Manulife has launched the Innovating for Asia’s Demographic Future Challenge in partnership with UpLink, the World Economic Forum’s platform for early-stage innovation.
The initiative calls for start-ups offering practical solutions to support long-term financial resilience, access to health care, and engagement in later life stages across Asia’s ageing populations.
This is the second in a series of three challenges under a multiyear partnership between Manulife, UpLink, and the Forum’s Centre for Financial and Monetary Systems. The collaboration aims to address the economic and social implications of demographic change in Asia by supporting early-stage ventures aligned with longevity-focused innovation.
The challenge focuses on start-ups working in three areas: financial planning over longer life spans, expanded access to preventative and holistic health services, and new approaches to personal and professional development throughout life.
Manulife will award C$200,000 (US$147,000) in total prize funding to the top three among ten selected ventures. In addition to financial support, winning start-ups will gain access to potential partnerships and funding opportunities through UpLink’s network.
Sarah Chapman, Global Chief Sustainability Officer at Manulife, said: “This challenge is an opportunity to drive investment in innovations that are truly going to move the needle to address demographic trends shaping the future of Asia in an effort to improve health, wealth, and quality of living outcomes for generations to come.”
The first challenge in the series, the ‘Prospering in Longevity Challenge,’ concluded in October 2024, with ten winners announced. The third and final challenge in the programme, scheduled for 2026, will introduce a new thematic focus.
