleration services through Fuel, innovators overcome barriers to market competitiveness, allowing them to address the challenges older persons face every day. In 2025, the program allocated $2.8 million CAD to eight awardees.
“Innovative solutions supported by our Fuel program that promote dementia prevention, early intervention, remote care monitoring, and better management of chronic conditions can dramatically improve people’s lives,” says Dr. Sekuler. “They also lead to a more sustainable and resilient healthcare system, and help build the Canadian economy.”
Accelerating solutions with critical insights
Effective aging and brain health solutions must be grounded in the real world, with input from experts and people with lived experience. CABHI’s AgeTech Insights meets this need. As a national and global think tank, AgeTech Insights collaborates with ecosystem partners to inform scientists, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers about the needs of older persons and the healthcare system.
Through programs and partnerships such as Fuel and AgeTech Insights, CABHI plays a key role in accelerating the development and adoption of transformative aging and brain health solutions. Its initiatives strengthen the brain economy, improve the lives of older persons and their caregivers, and enhance Canada’s healthcare system to ensure aging is supported with dignity, innovation, and care.
Visit cabhi.com to learn more.
