Manulife, WEF seek start-ups for health and wealth solutions

The ageing population is expected to double by 2050, imposing significant challenges.

Manulife and the World Economic Forum (WEF) have formed an alliance to “help shape the future of, and investment in, longevity innovation.”

"By 2050, the global population over 65 is expected to double to 1.6 billion, bringing significant health and wealth challenges for our planet," said Sarah Chapman, Global Chief Sustainability Officer for Manulife. 

Both entities have formed the Prospering in Longevity Challenge through UpLink, the Forum's open innovation platform. 

This initiative is the first of three innovation challenges under a multi-year partnership announced earlier at the WEF's Annual Meeting in Davos, aimed at advancing longevity innovation.

"We are partnering with the World Economic Forum and UpLink because of our shared sense of urgency to find inclusive and accessible solutions to help people worldwide live longer, healthier, and better lives." 

The challenge invites global start-ups with solutions for preventative healthcare and financial well-being, focused on helping people of all ages thrive with financial resilience and fulfil long lives. Applications are open until 22 July.

Key factors for a healthier future include financial resilience, healthy ageing, generational skill-building, social connection, and addressing longevity inequalities across gender, race, and class.

The first longevity challenge focuses on the following:

1. Strengthening financial resilience: Creating solutions that democratise access to tools for better financial decisions, savings capacity, and behaviour-focused financial apps.
2. Embracing a preventative healthcare approach: Surfacing solutions to improve physical and mental health through early risk factor detection, lifestyle trackers, and virtual medical care access.