GIF2025

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The Geronpreneurship Innovation Festival (GIF) stands as a thrilling flagship initiative under the Ngee Ann Kongsi (NAK) Social Impact Hub, led by Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS).

As a pioneer in Social Sciences, SUSS leverages the NAK Social Impact Hub as an avenue to wholeheartedly commit to sculpting a vibrant, age-friendly future in Singapore. This commitment involves unearthing and nurturing innovative, sustainable solutions to address pressing and complex community issues in Gerontology.

Additionally, as Singapore’s population ages, there is a growing need to harness the talents, experience, and wisdom of older adults, empowering them to contribute to the economy through entrepreneurship. This festival also aims to inspire, educate, and support senior entrepreneurs, providing them with the tools and networks needed to succeed as innovators and start-up founders.

The theme for this year is, ‘SG60 and Beyond: The Power of Purpose in Ageing’.

*Programme is subjected to changes

Time	Programme
8:15 AM	Registration and Networking
9:00 AM	Opening Ceremony and Welcome Address by Professor Robbie Goh, Provost, Singapore University of Social Sciences
9:15 AM	Presentation 1: Unlocking the Silver Economy: The Power of the Ageing Population The ageing population is not just a demographic trend—it’s an economic force. This presentation explores the vast potential of the silver economy, where the needs, preferences, and spending power of older adults are reshaping markets across the region. From healthcare and wellness to travel, fintech, and lifestyle products, the demand for age-inclusive innovation is accelerating. Discover how countries are developing and adopting new products and services for older persons, and how cross-border collaboration and shared learning can help build resilient, inclusive economies. Gain insights into the ecosystem of stakeholders, from government and industry to academia and society, needed to harness this opportunity and position ageing as a driver of growth. by Dr Tomoyoshi Wakamatsu, Director in SWC Promotion Department
9:50 AM	Presentation 2: Policy Meets Innovation: Rethinking Eldercare and Gerontology How can we create systems that not only support but empower our ageing populations? This presentation examines the intersection of public policy, innovation, and care delivery in the context of rapidly ageing societies. From smart eldercare technologies and AI-powered health solutions to integrated housing and financial models, explore how forward-thinking policies can enable scalable, people-centric solutions. Drawing on best practices from across the region, this session highlights how government, innovators, and care providers can co-create sustainable ecosystems that improve quality of life, health outcomes, and dignity for older adults. It’s a call to action to align policy with innovation—and turn demographic shifts into opportunities. by Professor Lou Vivian W. Q, Director, Sau Po Centre on Ageing Professor, Department of Social Work & Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong
10:25 AM	Panel Discussion 1: Bridging Generations, Sparking Innovation: Intergenerational Collaboration in Education What happens when seasoned experience meets youthful innovation? This multi-generational panel explores how bridging age divides can unlock powerful collaboration in entrepreneurship and education. Hear from older adults, young founders, and educators as they discuss how mentorship, co-creation, and knowledge transfer are shaping more resilient and inclusive ventures. Learn how institutions of higher learning (IHLs) can rethink curriculum design to better engage diverse learners—young and old—by fostering intergenerational learning environments. Through real-life examples, this session will reveal how cross-generational collaboration can lead to richer problem-solving, stronger business foundations, and more impactful outcomes. • Moderator: Dr Kelvin Tan, Head, Minor in Applied Ageing Studies Programme, Singapore University of Social Sciences • Panel speaker 1: Ms Sophie Lim, VP, The Ascott Ltd • Panel speaker 2: Ms Lim Kai Ning, SUSS Venture Builder Programme Participant, Co-Founder & CEO, The Courage Chapter • Panel speaker 3: Mr Andy Seet, Senior Director, Sparkle Care • Panel speaker 4: Ms Emily Wong, Senior Lecturer, Temasek Polytechnic
11:10 AM	Panel Discussion 2: Building a Gerontology Start-up: Is There a Secret Recipe? The ageing population presents both urgent challenges and exciting market opportunities. In this candid panel, entrepreneurs and investors share what it really takes to build a successful gerontology-focused start-up. From cracking product-market fit to navigating regulatory hurdles, the panellists will unpack key elements of sustainable business models and effective customer engagement strategies. Expect insights on go-to-market tactics, investor expectations, and stories of both pivots and breakthroughs. Whether you're just exploring the ageing sector or actively building in it, this discussion will offer practical advice and inspiration for anyone looking to innovate in the longevity economy.
12:30 PM	Lunchtime talk 1: AI and Healthcare by Mr Raymond Lum, Group CEO, Rajah and Tann Technologies
1:15 PM	Lunchtime talk 2: Gerontechnology from Development to Market – Perspective from a Health Service Researcher by Associate Professor Wee Shiou Liang, S R Nathan School of Human Development, Singapore University of Social Sciences
1:50 PM	Opening Address by Prof Tan Tai Yong, President, Singapore University of Social Sciences
2:15 PM	Grand Finals of Pitch for Good 2025 The grand finals marks the culmination of a regional search for purpose-driven ventures that are redefining the future of ageing. This high-impact pitch event brings together 12 finalists across the Silver (Ideation stage) and Gold (Post Revenue stage) to showcase their ideas and solutions aimed at improving the lives of older adults. From innovations in dementia care and active ageing to digital inclusion and community wellness, each team will pitch live to a panel of expert judges. Teams stand a chance to win seed funding and pilot opportunities with Social Service Agencies, and further support from the SUSS ecosystem. This is where ideas meet action—join us as we celebrate innovation with purpose and the next generation of changemakers in the silver economy.
5:10 PM	Closing

Pitch for Good 2025

Pitch For Good 2025

An annual competition focused on gerontology innovations, fostering collaboration and entrepreneurship to address Asia's aging population challenges.

Media

Panel Discussions Harnessing the Future of Ageing at the inaugural SUSS Geronpreneurship Innovation Festival 2023

As the co-organiser of the inaugural Geronpreneurship Innovation Festival, SUSS joined hands with Ageing Asia to showcase transformative technologies and innovative solutions to address APAC’s fast-ageing population. Key highlights of the event include the 11th Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards 2023, the Active Ageing Seminar and the Ageing Asia Innovation Exhibition.

World Ageing Festival to discover high-potential innovations for a greying population

Imagine you order a burger and fries, but settle for fried rice instead, because that is what the staff mistakenly served you. That is the kind of “attitude and behaviour” that the organiser of the pop-up cafe, Restaurant of Mistaken Orders, hopes to encourage among people in a greying society. Staffed mostly by older people living with dementia, the cafe aims to raise awareness about dementia and encourage people to experience what it is like to communicate with someone living with the condition.