Manulife has inked another three-year deal with the World Economic Forum’s open innovation platform, UpLink.
The two will introduce an annual program to support entrepreneurs dedicated to expediting solutions in longevity, specifically within the realms of finance, health, and well-being. The partnership aims to drive investment in projects addressing the socio-economic inequalities impacting people’s ability to maintain healthier lifestyles.
According to a news release, the upcoming program will be a series of “global longevity innovation challenges” that will be activated in Canada, the US, and Asia. It will be run by UpLink with Manulife providing support.
“Around the world, people are living longer, but not necessarily healthier,” said Roy Gori, president and CEO of Manulife.
“One-fifth of an individual’s life, on average, is now expected to be lived with morbidity or in a state of illness. Solving this longevity crisis will require a comprehensive approach to promoting healthier lifestyles, addressing socio-economic inequalities, and investing in new research and technologies. By working across sectors and with partners like the WEF, we can focus on driving the longevity economy for the future of society’s health and well-being.”
“This collaboration will drive innovation in the retirement ecosystem, offering financial solutions and policy recommendations for a resilient, equitable, and sustainable extended life,” said Olivier Schwab, WEF managing director.
“By combining Manulife’s expertise, UpLink’s commitment to elevating early-stage impact entrepreneurs, and the work of the forum’s Centre for Financial and Monetary Systems, this initiative will play a pivotal role in promoting healthy aging and enhanced living standards throughout the world."
Last year, Manulife collaborated with UpLink to support innovation challenges geared towards nature-based solutions to climate change. In total, 21 “eco-preneurial” start-ups were recognized for their innovative and scalable models in sustainable forest management.
The first challenge in this program focused on sourcing solutions across the sustainable forestry value chain. The second challenge centred on innovations bridging the gap between planetary and human health.
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