This article was sponsored by Arlington Economic Development‘s Business Investment Group.
The marketplace for technology to assist aging adults is expected to grow to nearly $30 billion in the next few years, according to Arlington’s own Consumer Technology Association.
Seniors and their families and caregivers are eager to acquire new tech-enabled products and services that would provide better care and improve the quality of their loved ones’ lives. Hence, entrepreneurs, innovators and technologists are increasingly focused on the growth opportunities in serving older adults.
To address this issue, Culpepper Garden and Arlington County are hosting a unique competition to identify and provide funding and pilot program opportunities for innovative companies and technologies focused on helping improve the lives of low-income seniors. This competition is open to companies and individuals from early seed stage to established corporations from around the world.
Judges are looking for products and ideas that are helping older adults leverage technology to stay healthy, improve their mobility and better connect to their family and community. Companies selected to pitch will receive valuable feedback from older adults, health care providers, businesses and government officials. The three winning companies will have the opportunity to trial their product or service at a residential community in Arlington.
Culpepper Garden and its nonprofit owner, the Arlington Retirement Housing Corporation, are celebrating 50 years as an award-winning residential community that was one of the nation’s first to serve the needs of low-income seniors as they age in place. Culpepper Garden is home to over 340 residents and is located on North Pershing Drive.
Participants have the opportunity to:
- Win $12,000 in funding for each of the top three winners
- Pilot their technology or approach at Culpepper Garden and a formal evaluation to provide to future customers
- Become a leader in social impact technology benefitting low income seniors
- Build relationships with competition judges including venture capitalists, medical professionals, company CEOs and government officials
- Receive mentoring, feedback and advice from health care providers, senior and assisted living experts, older adults and other stakeholders
- Solicit customer testimonials
- Receive recognition and publicity about their company and technologies
To learn more and apply, visit Culpepper Garden’s website.