Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North

What Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North does

Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North (CTAAN) is a research and innovation hub established in December 2020 at the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George, BC. Built on a founding partnership between UNBC, Northern Health Authority, and AGE-WELL, CTAAN operates as one of five national Innovation Hubs under the envisAGE network and serves as Canada's designated national hub for AgeTech adoption in northern and rural communities. Its mandate is to test, pilot, implement, and promote technology solutions for older adults, caregivers, and the health systems that support them in geographically dispersed regions of Canada.

CTAAN's service portfolio is organized around four core offerings: ADEPT Reports (Assessment, Demonstration, Evaluation, Pilot, Testing market-research and validation services), the AgeTech Demonstration Lab (a public-facing facility on the UNBC campus showcasing approximately 25 partner products including AI wound care, fall detection, sleep monitoring, generative-AI companion robots, and indoor gardening systems), Pilot Projects and Real-World Testing (open and closed system trials in long-term care, home hospice, and Indigenous community settings), and Research Support Services (environmental scans, literature reviews, needs assessments, and policy-oriented research). Research programs such as DREAM, DemSCAPE, CIRCA-CA, and the Horizon AI wound care network generate publications, toolkits, and frameworks rather than commercial products.

CTAAN's revenue model is grant-funded rather than commercial. Primary funding sources include the Public Health Agency of Canada (notably a $1M, four-year Dementia Community Investment grant to Dr. Shannon Freeman), AGE-WELL, NRC-IRAP, Vancouver Foundation, Canadian Frailty Network, and the DIGITAL supercluster, with corporate partners including Rio Tinto. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and there are no equity funding rounds, acquisitions, or patents on record. CTAAN serves a hybrid mix of end-user groups (older adults in northern/rural communities, family and formal caregivers, health authorities, long-term care facilities, and Indigenous communities such as Nak'azdli Whut'en) and B2B clients (AgeTech SMEs requiring validation, commercialization support, and real-world testing environments).

Name

Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North

Legal name

Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North

Website

https://ctaan.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

CTAAN is a research and innovation hub at the University of Northern British Columbia that supports AgeTech adoption in Canada's northern and rural communities through technology testing, pilot projects, demonstration services, and applied research for SMEs, healthcare systems, and caregivers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aging Technology Research Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (54172), Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (54171)

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Technology & Digital Skills for Seniors (Devices, internet safety, telehealth) (EDAAAMAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technology Assistance & Digital Support for Seniors (HSABAAAH), Digital Development & ICT4D / GovTech Technical Assistance (BPADAEAL)

Keywords

• AgeTech research services
• Technology validation testing
• Aging in place solutions
• Rural healthcare innovation
• Real-world pilot programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Prince George

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Research Grants and Government Funding: CTAAN operates as a research and innovation hub supported primarily through grants and funding from organizations including the Public Health Agency of Canada, AGE-WELL, Northern Health, Vancouver Foundation, Canadian Frailty Network, and other government and non-profit partners. The organization was built on a collaborative partnership between UNBC, Northern Health, and AGE-WELL.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

CTAAN is a national innovation hub that provides research, validation, and pilot testing services for AgeTech solutions targeting older adults in northern and rural communities. Its core offerings include ADEPT Reports (market research and product validation), the AgeTech Demonstration Lab (showcasing partner technologies on UNBC campus), and pilot project implementation services that help technology companies and healthcare systems accelerate adoption backed by real-world evidence.

Product overview

CTAAN is a research and innovation hub (not a product company) that provides services to support AgeTech adoption in northern and rural communities. The organization operates through three core service lines: ADEPT Reports (market research and validation services), the AgeTech Demonstration Lab (showcasing partner technologies), and Pilot Projects with Real-World Testing. CTAAN's demonstration lab showcases approximately 25 partner technologies including fall detection systems (AltumView Sentinare 3), AI wound care (Swift Skin and Wound), sleep monitoring (Toch Sleepsense), indoor gardening (Just Vertical), social connection platforms (Care2Talk), therapeutic robots (Qoobo), and generative AI companion dolls (VanTech Sunny-1). Additionally, CTAAN conducts research programs including DREAM (dementia resources toolkit), DemSCAPE (dementia-friendly communities), and CIRCA-CA (reminiscing aids), which provide educational frameworks and guidelines rather than commercial products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ADEPT Reports Market research, environmental scans, engagement and feedback services, and usability testing that help AgeTech innovators validate and refine their products at any readiness level.
• AgeTech Demonstration Lab A physical demonstration facility on the UNBC campus showcasing innovative AgeTech products from partner companies, open to the public for tours and educational purposes.
• Pilot Projects and Real-World Testing Open and closed system pilot testing, customized project scoping, trial expansion, and full implementation and evaluation services for AgeTech solutions in northern and rural communities.
• Research Support Services Environmental scans, literature reviews, product awareness, demo products, AgeTech briefs, and needs assessments supporting AgeTech implementation in northern and rural contexts.
• DREAM (Dementia Resources for Eating, Activity, and Meaningful Inclusion) Educational toolkit with learning modules designed to meet the needs of people with dementia and the communities around them.
• DemSCAPE (Dementia-Inclusive Streets and Community Access, Participation, and Engagement) Research project developing tools and guidelines to create dementia-friendly neighbourhoods reflecting the needs of individuals with dementia and caregivers in northern regions.
• CIRCA-CA (Computer Interactive Reminiscing and Conversation Aid) Electronic scrapbook with personal selection of photos, music, and videos designed to boost caregiver confidence and improve caregiving relationships.
• AVOID Framework Educational framework focused on Activity, Vaccination, Optimization of medications, Interaction, and Diet to help prevent frailty in care home settings.

Quantifiable outcome

• Dr. Shannon Freeman received a four-year, $1 million grant through the Public Health Agency of Canada's Dementia Community Investment program for the 'Care Partner Empowerment: Enhancing Lives in Dementia Care' project

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability12 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 December 2020UNBC is a founding partner of CTAAN, providing the institutional home for the innovation hub. Located on the UNBC campus in Prince George, BC, the partnership provides access to academic expertise, student talent, multidisciplinary research environment, and the AgeTech Demonstration Lab facility.
• Northern HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorthern Health is a founding partner of CTAAN, representing the regional health authority. They provide healthcare system perspective, access to clinical environments for testing, and expertise in serving northern and rural populations.
• AGE-WELLcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAGE-WELL is a founding partner and national innovation hub that emerged from. CTAAN emerged from AGE-WELL and serves as a national network for AgeTech innovation in Canada, providing access to wider network of researchers, companies, and resources.
• NRC-Canada-Japan 3+2 InitiativemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational collaboration program enabling joint work on Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment through in-home monitoring with behavioral information from patients in Japan and Canada. Addresses privacy concerns through AI anonymization.
• NRC-IRAP (National Research Council - Industrial Research Assistance Program)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupports technology companies working with CTAAN by providing funding and advisory services for innovation projects including the Care2Talk in HomeHospice Pilot Program.
• Canadian Frailty NetworkmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for the AVOID (Activity, Vaccination, Optimization of medications, Interaction, and Diet) Framework project to help prevent frailty in care home staff.
• Swift MedicalcoreTechnology or IntegrationAI-powered wound care technology partner for Horizon AI: Advanced AI Wound Care Network project, enabling clinicians to collect unbiased wound data and flag high-risk patients for timely intervention.
• DIGITALmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDigital technology supercluster partnership supporting AI-powered wound care technologies and innovation projects.
• BC Support UnitmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for predictive modelling of healthcare utilization using machine learning and interRAI data to guide resource allocation in northern BC regions.
• Rakuten KobocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Kobo eBook Club project exploring benefits of weekly eReader book clubs for individuals in long-term care to improve day-to-day interest and social interaction.
• SteadiwearcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to assess practical use of Steadi-One gloves for older adults with Essential Tremor or Parkinson's Disease in rural or Northern context.
• Nak'azdli Whut'encoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndigenous community partnership for the Nak'azdli Lha'hutit'en Project, preserving Elders' wisdom and cultural knowledge through intergenerational digital storytelling with children and Elders.
• Netherlands Enterprise AgencymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partnership representing Canadian perspective on healthcare innovations and knowledge enhancement for older adult care industry. CTAAN Director and Academic Director participated in Netherlands mission.
• Rio TintomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Kitimat Valley Housing Society and Northern Health to create regional-level outreach, validating and implementing technologies in new person-centered dementia care facility.
• envisAGEmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCTAAN is one of five national organizations joining envisAGE as Innovation Hubs to support collaborative projects improving quality of life for seniors across Canada.
• Best Buy Health CanadacoreTechnology or IntegrationPartner whose Best Buy Healthy Homes program solutions are showcased in the AgeTech Demonstration Lab. Technology solutions support customer health and well-being goals including care management, safety, mobility, connection, and fun.
• AltumViewcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartner showcased in AgeTech Demo Lab with Sentinare 3 smart sensor that uses AI to detect human activities, collect activity data, and send alerts for emergencies such as falls while protecting privacy.
• TochtechcoreTechnology or IntegrationPartner with multiple products in demo lab: Sleepsense for fall prevention and sleep monitoring, Smarturns for cooking safety, and VeriCare monitoring system for aging at home.
• Just VerticalcoreTechnology or IntegrationIndoor gardening partner offering accessible and rewarding indoor gardening activity for residents of long-term care homes. Multiple care facilities have implemented Just Vertical systems.
• Care2TalkcoreTechnology or IntegrationAccessible tablet technology partner facilitating meaningful connection between HomeHospice residents and their families, healthcare providers, and grief supports through secure video calling.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP: US non-profit that helps older adults use technology to live better, running community tech programs, training, and the Aging Connected initiative. Comparable to CTAAN in its focus on technology adoption and digital skills for older adults.
• National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA): UK-based innovation centre dedicated to products and services for older adults, operating Living Labs and commercialization programs. Closest international peer to CTAAN's Living Lab and demonstration model.
• Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI): Canadian innovation hub focused on aging and brain health, supporting innovators in validating and scaling solutions for older adults. Directly comparable to CTAAN as a national validation partner for AgeTech startups and healthcare providers.
• AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence: Canada's national AgeTech research network and one of CTAAN's three founding partners. AGE-WELL operates a pan-Canadian network of researchers, companies, and older adults developing technologies for healthy aging — the closest direct analogue to CTAAN's mission and structure.
• Georgia Tech HomeLab: Georgia Tech research centre that tests aging-in-place technologies in real home environments with older adults. Operates as a Living Lab for AgeTech evaluation, mirroring CTAAN's pilot and real-world testing mandate.

Broad incumbents

• CAST (Center for Aging Services Technologies): US-based coalition led by LeadingAge that advances development and adoption of technology for aging services. Operates as a broader industry platform rather than a single Living Lab, but addresses the same technology-adoption problem.

Regional players

• envisAGE: Canadian pan-Canadian consortium of which CTAAN is a member, coordinating five national Innovation Hubs to support senior-focused SMEs. A coordinating network rather than a competitor, but a comparable convening body in the same ecosystem.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CTAAN_CATVN
• Facebookfacebook.com/ctaan.canada
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ctaan-catvn

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Centre for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North