AgeTech Builders: Apply for the 2026 AgeInnovate Startup Competition

AgeInnovate is now accepting applications for the 2026 AgeInnovate Startup Competition, a national AgeTech pitch competition for startups building solutions in aging, caregiving and longevity. Applications are open through July 15, 2026.

The top three finalists will pitch live at Launch Tennessee’s 3686 entrepreneurship conference,  the state’s largest gathering of entrepreneurs, innovators and investors, for a chance to receive a $25,000 SAFE-note investment from Community Equity Partners. Finalists will also gain visibility among the investors, entrepreneurs and industry leaders working across the aging and longevity ecosystem.

“For an early AgeTech founder, the challenge is getting in front of people who understand aging and innovation,” said Amy LaGrant, co-founder of AgeInnovate. “This competition gives founders the visibility and credibility to turn a good idea into a growing business that will improve how people age.”

Now in its third year, the AgeInnovate Startup Competition supports early-stage companies building practical, scalable solutions for older adults, caregivers, families and care providers. 

Three finalists will pitch live on Sept. 16 at The Back Corner in Nashville during Launch Tennessee’s 3686 entrepreneurship conference for a chance to win $25,000 from Community Equity Partners. This statewide event that brings together hundreds of startup founders, investors, corporate leaders, and ecosystem partners from across Tennessee, the Southeast, and the nation, 

Through the competition, AgeInnovate connects startups with investors, entrepreneurs and industry leaders who understand the real challenges and opportunities across aging, caregiving and care delivery. 

The competition gives founders an opportunity to:

• Pitch live during LaunchTN’s 3686 entrepreneurship conference
• Compete for a $25,000 SAFE-note investment
• Gain visibility in front of investors and innovation leaders
• Build credibility within the aging and longevity ecosystem
• Make meaningful industry connections
• Join a growing community of founders focused on improving the experience of aging

AgeInnovate is looking for startups building technology, products or services that help:

• Older adults live healthier, safer, more independent lives
• Caregivers support loved ones more effectively
• Families navigate aging and care needs
• Care providers improve services, coordination and outcomes
• Health, housing, financial and wellness systems better serve older adults

If you’re a founder working to make aging easier, healthier, safer or more connected, this competition is designed for you. If you know someone, share this post!

Last year’s winner, SpendCare, took the top prize for its reloadable debit card platform, which helps senior care and healthcare organizations support older adults’ independence while tracking how care funds are spent.

Since participating in the AgeInnovate Startup Competition, SpendCare expanded from about 200 cardholders to nearly 1,400, and spending processed through the platform grew from about $100,000 to more than $1 million, according to Perry Halman-Peguillan, co-founder of SpendCare. He credits the competition with giving SpendCare visibility, credibility and access to the right network at a critical stage in the company’s growth.

What: AgeInnovate 2026 Startup Competition

Who should apply: Startups building technology, products or services that support aging, caregiving, longevity, independence or care delivery

Application deadline: July 15, 2026

Pitch event: Sept. 16 at The Back Room in Nashville during Launch Tennessee’s 3686 entrepreneurship conference

Prize: $25,000 SAFE-note investment from Community Equity Partners

Apply: https://ageinnovate.com/startup-submissions/

The need for innovation in aging and caregiving keeps growing, and older adults, families and care organizations need solutions that work in real life. AgeInnovate is looking for founders ready to help build that future.

Applications for the 2026 AgeInnovate Startup Competition are open through July 15, 2026.

APPLY NOW