Can you highlight key services, solutions, or initiatives in healthy ageing from your ecosystem?

Québec is a leader in healthy ageing, with a robust ecosystem integrating research, innovation, community programs, and public policies. Here are the key initiatives and solutions:

Research and Innovation

• Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal (IUGM):
  • Focus: Active ageing, frailty, and neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s).
  • Key Initiatives: 
    • Telegeriatrics platform: Virtual consultations for remote areas.
    • Biomarker research: Early detection tools for frailty.
    • “Ageing Well” Project: Integrated prevention program (nutrition, physical activity, mental health).
• Centre de recherche sur le vieillissement (CdRV – Sherbrooke):
  • Focus: Successful ageing, autonomy, and supportive environments.
  • Initiatives: 
    • Longitudinal studies on social determinants of ageing.
    • Living Lab: Testing technological solutions (e.g. fall sensors, assistive robots).
• Universities (McGill, Université de Montréal, Laval):
  • Interdisciplinary Research: 
    • McGill: Social inequalities and ageing (e.g. impact of income on health).
    • Université de Montréal: Active mobility and age-friendly cities.
    • Université Laval: Palliative care and end-of-life research.
• The Canadian Space Agency
  As space exploration enters a new era, Canada is positioning itself as a key player in human health research beyond Earth. In collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency and several universities and startups across Québec, researchers and startups are examining a fascinating phenomenon: accelerated ageing in space.

• Quebec Network for Research on Aging (RQRV)
  Key Activities:
  • Fosters interdisciplinary research: The RQRV brings together researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and community partners to study ageing from biological, social, and technological perspectives, aiming to improve the quality of life for older adults in Quebec.
  • Supports innovation and knowledge transfer: The network funds and promotes projects focused on gerontechnology, healthy ageing, and care models, while facilitating the translation of research findings into practical applications for communities, healthcare systems, and policymakers.
  • Engages communities and stakeholders: The RQRV involves older adults, caregivers, and local organizations in participatory research (e.g., living labs) to ensure solutions are tailored to real-world needs, while advocating for evidence-based policies to address Quebec’s ageing population challenges.
• EngAGE, Concordia University
  Key Activities:
  • Promotes active and healthy ageing: EngAGE leads interdisciplinary research and community initiatives to enhance the well-being, social inclusion, and autonomy of older adults through innovative programs, technology, and urban design.
  • Bridges research and practice: The center collaborates with municipalities, healthcare providers, and industry partners to translate research into real-world solutions, such as age-friendly urban planning, digital literacy programs, and intergenerational projects.

  • Engages older adults as co-creators: Through participatory research and living labs, EngAGE involves older adults in designing and testing solutions that address their needs, fostering a community-driven approach to ageing and social innovation.

  

Technological Solutions and Startups

• Tactio Health Group:
  • Solution: Remote monitoring platform for chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension) in seniors.
  • Impact: Reduces hospitalizations through remote tracking.
• Cervo Brain Health:
  • Solution: Cognitive stimulation app to prevent age-related decline.
  • Partnerships: Collaborations with senior residences.
• Keeno:
  • Solution: Care coordination platform for family caregivers.
  • Impact: Reduces caregiver burden and improves service organization.
• Mila (Québec AI Institute):
  • Projects: 
    • Predictive models for frailty and fall risks.
    • Chatbots for mental health support for isolated seniors.
• EnvisAGE (MEDTEQ+): a Québec-based consortium dedicated to accelerating the development and adoption of medical technologies (medtech) and health innovations. The program is designed to support startups, SMEs, and researchers in validating their innovations, reducing risks, and preparing for market entry or further investment.
• Lucilab 
  • Personalized digital health platforms: Lucilab develops AI-driven digital tools (e.g., mobile apps, wearables, and telehealth solutions) to monitor and improve physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being in older adults. These platforms provide real-time health tracking, personalized recommendations, and early detection of age-related conditions (e.g., frailty, cognitive decline).
  • Intergenerational and community engagement: Their solutions emphasize social connectivity and community-based programs to combat isolation. This includes virtual social activities, intergenerational mentoring programs, and tools to foster engagement between seniors, caregivers, and healthcare providers.

Community and Social Initiatives

• Réseau québécois de villes et communautés amies des aînés (RQVCA):
  • Mission: Make cities more accessible and inclusive for seniors.
  • Actions: 
    • Urban adaptations: Benches, safe sidewalks, adequate lighting.
    • Intergenerational programs: Shared housing, joint activities.
• Fondation Béati:
  • Focus: Combat social isolation among seniors.
  • Initiatives: 
    • Day centers with cultural and physical activities.
    • Volunteer programs for home visits.
• First Nations of Québec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC):
  • Approach: Integration of Indigenous traditional knowledge in elder care.
  • Projects: 
    • Culturally adapted elder homes.
    • Training for community caregivers.
• 32 living labs dedicated to ageing in Québec
  Objectives: These 32 living labs are part of a participatory and territorial approach, where seniors are not just beneficiaries but co-designers of solutions. They are often supported by public-private-community partnerships (e.g., universities, CISSS, businesses, nonprofits) and aim to break down silos among stakeholders for an integrated approach to ageing.
• AGES Foundation
  Key Activities:
  • Supports research and innovation in ageing: Fondation AGES funds and promotes cutting-edge research on ageing, with a focus on improving quality of life, autonomy, and health for older adults through scientific, technological, and social advancements.
  • Encourages interdisciplinary collaboration: The foundation brings together researchers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations to develop and implement innovative solutions for ageing populations, including gerontechnology, care models, and age-friendly environments.
  • Advocates for age-inclusive policies: Fondation AGES works to influence public policies and raise awareness about the challenges and opportunities of an ageing society, ensuring that older adults’ needs and contributions are recognized and addressed.
• Active since 1967, the Berthiaume-Du Tremblay Foundation contributes to aging well in Quebec:
  • By exploring new solutions and promoting their experimentation.
  • By supporting initiatives that fit various stages of seniors’ life journeys.
  • By sharing acquired expertise and participating in various partnerships and collaborations to inspire, and even influence, social change.
  All of their actions are carried out from an intergenerational and innovative perspective, by and for seniors.

Are there any EU or international funding projects your ecosystem is involved in (or would like to join) related to healthy ageing?

Québec’s ecosystem is actively engaged in international collaborations, particularly with the EU. Here are key funding projects and opportunities:

Current Involvements

• Horizon Europe:
  • Collaborative projects with European partners on: 
    • Frailty prevention (e.g., adapted exercises, nutrition).
    • Technologies for autonomy (e.g., sensors, AI).
  • Example: CdRV’s participation in a project on age-friendly urban environments.
• Active and Assisted Living Programme (AAL):
  • Collaborations with European consortia to develop ICT solutions (e.g., health monitoring apps, social robots).
  • Example: Pilot project with Dutch and German partners on smart homes for seniors.
• CETA (Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement):
  • Facilitates partnerships between Québec and European companies in gerontechnology (e.g., co-development of medical devices).

Targeted Opportunities

• Horizon Europe – Cancer Mission:
  • Interest: Collaborate on age-related cancers (e.g., breast, prostate) and palliative care.
• EU4Health:
  • Priorities: 
    • Prevention programs for chronic diseases in seniors.
    • Training for healthcare professionals in geriatrics.
• Interreg (European Territorial Cooperation):
  • Cross-border projects with European regions on: 
    • Age-friendly cities.
    • Solutions for rural areas (e.g., mobile telemedicine).
• Canada-EU Innovation Funds:
  • Funding for pilot projects in gerontechnology (e.g., assistive robots, care coordination platforms).

What types of partnerships are you seeking to strengthen your work in healthy ageing?

Québec’s ecosystem is actively seeking strategic partnerships to amplify its impact. Key areas for collaboration include:

Research and Development

• Academic Collaborations:
  • Researcher exchanges with European universities (e.g., joint projects on ageing biomarkers).
  • Access to data cohorts for comparative studies (e.g., urban vs. rural ageing).
• Industrial Partnerships:
  • Co-development of technologies with European companies (e.g., wearable sensors, social robots).
  • Clinical trials for innovative medical devices.

Commercialization and Scaling

• Access to European Markets:
  • Partnerships with distributors for Québec solutions (e.g., Tactio, Cervo).
  • Regulatory support to adapt products to European standards (e.g., CE marking).
• Investments:
  • Impact funds from Europe to support scaling of Québec startups in gerontechnology.
  • Public-private partnerships for pilot projects (e.g., deployment in senior residences).

Public Policy and Advocacy

• Knowledge Exchange:
  • Collaboration with European cities (e.g., Amsterdam, Barcelona) on age-friendly cities.
  • Policy expertise on caregiver support and social inclusion.
• Global Advocacy:
  • Joint work with WHO or EU to integrate Québec standards (e.g., integrated care models) into global recommendations.

Social Innovation and Community

• Intergenerational Projects:
  • Exchanges with European organizations (e.g., Age Platform Europe) for shared housing or mentorship programs.
• Combating Isolation:
  • Partnerships with EU NGOs to develop virtual socialization platforms (e.g., book clubs, cultural activities).

Training and Knowledge Exchange

• Exchange Programs:
  • Internships and training for Québec professionals in Europe (e.g., geriatrics, palliative care).
  • Joint webinars/conferences (e.g., on integrated care models).
• Curriculum Development:
  • Collaboration with European schools to train caregivers and healthcare staff in new technologies.

Why Partner with Québec?

• Recognized Expertise: Leaders in ageing research (IUGM, CdRV) and social innovation (RQVCA).
• Dynamic Ecosystem: Startups in gerontechnology (Tactio, Cervo) and living labs for testing solutions.
• Alignment with European Values: Holistic approach (health + social + environment) and user-centered solutions.
• Gateway to North America: Québec as a bilingual bridge for European companies entering the Canadian/US markets.