KITE Joins envisAGE Network

The KITE Research Institute at the University Health Network is pleased to serve as a Beachhead within envisAGE, a pan-Canadian Network that is catalyzing Canada's AgeTech ecosystem by helping companies deliver technology solutions that will make a difference in the lives of older adults and their caregivers.

The envisAGE initiative is co-led by MEDTEQ+, a leader in accelerating innovation and supporting entrepreneurs in the Canadian MedTech industry, and AGE-WELL, Canada's leading research and innovation network in AgeTech. It is funded through the federal government's Strategic Innovation Fund.

Our Role as a Beachhead

In its role as a Beachhead, KITE shares its expertise in the measurement and evaluation of the implementation of new technologies with small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have been selected for funding as part of collaborative projects. Beachheads measure the effectiveness of SMEs' technologies in Community Labs – real-world settings that provide services and care to older adults and caregivers, including long-term care facilities, retirement communities and homes.

Community Lab Alignment

Assist with ensuring SME and Community Lab alignment for technology integration

Innovation Proposal

Co-develop the Call for Innovation proposal with the SME and Community Lab

Evaluation System

Establish evaluation system for measuring impact of technology integration

Data Analysis

Analyze the data and report/publish results

Roles and Responsibilities

Community Labs

  • Highlight the unmet needs in the facility
  • Propose the end-user setting for the technology integration and service innovations
  • Contribute the staff and resources to integrate the technology into the Community Lab

SMEs

  • Propose a technological innovation for an unmet need
  • Provide new innovative technologies (TRL 7-9) and technological assistance
  • Contribute the staff and resources to support the project's success

Application Process

1

Stage 1

Lead applicants (SME and Community Lab) Letter of Intent (LOI) Completion. LOI is submitted and reviewed.

2

Stage 2

Matchmaking with collaborators and jointly writing the collaborative project proposal. Project proposal is submitted.

3

Stage 3

Committee reviews the project and then selects project.

4

Stage 4

The applicants are notified about the results.

Requirements

  • Active research lab
  • Aging-focused innovation
  • Commitment to collaboration
  • Market readiness

Key Dates (Deadlines)

LOI: Dec 2, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
Proposal: Mar 11, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Notification of Results: June 2026

*All deadlines are based on Eastern Time.

Application Process

The breadth of expertise makes KITE unique as a Beachhead. We are knowledgeable in technologies such as

  • AI, Machine Learning (ML), Data & Advanced Analytics
  • Augmented Reality
  • Wearables
  • Medical Devices
  • Sensors
  • Robotics
  • AR/VR/XR

We are familiar with conditions or areas of research such as:

  • Aging
  • Dementia
  • Musculoskeletal
  • Pain
  • Chronic Pain
  • Spinal Cord Injury
  • Stroke
  • Sleep Science
  • Cardiac Rehab
  • Injury Prevention
  • Social Connectedness

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Learn More About enviSAGE

Visit enviSAGE Website