AARP Announces Call for Start-Up Applications for Third AARP Health Innovation@50+

WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 14, 2014 – AARP and LivePitch Media today announced that the call for applications is now open for the third annual AARP Health Innovation@50 + LivePitch. Start-up companies can apply online at http://health50.org .  Ten finalists will be selected to participate live, on stage,Friday, May 9, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.  Applications are open through February 14, 2014. Lisa Suennen, Co-Founder and Managing Member of Psilos Group, a healthcare-focused venture fund, will once again Emcee the event.

AARP Health Innovation@50 + LivePitch is unique among start-up pitch and demo events because it gives start-ups access not only to venture capitalists and angel investors but to thousands of 50+ consumers. AARP Health Innovation@50 + LivePitch takes place in the expo hall at the bi-annual AARP Life@50+ AARP National Event & Expo, which is attended by 15,000 members and guests from across the globe.  The broad 50+ consumer reach provides LivePitch finalists an unparalleled opportunity to better understand the wants and needs of the 50+ by connecting with consumers, gaining valuable, instant product feedback.

"It is really exciting to see the groundswell of innovation and entrepreneurial activity focused on serving the needs and wants of people over 50. AARP's Health Innovation@50+ LivePitch continues to put a spotlight on the needs and opportunity presented by the demographic wave," said Jody Holtzman, AARP’s Senior Vice President for Thought Leadership. "In the past year alone, as a result of our first two LivePitch events in New Orleans and Las Vegas, over 200 companies applied and demonstrated growing market interest in this space, with many receiving investment and funding. Now, our third LivePitch event is attracting even more start-ups and has become a destination for innovators, investors, and AARP members to see what is new in health innovation."

Pitch Summary

Application Deadline:   Friday, February 14, 2014

Categories:        LivePitch - For start-ups with teams in place and product under development

Concept Pitch - For very early-stage or idea-stage companies or entrepreneurs

Pitch Date:         Friday, May 9, 2014

Expo Dates:       May 8-10, 2014

All LivePitch finalists receive exhibit space and are required to exhibit at the AARP
Health Innovation@50+ Tech Expo, a showcase at Life@50+ National Event & Expo.

Qualifications

The Health Innovation@50+ LivePitch start-up applicants finalists are focused on consumer-oriented health technologies for “50 and over” market, enhancing the quality of life for all as we age. Finalists will be those companies that are creating innovative health technology products and services that serve the needs and wants of Americans age 50+. Companies participating will have launched their product / service within 18 months of the May 9, 2014 event date, as well as not have raised more than $5 million in funding.

Dual-Pitch Format

The powerful AARP LivePitch format provides start-ups the opportunity to pitch to both leading venture and angel investors and 50+ Consumers - at the same time. In this dual-pitch format, the judges will provide their feedback directly to the companies while they are on stage. And the consumers in the audience will vote using handheld, wireless gear for which company they feel is most likely to succeed. At the end of the day two winners from 10 finalists will be announced: the Judges Overall Winner and the Consumers Favorite.

Additionally, this year AARP is introducing Concept Pitch, a special pitch category for very early stage companies or entrepreneurs. Five Concept Pitch finalists will also take the stage in Boston and be critiqued by the judges and consumer audience.

To learn more about the AARP Health Innovation @50+ LivePitch event, visit http://health50.org.

About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment security and retirement planning. We advocate for consumers in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a bilingual news source.  AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

About LivePitch Media

AARP Health Innovation@50+ LivePitch is a property of LivePitch Media, a producer of entrepreneur-focused technology and media conferences and events. LivePitch Media creates and produces custom entrepreneur and investor-focused conferences and pitch events worldwide. We partner with established brand owners and event stakeholders to promote innovation by bringing together the investment community with startup companies to facilitate deal flow and expand business ecosystems. For more information please visit http://LivePitchMedia.com/

 

Media Contacts:

LivePitch Media

Christopher Sherman
830-444-0004
chris@engagedigital.com

AARP

Hillary John
202-434-2560
hjohn@aarp.org