Two OBI innovation projects funded to enhance older adults' quality of life
October 23, 2024
Two OBI-affiliated innovation projects have been funded by MEDTEQ+ and AGE-WELL through envisAGE, an initiative created to propel Canada to the forefront of the AgeTech sector and foster quality aging nationwide.
"We are delighted to support these projects that enable SMEs to deliver solutions directly to older adults, caregivers, and health care and service providers, while mobilizing industrial, academic, clinical and community sectors across Canada. This shows that together, we can make a real difference in our quality of life as we age and that technology should be among the solutions," said Sabrina Boutin, Executive Director of envisAGE and Vice President of MEDTEQ+.
The following collaborative projects, supported through OBI's CORTEX program, were announced during the envisAGE 2nd Annual Forum, held on October 23, 2024 in Edmonton:
- Advancing Dementia Care: evaluating digital cognitive assessment tools in community settings: The Alzheimer Society of Ontario, MoCA Cognition, and OBI are collaborating to improve cognitive testing for older adults by validating XpressO, a digital, self-administered cognitive screening tool, against traditional assessments and assessing its feasibility and benefits for wider community use in Ontario. more
- Parkinson's disease remote management system (PRIMS)
PragmaClin is validating its PRIMS technology at the Newfoundland and Labrador Balance and Dizziness Centre, comparing its accuracy in detecting Parkinson's Disease states against physiotherapist assessments according to international standards, with data analysis supported by OBI's Brain-CODE platform. The project aims to establish a 'gold standard' in clinical assessments and improve access for patients with mobility issues or in rural areas. more
Ms. Boutin added: "The truly collaborative nature of these projects is critical to driving success, achieving impact, accelerating access to innovation, and building Canada's leadership in the AgeTech sector."
These projects are part of a $20M investment in 16 cutting-edge collaborations nationwide, uniting subject matter experts, community labs, and innovation hubs to drive transformative impacts for seniors and caregivers.