According to the Census and Statistics Department, over one-third of the population in Hong Kong will be 65 or over by 2036. In response to this rise in the ageing population and with a view to the future care necessary for the elderly, the LU Jockey Club Gerontechnology and Smart Ageing Project organised a Techstars Startup Weekend with the theme “Innovation for Smart Ageing” from 12 to 14 June 2020. It brought together entrepreneurs interested in the elderly market to discuss the opportunities of smart ageing and the development of innovative technologies aiming to offer solutions for ageing in place and reducing the stress on caregivers and the elderly care sector.
Final pitching session
The event was held online as a group competition. There were 52 contestants from different industries and academic backgrounds who formed eight teams to plan a smart ageing proposal in 54 hours. The contestants had different perspectives on the issues of the elderly, but shared the same goal: to ensure they lead better lives and age productively. Devising a brand new plan in 54 hours to solve a social problem is a challenging task, and so the organisers invited eight coaches and six gerontechnology ambassadors to meet with participants online and share their professional knowledge, business experiences and discuss the needs of the elderly.
Closing speech by Prof Joshua Mok Ka-ho
Team KOelderly received the Best Validation Award, the Business Model Award and the Design and Execution Award. They plan to recruit the elderly to become Key Opinion Leaders (KOL), and to work with startup companies to produce videos. They will also organise classes to encourage those interested to try new things and unleash their potential.
Team Neighbourhood Platform received the Business Model Award. Their proposal is an online platform to connect the elderly with younger retirees who will accompany them to medical appointments, help them to arrange follow-up visits to doctors and register and collect medicines. This will provide retired people with a rewarding activity, and also help to care for the elderly.
Media Report
Beijing - Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre (Chinese only)