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Toronto’s new innovation studio highlights aging-in-place solutions

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1 year ago

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AGE-WELL, Canada’s Technology and Aging Network, launches immersive space in partnership with University of Toronto, IKEA, and AGE-WELL startups

TORONTO, May 8, 2025 /CNW/ – Most older adults want to stay in their own homes as they age, and technology is key to making this a reality. A new space in downtown Toronto is demonstrating how innovative solutions can support independent living and healthy aging.

Today, AGE-WELL officially opens the AGE-WELL Innovation Studio—an immersive space that brings to life the role of technology and thoughtfully designed environments in enabling people to age in place.

Modelled after a typical one-bedroom apartment, the studio integrates smart-home systems, health monitoring devices, voice integrated personal aides and other cutting-edge technologies to show how they can seamlessly support daily activities and health needs.

Specific features include a smart stove safety device that alerts users or caregivers if the stove is left unattended; a sleep tracker that can detect vital signs and sense when someone gets out of bed, helping monitor sleep patterns and safety; and an exergame that promotes both physical and cognitive health by pairing cycling with scenic videos.

More than just a demonstration space, the studio serves as a hub for innovation, connecting startups, larger companies, researchers, senior living and home care organizations, older adults, caregivers, investors and other partners.

“By providing a platform for companies to showcase brilliant products and connect with key stakeholders, the AGE-WELL Innovation Studio will speed up the adoption of AgeTech innovations that benefit older adults and their caregivers. It’s all about getting these essential solutions into people’s hands,” said Bridgette Murphy, Acting CEO, AGE-WELL.

The studio also enables practical testing of AgeTech solutions in a realistic environment, allowing researchers and developers to collect user feedback and refine their products. “The real-life setting is crucial, as is direct engagement with older adults and caregivers. Technologies and services must align with the needs and priorities of the people who will actually use them,” said Ms. Murphy.

Located at 800 Bay Street, the AGE-WELL Innovation Studio was created by AGE-WELL with support from the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering at the University of Toronto and in partnership with IKEA Toronto Downtown, which provided the furniture; and AGE-WELL startups. AGE-WELL is Canada’s Technology and Aging Network, and a member of the University of Toronto’s Institutional Strategic Initiatives (ISI) program, which supports large-scale interdisciplinary research networks that address grand challenges.

“The Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering at the University of Toronto is proud to support the AGE-WELL Innovation Studio. This important addition to Canada’s innovation landscape provides a much-needed space to exhibit advanced technologies and prototypes that support healthy aging. It offers a valuable platform for University of Toronto researchers and entrepreneurs − as well as innovators from across Canada and beyond − to exhibit their innovations and connect with partners who can help bring these solutions to the people who need them most,” said Dr. Chris Yip, Dean, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering, University of Toronto.

For Paul Lea, an older adult living with vascular dementia, technology has already made a meaningful difference in his daily life. “Smart home devices have given me a sense of security and independence. I can control my lights with my voice. My door locks automatically if I forget to lock it. I have an app that reminds me when it’s time to take my medications. I’m glad there’s a place like the AGE-WELL Innovation Studio that shows how technology can support older people to live safely and independently at home.”

Designing for independence

“At IKEA, we believe that a well-designed home can significantly enhance the quality of life for everyone, including older adults,” said Arnar Eidskrem, Market Manager, IKEA Toronto Downtown. “Our collaboration with AGE-WELL is a testament to our commitment in creating functional and beautiful spaces that support independent living. By integrating our thoughtfully designed, affordable furniture, we aim to demonstrate how older adults can live independently and comfortably in their own homes.”

The AGE-WELL Innovation Studio will also function as an educational space, offering training sessions for students, caregivers and professionals in the field of aging and technology.

“Our ultimate goal is to enable older adults to live independently for longer and enhance their quality of life while fostering collaboration between researchers, companies, and the community,” said Dr. Alex Mihailidis, Academic Director, AGE-WELL ISI, and Vice-Chair, Research, AGE-WELL Board of Directors. A leading researcher in aging and technology, Dr. Mihailidis has spent decades developing solutions to support older adults and caregivers.

“AGE-WELL has long been a convener in the AgeTech sector, bringing everyone together to drive innovation. Now, we have a physical space where innovators can showcase solutions directly to potential users, accelerating the uptake of existing technologies and advancing new innovations.”

With one in four Canadians expected to be over 65 by 2035, the need for technology-driven solutions is more urgent than ever. According to a 2019 Environics Research poll, more than 8 in 10 Canadians over the age of 65 believe technological advances can help older adults stay safe, in their own homes longer, and stay independent.

“AGE-WELL is thrilled to collaborate on this exciting initiative with partners who share our mission to accelerate the delivery of technology-based solutions that support healthy aging,” said Ms. Murphy. “Technology can never replace the human touch, but it is a powerful tool that can help older adults lead healthy, independent, and engaged lives.”

AGE-WELL extends its thanks to U of T and IKEA Toronto Downtown, and wishes to acknowledge the AGE-WELL Startup Affiliates who are the first users of this space: AltumView, Centivizer, Chirp, and Tochtech Technologies.

Visit or partner with the AGE-WELL Innovation Studio

Want to see how technology can help you or a loved one live independently? Are you a company looking to showcase or test your solution in a real-world setting? Visit the AGE-WELL Innovation Studio for a guided tour, experience the latest innovations firsthand, or participate in a demo session. Learn more and explore partnership opportunities by visiting our Innovation Studio webpage or contact us at: partnerships@agewell-nce.ca

About AGE-WELL:

AGE-WELL is Canada’s Technology and Aging Network. As a dynamic pan-Canadian network with global reach, AGE-WELL has mobilized a vast community of researchers, older adults, caregivers, partner organizations and future leaders to accelerate the delivery of technology-based solutions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of older Canadians and their caregivers. AGE-WELL serves as a catalyst for technological innovation that supports healthy aging while driving Canada’s growing AgeTech sector. AGE-WELL’s groundbreaking programs are funded by the Government of Canada through Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Health Canada, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Discover how AGE-WELL is changing the future of aging at: www.agewell-nce.ca

 

SOURCE AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence (NCE)

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HKAGE Showcases Gifted Students’ Learning Journeys at InnoCarnival 2026

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2 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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Promoting “Technology for Good” Through Innovation and Creativity 

HONG KONG, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE) has been invited to participate in InnoCarnival 2026, organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission. Under the theme “Technology for Good, Innovation for All”, HKAGE will showcase the learning journeys of gifted students who have completed programmes on AI robotic arms, underwater archaeology, etc., demonstrating how technology can be harnessed to address societal needs.

Having proactively aligned its work with the education development strategies of the Education Bureau (EDB), HKAGE fully supports the EDB’s Blueprint for Digital Education in Primary and Secondary Schools, which seeks to advance the digital transformation of school education in Hong Kong. Building on its Talent Development Model, HKAGE systematically develops programmes, provides diversified learning experiences and engages in cross-sector collaborations to nurture gifted talents equipped with innovative capabilities, technological literacy, and a strong sense of social responsibility. At the exhibition this year, HKAGE will present how students applied knowledge gained through gifted education programmes and learning experiences in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, environmental science, underwater archaeology and sustainable development to design socially conscious solutions. These experiences reflect the students’ ability to serve society with knowledge and respond creatively to diverse challenges.

Among the highlights is the learning journey of students in the “Artificial Intelligence Course: Creative AI Robotic Arm for Inclusion”. After acquiring foundational knowledge in artificial intelligence, robotics and sensor applications, students designed, tested and refined intelligent robotic arm prototypes through real-time data analysis and algorithms. With the aim of improving the quality of life for the elderly and caregivers, students explored various application scenarios for intelligent robotic arms. Another showcase features the “Environmental Science Course: Bat Echoes – Voices of the Night”. Through acoustic monitoring, the exhibition demonstrates how students recorded bat voices and analysed related activity data and characteristics. The programme enabled students to gain a deeper understanding of local biodiversity and explore practical approaches to ecological conservation.

The HKAGE exhibition booth also features an interactive photo-taking device, allowing visitors to take photos with different gifted programme themes and share the joy of learning.

On the first day of the exhibition, a “Build Your Own Glider Parent-Child Workshop” is specially organised by HKAGE for the visitors. Under the guidance of instructors and assisted by HKAGE students, participants will learn the basic principles of aerodynamics, including lift, gravity, thrust and drag. They will also learn to design, assemble and decorate their own gliders by using lightweight and durable materials, experiencing the joy of science and engineering.

Mr WONG Chung Po, Acting Executive Director of HKAGE, said: “The Academy is committed to providing gifted students with diversified learning platforms and encouraging them to transform knowledge into innovative practices that generate positive social impact. Participation in this exhibition not only provides students with a valuable learning experience that helps consolidate the knowledge acquired in gifted programmes, but also enables the public to better understand how gifted education nurtures a new generation of creative and socially responsible talents to jointly advance the philosophy of ‘Technology for Good’.”

InnoCarnival 2026 – The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education

Date：

24 Oct – 1 Nov

Venue：

The Hong Kong Science Park

Booth：

C08-09

Time：

10:00 – 17:00 (Mon to Fri)

10:00 – 18:00 (Sat & Sun)

 

About the HKAGE

Established in 2008 and subvented by the Education Bureau, the HKAGE offers gifted education services actively to local primary and secondary school students to unleash their potential. It also provides gifted education-related information and support for teachers, parents, and other relevant stakeholders.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/hkage-showcases-gifted-students-learning-journeys-at-innocarnival-2026-302918606.html

SOURCE Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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9 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leap-group-relaunches-humanview-a-growth-intelligence-system-built-to-explain-why-customers-behave-the-way-they-do-302918557.html

SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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10 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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