Welcome
Dear friends and colleagues,
On behalf of the organizing committee it is my sincere pleasure to invite you to attend the International Conference on Aging, Innovation and Rehabilitation.
ICAIR is a one-of-a-kind event that drives cross-collaboration across multiple disciplines thanks to the input and participation of world-leading scientific, health-care, academic, engineering, technology and entrepreneurial experts like those in attendance.
Advances in aging and rehabilitation technologies have the potential to significantly improve the lives of those in our communities who are living with disease, disability, injury and the impacts of aging.
We look forward to welcoming you to the historic Carlu in Toronto at ICAIR 2025. Your attendance will help all of us accelerate the development of new products, services, treatments and solutions designed to help those who are most in need now and for years to come.
Dr. Milos R. Popovic
Chair, ICAIR organizing committee
About
The International Conference on Aging, Innovation & Rehabilitation drives discovery, collaboration and invention in the healthcare, rehabilitation and age-tech sectors.
ICAIR is a unique conference destination designed to help researchers, academics, clinicians, students, entrepreneurs, startup companies, investors and other innovators share research and academic success stories, build and foster relationships across disciplines, and encourage cross-pollination of communication, research and ideas.
The annual conference is hosted by the KITE Research Institute at the University Health Network (UHN) with significant input and participation from clinical, research and academic partners from around the world.
Venue
Location: The historic Carlu in downtown Toronto
Address: 444 Yonge St. - #7, Toronto, ON, M5B 2H4
Website: https://www.thecarlu.com/
Phone: 416-597-1931
Poster Competition & 3MT
Poster Competition
Here's what to expect when you submit a poster for consideration:
- Registered trainees, post-docs, scientists, and staff, will have the option of submitting a poster, which will be reviewed by the ICAIR Scientific Advisory Committee. Only one, first authored poster can be submitted per person. Authors of selected posters will receive notification of acceptance.
- It is highly recommended that you use one of the Poster Templates. provided to help facilitate the review process. Two templates are provided for guidance (1) text-focused and (2) image-focused. Your poster will be printed for you and placed in the conference poster room.
- Trainees (students/post-docs) submitting a poster will also be asked to indicate if they would like to be considered for the opportunity to compete in the Three Minute Talk (3MT) competition on the main stage.
- The top 14 posters will be considered for publication in a special interdisciplinary issue of the Journal of BioMedical Engineering Online. Your publication will require approval from your academic advisor and will be peer-reviewed by the ICAIR Scientific Advisory Committee.
3 Minute Talk Competition
Authors of the top 14 posters will be invited to participate in the 3 Minute Talk (3MT) stage competition. Finalists will be notified, and are expected to prepare a one-slide presentation to accompany their talk. (An additional slide for authors and affiliations will be allowed)
Start your registration and submission process here!
2025 Winners:
Three Minute Talk Competition Winners:
2025
- First Place: Damian M. Manzone, for “Is augmented reality a viable option for at-home hand rehabilitation Assessing perspectives from individuals with cervical spinal cord injury.”
- Second Place: Joana Dilipkumar, “Investigating the effect of capsaicin-induced central sensitization on contralateral motor unit excitation”
- Third Place: Lianna Montanari, “Using a spatial navigation task to identify preclinical cognitive decline”
Scientific Spotlight Series Winners:
2025
- First Place (Paper of the year): Marc Powell, ReachNeuro Inc
- Second Place: David Moses, UC San Francisco
- Third Place: Behrang Keshavarz, KITE Research Institute
Past Winners:
Poster Competition Winners:
2023
- First Place: Bryan Piper
- Second Place: Reza Basiri
- Third Place: Polina Andrievskaia
Three Minute Talk Competition Winners:
2024
- First Place: Shaghayegh Chavoshian
- Second Place: Nicholas Moser
- Third Place: Rachael Carson
2023
- First Place: Nicholas Zhao
- Second Place: Raluca Nicoras
- Third Place: Marina Petrevska
Rehabilitation Sciences Institute Best Poster Award in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:
2024
- Juliana Nunes Da Silva and Renato Barbosa dos Santos
ICAIR 2025 Scientific Committee
Milos Popovic, Ph.D., PEng (General Chair).
Evdokia Anagnostou, MD.
Jennifer Campos, Ph.D.
Fatma Inanici, MD., Ph.D.
Vladan Koncar, Ph.D.
Kimitaka Nakazawa, Ph.D.
Alison Novak, Ph.D.
Dimitry G Sayenko, MD., Ph.D.
Allison Sekuler, Ph.D.
Vivian Stamatopoulos, Ph.D.
Molly Verrier
Jose Zariffa, Ph.D.
ICAIR 2025 PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Thursday, May 1st – Transforming Lives Through Startup Tech
MODERATOR
Philip De Souza
Assistant Vice President, Communications and Marketing
PANELISTS
Dr. Annie-Kim Gilbert
Chief Executive Officer, MEDTEQ+
Louise Pichette
Senior Manager, Health Sciences, MaRS Discovery District
Dr. Noah Crampton
Chief Executive Officer, Mutuo Health Solutions
Zen Koh
Chief Executive Officer, NovaKonexus
Friday, May 2nd – Breaking Barriers: Stories of Resilience and Impact in Accessibility Advocacy
MODERATOR
Anthony Lue
Paralympic Athlete and Disability Inclusion & Accessibility Advocate
PANELISTS
Heela Omarkhail
Vice President, Social Impact, The Daniels Corporation
Luke Anderson
Executive Director and Co-founder, StopGap
Matthew Shaw
Head, Accessibility Practice, Rick Hansen Foundation
Shruti Kothari
Award-winning actor, stroke survivor and advocate for the stroke and brain injury community
Friday, May 2nd – How Creative Technology is Shaping the Future of Healthcare
MODERATOR
Garrick Ng
KITE Creates Program Lead
PANELISTS
Anthea Foyer
Lead, Creative Technology Office at the City of Toronto
Dr. Elaine Biddiss
Senior Scientist and Bloorview Childrens Hospital Chair in Pediatric Rehabilitation, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
ICAIR 2025 Organizing Committee
Milos R. Popovic, Chair
Sharmini Atputharaj
Jessica Boafo
Jarrett Churchill
Lesley Fullerton
Sebastian Gonzalez Pardo
Susan Gorski
Michael Grace-Dacosta
Tara Lai
Mary Lam
Sophia (Yue) Li
Garrick Ng
Alison Novak
Jose Ongpin
Anthony Palma
Janitha Shanmugarajan
Babak Taati
Shoshana Teitelman
Andrew Turner
Andrew Whitmell
ICAIR 2025 Speakers
Master of Ceremonies
Avis Favaro
Bio
Avis Favaro is an acclaimed medical journalist with decades of experience uncovering and reporting health stories that matter to Canadians.
Favaro was Canada’s longest-serving television Medical Correspondent, with CTV News. She is currently a host of The CHIP -a podcast by the Canadian Institute for Health Information and is also a senior advisor with Santis Health. Favaro has been recognized with a multitude of awards, along with an honorary PhD from McMaster University.
She is also among the large cohort of aging Canadians, and so this conference is - in her words - "a perfect fit!"
Keynote Speakers
Time: Thursday, May 1st – 9:45 a.m.
Dr. Helen Papagiannis
Augmented Human
Wearable technologies are transforming healthcare, rehabilitation, and aging, pushing past traditional boundaries to unlock new dimensions of human potential. Drawing from the groundbreaking insights in Dr. Helen Papagiannis’s best-selling book “Augmented Human,” this keynote will delve into how AI and AR-powered innovations are breaking barriers to accessibility and reimagining the human experience, offering an inspiring vision for living and thriving at every stage of life.
Bio
Dr. Helen Papagiannis is a globally recognized thought leader in immersive technologies, specializing in AI and spatial computing and their transformative impact on industries. She is a bestselling author of Augmented Human: How Technology is Shaping the New Reality; the founder of XR GOES POP, a consulting firm focused on experiential retail, luxury lifestyle, and popular culture; and she has spoken at such leading conferences as TEDx, SXSW, and AWE. Her TEDx talk is celebrated as one of the top 10 talks on augmented reality and gamified life.
Time: Thursday, May 1st – 3:30 p.m.
Dr. Chet Moritz
Strategies for Restoring Function after Spinal Cord Injury
Neuroprosthetic devices have tremendous potential to improve quality of life after spinal cord injury. A promising method for restoring movement and enhancing rehabilitation is transcutaneous stimulation of the spinal cord. Transcutaneous stimulation can activate neural circuits distal to an injury, leading to both enhanced rehabilitation, and facilitating long-term neuroplasticity and recovery that restores volitional control of movement for months after the stimulation is discontinued. This technology is recently FDA approved for improving hand strength and sensation after spinal cord injury, with many other indications currently under study in our laboratory.
Bio
Dr. Chet Moritz is the Hwang Endowed Professor in the department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at the University of Washington, with joint appointments in Rehabilitation Medicine and Physiology & Biophysics. He was named an Allen Distinguished Investigator and appointed to the Christopher & Dana Reeve International Consortium on Spinal Cord Repair.
Dr. Moritz serves as the Co-Director for the Center for Neurotechnology, a former NSF Engineering Research Center (ERC). He directs the Restorative Technologies Laboratory (RTL) which focuses on developing technologies to treat paralysis due to spinal cord injury. He recently co-led a multi-site clinical trial of spinal stimulation to restore hand function for people with spinal cord injury leading to FDA approval. He and his team are currently studying spinal stimulation to improve walking after spinal cord injury and for children with cerebral palsy, as well as optogenetic stimulation to guide neuroplasticity and recovery in the injured spinal cord of animals.
Time: Friday, May 2nd – 10:00 a.m.
Dr. Andrew Boozary
The Mirage of Universality: Building a More Equitable and Resilient Health System
This presentation will review the state of inequities in Canada’s health care system and broader notions of health, examine structural discrimination as a key driver of health disparities, and discuss interventions and strategies to improve health equity and health system resilience.
Bio
Dr. Andrew Boozary is a primary care physician, policy practitioner, researcher, and founding executive director of the Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine at the University Health Network. He completed his medical training at the University of Toronto and health policy training at Princeton University and Harvard University. His work at the intersection of health policy, social justice and equitable health care delivery aims to improve health outcomes for marginalized populations.
During the pandemic, Dr. Boozary served as co-lead of the Ontario Health Toronto Region COVID-19 Homelessness Response and holds the Dalla Lana Professorship in Policy Innovation at the University of Toronto. He is also the founding Editor-in-Chief of the Harvard Public Health Review and served in senior advisory roles for policymakers at various levels of government both nationally and abroad on public policy issues ranging from primary care reform to the implementation of pharmacare.
Dr. Boozary has published in high-impact academic journals, and his writing and analysis appear in print and broadcast media. He has been the recipient of a number of national and international awards, and is the youngest physician recipient of the Louise Lemieux-Charles Health System Leadership Award and the youngest Convocation speaker for the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine.
Power Play
Power Play Pitch Competition
If you have an innovative concept or business in the healthcare space, the Power Play Pitch Competition is your gateway to recognition and support.
We are looking for energetic, innovative and passionate healthcare innovators who can address an unmet need in the healthcare industry, through preventative healthcare solutions, treatment and management of disabling injuries and illnesses, restorative assistive devices to help restore function, diagnostic tools, digital health, and others.
We welcome innovators involved in all stages of product and technology development, from concepts and prototypes to finished products and services and start-up companies, and who need capital to help bring their innovations to the next stage.
All finalists receive a dedicated space in ICAIR’s Innovative Startup Exhibitor Zone, and additional exhibitor space in this area will be distributed to applicants of the Innovative Startup contest on a first-come, first-serve basis.
With $50,000 available in total prizes, the stakes are higher than ever. Don't miss your chance to build the future of healthcare!
The Prizes
START-UP COMPETITION
1st Place Prize | $25,000
2nd Place Prize | $10,000
3rd Place Prize | $10,000
CONCEPT COMPETITION
1st Place Prize | $2,500
2nd Place Prize | $1,500
3rd Place Prize | $1,000
2025 Winners:
Power Play Pitch Competition Winners
Innovative Start-up Competition:
2025
- First Place: Tracey McGillivray from Axtion Independence Mobility
- Second Place: Rachel Bartholomew from Hyivy Health
- Third Place: Haitham Shoman from Qalam Health Solutions
Innovative Concept Competition:
2025
- First Place: Kulmanak Bajaj from Wonder Guard
- Second Place: Nevena Musikic from Auryx
- Third Place: Tiange Li from Urotech
Past Winners:
Power Play Pitch Competition Winners
Innovative Start-up Competition:
2024
- First Place: AiimSense CEO and co-founder Atefeh Zarabadi
- Second Place: Dynamic Memory Solutions Inc. Chief Science and Product Officer Bryan Hong
- Third Place: Cove Neurosciences Inc. CEO Nardin and Co-founder Nardin Samuel
2023
- First Place: ImaginAble Solutions CEO and founder Lianna Genovesei
- Second Place: 16 Bit Inc. co-founder and co-CEO Mark Cicero
- Third Place: Ora-3D Inc founder and CEO Shlesha Van & Head of Partnerships Dan Grigorayeb
Innovative Concept Competition:
2024
- First Place: Helixir Medical CEO and co-founder Moses Cook
- Second Place: TRUSTE Inc. CEO Shaghayegh Chavoshian
- Third Place: PostureCoach Chief Technology Officer Davood Dadkhah
2023
- First Place: Caretown Product Manager Camila Benmessaoud
- Second Place: Neuropeutics CEO and co-founder Marc Shenouda
- Third Place: Cancer Literacy Information Centre founder Philiz Goh
Areas of Focus
Aging
- Treatments for Pain and Physical Decline
- Promotion of Mobility
- Support of Independent Living
- Study of Disease Areas
- Investigation of Illness and Frailty
- Examination of Dementia and Memory
- Study of Neural and Physical Decline
- Falls and Injury Prevention
Innovation
- Identification of New Technologies
- Neuromodulation and Brain Tech (implants/interfaces)
- Innovative Designs and the Development of Wearable Technologies, Smart Textiles, Robotic Systems
- Robotics for Therapy, Social Interaction and Care
- Artificial Intelligence
- Disruptive Technologies and Business Models
- Fostering Invention
- Research Commercialization
- Drug Discovery for Neuro, Muscular and Bone Diseases
Rehabilitation
- Telerehabilitation
- Restoration of Function
- Prevention of Injury and Infection
- Deployment of New Treatments
- Promotion of Independence
- Advocacy of Reintegration and Active Living
- Improvements in Pediatric, Geriatric, Musculoskeletal and Cardiac Care
- Improved Participation
- Treatment of Age-Related Diseases (Neurodegeneration, Arthritis)
2025 Agenda
| Day 1 |
|---|
|
Registration and Networking
7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. |
|
Trainee Breakfast (Separate registration required)
8:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. 8:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. |
|
Opening Remarks:
9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. 9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. |
|
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Helen Papagiannis, Globally recognized expert on immersive technologies and spatial computing - Augmented Human 9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. 9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. |
|
Panel Discussion: Transforming Lives Through Startup Tech
10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. |
|
ICAIR Scientific Spotlight Series Competition:
Journal presentation competition, where leading rehabilitation scientists will present their published research, for a chance to earn the title of "ICAIR Paper of the Year". 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
|
Networking Lunch & Poster Viewing Session (Exhibition zone open)
12:00 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. 12:00 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. |
|
Power Play Innovative Concept Competition:
Up-and-coming entrepreneurs present their exciting, creative and innovative early stage change-making ideas in a Dragon's Den-style competition. 1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. 1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
|
ICAIR Scientific Spotlight Series Competition (continued)
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
|
3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
|
Conference Reception (Exhibition zone open)
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| Day 2 |
|---|
|
Registration and Networking
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. |
|
Opening Remarks
8:50 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
|
Power Play Start-up Competition:
Start-up companies looking to fill a gap in the healthcare industry present their concepts, prototypes, and healthcare innovations in a Dragon's Den-style competition. 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. |
|
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. |
|
Nutrition Break (Exhibition zone open)
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. |
|
Panel Discussion: Breaking Barriers: Stories of Resilience and Impact in Accessibility Advocacy
11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. |
|
3-Minute Talks:
The next generation of aging and rehabilitation leaders present their findings and ideas in a three-minute Ted Talk style competition. 11:45 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. |
|
Networking Lunch & Poster Viewing Session (Exhibition zone open)
12:20 p.m. – 2:05 p.m. |
|
Power Play Start-up Competition (continued)
2:05 p.m. – 3:05 p.m. |
|
3-Minute Talks (continued)
3:05 p.m. – 3:40 p.m. |
|
How Creative Technology is Shaping the Future of Healthcare
3:40 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
|
Awards Ceremony & Closing Remarks
4:00 p.m. |
For Attendees
| Accommodations |
|---|
A discounted nightly rate at Chelsea Hotel is available for all ICAIR attendees. Please use this booking link to take advantage of this special offer! |
| Travel |
|---|
| Air |
International - Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
|
International Travelers
|
Domestic - Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (services select locations in North America)
|
| Ground |
Toronto Public Transit
|
GO Transit
|
Via Rail
|
| Accessibility Information |
|---|
| The Carlu (The Carlu Yonge Street entrance is not wheelchair accessible. Please use the College Street entrance for an accessible entrance.) |
| Chelsea Hotel |
For Sponsors and Exhibitors
The International Conference on Aging, Innovation and Rehabilitation (ICAIR) is an important cross-disciplinary event that brings together the leading researchers, scientists and entrepreneurs currently working to improve the lives of people around the world who live with the impacts of illness, disability and aging.
- ICAIR will feature TED-style talks by renowned players in the rehab space
- ICAIR will feature educational keynote speeches by top rehabilitation engineers, scientists and clinicians
- ICAIR is the first research-based conference of its scale and style hosted by the Kite Research Institute at UHN
- ICAIR provides a platform for rehabilitation professionals to exchange their ideas, get inspired and form research partnerships
- At ICAIR, you will reach over 1000 of the world's leading minds in rehabilitation research and technology
- ICAIR will feature a pitch competition that will attract top entrepreneurs, innovators and start-ups.
- ICAIR offers competitive sponsorship packages for industry partners to become an integral part of the conference
For those who are interested, please contact kite.partnerships@uhn.ca.
2025 Sponsors and Exhibitors
Sponsors and Partners
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibitors
|
|
|
.svg)
|
.jpg)
|
|
|
|
Startup Exhibitors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Conference Videos
Contact
2024 Scientific Spotlight Speakers
The ICAIR Scientific Spotlight Series is a competition event in which authors of prominent research papers, as selected by an expert committee, present their findings in person. Topics showcased during the series include Aging, Cardiac Care, Long-Term Care, Musculoskeletal, Neuroscience & Spinal Cord Injury. Winners of this competition will be presented with ICAIR's Paper of the Year Award.
Kritleen Bawa
Affiliation:
Clinical Research Coordinator at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
Paper:
Lipid Peroxidation as a Marker of Apathy and Executive Dysfunction in Patients at Risk for Vascular Cognitive Impairment
Dr. Vincy Chan
Affiliation:
Assistant Scientist at the KITE Research Institute, Associate Director at Acquired Brain Injury Research Lab at the University of Toronto.
Paper:
Social determinants of health associated with psychological distress stratified by lifetime traumatic brain injury status and sex: Cross-sectional evidence from a population sample of adults in Ontario, Canada
Lisa Cotie
Affiliation:
Scientific Associate II at the KITE Research Institute.
Paper:
A Social-Ecological Perspective of the Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Virtual Education in Cardiac RehabilitationA MIXED-METHODS APPROACH
Dr. Sharon Gabison
Affiliation:
Affiliate Scientist at the KITE Research Institute, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto.
Paper:
Measuring Repositioning in Home Care for Pressure Injury Prevention and Management
Dr. Fatma Inanici
Affiliation:
Research Assistant Professor at the University of Washington, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine.
Paper:
Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation Restores Hand and Arm Function After Spinal Cord Injury
Dr. Natasha Layton
Affiliation:
Senior Research Fellow at the Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre at Monash University.
Paper:
Towards Co-Design in Delivering Assistive Technology Interventions: Reconsidering Roles for Consumers, Allied Health Practitioners, and the Support Workforce
Dr. Tatyana Mollayeva (Dr. Vincy Chan presenting on Dr. Mollayeva's behalf)
Affiliation:
Scientist at the KITE Research Institute, Assistant Professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health with cross-appointment at the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute at the University of Toronto.
Paper:
Decoding health status transitions of over 200 000 patients with traumatic brain injury from preceding injury to the injury event
Dr. Gabriela Melo Ghisi
Affiliation:
Affiliate Scientist at the KITE Research Institute, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto.
Paper:
Developing a group-based virtual education curriculum for cardiac rehabilitation and the associated toolkit to support implementation in Canada and across the globe
Dr. Catherine F. Notarius
Affiliation:
Scientist Associate at the Clinical Cardiovascular Physiology Laboratory at University Health Network.
Paper:
Autonomic modulation in heart failure patients by cardiopulmonary rehabilitation: who benefits?
Violet Williams
Affiliation:
Ph.D. canadidate in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh.
Paper:
Situational factors that influence overreaching on a ladder during a gutter clearing task among older adults
Andrea Sabo
Affiliation:
Research Associate at the KITE Research Institute.
Paper:
Estimating Parkinsonism Severity in Natural Gait Videos of Older Adults With Dementia
Dr. Vivian Stamatopoulos
Affiliation:
Associate Professor in Criminology and Justice at Faculty of Social Science and Humanities at Ontario Tech University.
Paper:
"It's the worst thing I've ever been put through in my life": the trauma experienced by essential family caregivers of loved ones in long-term care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada
Karen Myers Barnett
Affiliation:
Advisory Group Member with The Engagement of People with Lived Experience of Dementia.
Paper:
Engagement of people with lived experience of dementia advisory group and cross-cutting program: reflections on the first year
Dori Simeonov
Affiliation:
Research and Innovation Manager at the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer.
Paper:
Older People's Use of Digital Technology During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Ahmed Hassan
Affiliation:
Ph.D. candidate in the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto.
Paper:
Decreased automaticity contributes to dual task decrements in older compared to younger adultsPast Winners:
ICAIR Scientific Spotlight Series:
2024
- First Place: Dr. Vivian Stamatopoulos
- Second Place: Dr. Fatma Inanici
- Third Place: Dr. Gabriela Melo Ghisi
About ICAIR
The International Conference on Aging, Innovation & Rehabilitation drives discovery, collaboration and invention in the healthcare, rehabilitation and age-tech sectors.
ICAIR is a unique conference destination designed to help researchers, academics, clinicians, students, entrepreneurs, startup companies, investors and other innovators share research and academic success stories, build and foster relationships across disciplines, and encourage cross-pollination of communication, research and ideas.
The annual conference is hosted by the KITE Research Institute at the University Health Network (UHN) with significant input and participation from clinical, research and academic partners from around the world.
Areas of Focus
Aging
- Treatments for Pain and Physical Decline
- Promotion of Mobility
- Support of Independent Living
- Study of Disease Areas
- Investigation of Illness and Frailty
- Examination of Dementia and Memory
- Study of Neural and Physical Decline
- Falls and Injury Prevention
Innovation
- Identification of New Technologies
- Neuromodulation and Brain Tech (implants/interfaces)
- Innovative Designs and the Development of Wearable Technologies, Smart Textiles, Robotic Systems
- Robotics for Therapy, Social Interaction and Care
- Artificial Intelligence
- Disruptive Technologies and Business Models
- Fostering Invention
- Research Commercialization
- Drug Discovery for Neuro, Muscular and Bone Diseases
Rehabilitation
- Telerehabilitation
- Restoration of Function
- Prevention of Injury and Infection
- Deployment of New Treatments
- Promotion of Independence
- Advocacy of Reintegration and Active Living
- Improvements in Pediatric, Geriatric, Musculoskeletal and Cardiac Care
- Improved Participation
- Treatment of Age-Related Diseases (Neurodegeneration, Arthritis)
Poster Competition & 3MT
Poster Competition
Here's what to expect when you submit a poster for consideration:
- Registered trainees, post-docs, scientists, and staff, will have the option of submitting a poster, which will be reviewed by the ICAIR Scientific Advisory Committee. Only one, first authored poster can be submitted per person. Authors of selected posters will receive notification of acceptance.
- It is highly recommended that you use one of the Poster Templates. provided to help facilitate the review process. Two templates are provided for guidance (1) text-focused and (2) image-focused. Your poster will be printed for you and placed in the conference poster room.
- Trainees (students/post-docs) submitting a poster will also be asked to indicate if they would like to be considered for the opportunity to compete in the Three Minute Talk (3MT) competition on the main stage.
- The top 14 posters will be considered for publication in a special interdisciplinary issue of the Journal of BioMedical Engineering Online. Your publication will require approval from your academic advisor and will be peer-reviewed by the ICAIR Scientific Advisory Committee.
3 Minute Talk Competition
Authors of the top 14 posters will be invited to participate in the 3 Minute Talk (3MT) stage competition. Finalists will be notified, and are expected to prepare a one-slide presentation to accompany their talk. (An additional slide for authors and affiliations will be allowed)
Start your registration and submission process here!
2025 Winners:
Three Minute Talk Competition Winners:
2025
- First Place: Damian M. Manzone, for “Is augmented reality a viable option for at-home hand rehabilitation Assessing perspectives from individuals with cervical spinal cord injury.”
- Second Place: Joana Dilipkumar, “Investigating the effect of capsaicin-induced central sensitization on contralateral motor unit excitation”
- Third Place: Lianna Montanari, “Using a spatial navigation task to identify preclinical cognitive decline”
Scientific Spotlight Series Winners:
2025
- First Place (Paper of the year): Marc Powell, ReachNeuro Inc
- Second Place: David Moses, UC San Francisco
- Third Place: Behrang Keshavarz, KITE Research Institute
Past Winners:
Poster Competition Winners:
2023
- First Place: Bryan Piper
- Second Place: Reza Basiri
- Third Place: Polina Andrievskaia
Three Minute Talk Competition Winners:
2024
- First Place: Shaghayegh Chavoshian
- Second Place: Nicholas Moser
- Third Place: Rachael Carson
2023
- First Place: Nicholas Zhao
- Second Place: Raluca Nicoras
- Third Place: Marina Petrevska
Rehabilitation Sciences Institute Best Poster Award in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:
2024
- Juliana Nunes Da Silva and Renato Barbosa dos Santos
Power Play
Power Play Pitch Competition
If you have an innovative concept or business in the healthcare space, the Power Play Pitch Competition is your gateway to recognition and support.
We are looking for energetic, innovative and passionate healthcare innovators who can address an unmet need in the healthcare industry, through preventative healthcare solutions, treatment and management of disabling injuries and illnesses, restorative assistive devices to help restore function, diagnostic tools, digital health, and others.
We welcome innovators involved in all stages of product and technology development, from concepts and prototypes to finished products and services and start-up companies, and who need capital to help bring their innovations to the next stage.
All finalists receive a dedicated space in ICAIR’s Innovative Startup Exhibitor Zone, and additional exhibitor space in this area will be distributed to applicants of the Innovative Startup contest on a first-come, first-serve basis.
With $50,000 available in total prizes, the stakes are higher than ever. Don't miss your chance to build the future of healthcare!
2025 Winners:
Power Play Pitch Competition Winners
Innovative Start-up Competition:
2025
- First Place: Tracey McGillivray from Axtion Independence Mobility
- Second Place: Rachel Bartholomew from Hyivy Health
- Third Place: Haitham Shoman from Qalam Health Solutions
Innovative Concept Competition:
2025
- First Place: Kulmanak Bajaj from Wonder Guard
- Second Place: Nevena Musikic from Auryx
- Third Place: Tiange Li from Urotech
Past Winners:
Power Play Pitch Competition Winners
Innovative Start-up Competition:
2024
- First Place: AiimSense CEO and co-founder Atefeh Zarabadi
- Second Place: Dynamic Memory Solutions Inc. Chief Science and Product Officer Bryan Hong
- Third Place: Cove Neurosciences Inc. CEO Nardin and Co-founder Nardin Samuel
2023
- First Place: Lianna Genovesei
- Second Place: Mark Cicero
- Third Place: Shlesha Van & Dan Grigorayeb
Innovative Concept Competition:
2024
- First Place: Helixir Medical CEO and co-founder Moses Cook
- Second Place: TRUSTE Inc. CEO Shaghayegh Chavoshian
- Third Place: PostureCoach Chief Technology Officer Davood Dadkhah
2023
- First Place: Camila Benmessaoud
- Second Place: Marc Shenouda
- Third Place: Philiz Goh
The Prizes
START-UP COMPETITION
1st Place Prize | $25,000
2nd Place Prize | $10,000
3rd Place Prize | $10,000
CONCEPT COMPETITION
1st Place Prize | $2,500
2nd Place Prize | $1,500
3rd Place Prize | $1,000
2025 Agenda
| (Day 1) |
|---|
|
Registration and Networking 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. |
|
Trainee Breakfast (Separate registration required) 8:15 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. 8:15 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. |
|
Opening Remarks:
9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. 9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. |
|
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Helen Papagiannis, Globally recognized expert on immersive technologies and spatial computing - Augmented Human 9:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. 9:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. |
|
Panel Discussion: Transforming Lives Through Startup Tech 10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. |
|
ICAIR Scientific Spotlight Series Competition: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
|
Networking Lunch & Poster Viewing Session (Exhibition zone open) 11:00 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. 11:00 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. |
|
Power Play Innovative Concept Competition: 1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. 1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. |
|
ICAIR Scientific Spotlight Series Competition (continued) 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
|
3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
|
Conference Reception (Exhibition zone open) 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. |
| (Day 2) |
|---|
|
Registration and Networking 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. |
|
Opening Remarks:
8:50 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. |
|
Power Play Start-up Competition: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. |
|
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. |
|
Nutrition Break (Exhibition zone open) 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. |
|
Panel Discussion: Breaking Barriers: Stories of Resilience and Impact in Accessibility Advocacy 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. |
|
3-Minute Talks: 11:45 a.m. – 12:20 p.m. |
|
Networking Lunch & Poster Viewing Session (Exhibition zone open) 12:20 p.m. – 2:05 p.m. |
|
Power Play Start-up Competition (continued) 2:05 p.m. – 3:05 p.m. |
|
3-Minute Talks (continued) 3:05 p.m. – 3:40 p.m. |
|
How Creative Technology is Shaping the Future of Healthcare 3:40 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
|
Awards Ceremony & Closing Remarks 4:00 PM |
Sponsors and Exhibitors
The International Conference on Aging, Innovation and Rehabilitation (ICAIR) is an important cross-disciplinary event that brings together the leading researchers, scientists and entrepreneurs currently working to improve the lives of people around the world who live with the impacts of illness, disability and aging.
- ICAIR will feature TED-style talks by renowned players in the rehab space
- ICAIR will feature educational keynote speeches by top rehabilitation engineers, scientists and clinicians
- ICAIR is the first research-based conference of its scale and style hosted by the Kite Research Institute at UHN
- ICAIR provides a platform for rehabilitation professionals to exchange their ideas, get inspired and form research partnerships
- At ICAIR, you will reach over 1000 of the world's leading minds in rehabilitation research and technology
- ICAIR will feature a pitch competition that will attract top entrepreneurs, innovators and start-ups.
- ICAIR offers competitive sponsorship packages for industry partners to become an integral part of the conference
For those who are interested, please contact kite.partnerships@uhn.ca.
2025 Sponsors and Exhibitors
Sponsors and Partners
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exhibitors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Startup Exhibitors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|