Manulife and UpLink Launch Challenge to Innovate Asia's Future

Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up! We're diving into a groundbreaking initiative that's set to revolutionize the future of Asia. Manulife, in partnership with UpLink, a World Economic Forum initiative, has just launched the 'Innovating for Asia's Demographic Future Challenge.' This isn't just another challenge; it's a call to action for startups, innovators, and changemakers to tackle the biggest demographic shifts of our time. Let's break it down!



Why Asia? Why Now?

By 2050, one in four people in Asia will be over the age of 60. That's a staggering demographic shift driven by longer life expectancies and declining fertility rates. The traditional 'school, work, retirement' paradigm is out the window. People are transitioning more frequently between learning, working, caring, and recreation. This is a seismic shift, and it's happening right now!

The Challenge: Three Pillars of Innovation

Manulife and UpLink are looking for solutions in three key areas:

1. Multigenerational Financial Resilience: Solutions that promote better financial planning over the course of longer lives. We're talking about innovations that help individuals manage their finances more effectively throughout their extended lifespans, ensuring they have the resources needed for a secure future.

2. Equitable Healthy Aging: Solutions that expand access to preventative and holistic health care, helping people maintain their physical and mental well-being as they age. This is about preventive healthcare measures and holistic approaches to health that can improve the quality of life for aging populations.

3. Lifelong Fulfillment: Solutions that maximize personal and professional potential for people at all stages of life through skill building and community engagement. This is about continuous learning and development, enabling individuals to remain active and fulfilled throughout their lives.

The Prize: More Than Just Money

The winners of this challenge will receive more than just prize money. They'll get access to exclusive networking events and partnerships, increased visibility, and funding opportunities. Manulife will give $200,000 CAD in prize money, split among three of the top ten winners. But the real prize is the chance to scale their ventures and make a real impact on the future of Asia.

The Deadline: Act Now!

The deadline to apply is April 28, 2025. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be part of something big. This challenge is aligned with Manulife's Impact Agenda, which focuses on three interconnected pillars grounded in the principles of longevity. It's about improving health, wealth, and quality of living outcomes for generations to come.

The Future is Now

This challenge is the second of three innovation challenges in a multiyear partnership between Manulife and UpLink. The first challenge, the 'Prospering in Longevity Challenge,' was announced in October 2024. The third challenge will be launched in 2026 with new thematic focus areas. This is a long-term commitment to shaping the future of longevity innovation.

The Bottom Line

This is a no-brainer! If you're an innovator, a startup, or a changemaker with a solution that can address the demographic trends shaping the future of Asia, this is your chance to make a real impact. Don't sit on the sidelines. Get involved and be part of the solution. The future of Asia is in your hands!