The Future of Aging 2026

The Future of Aging 2026 is a program for startups building solutions that reduce the cost of aging, expand access to essential supports, and strengthen the social and economic foundations of a healthy lifespan. The program supports entrepreneurs working to ensure more people can age with dignity, agency, and connection. The initiative is run in partnership with Next50 and provides selected founders with tools and support to scale innovations that improve affordability, accessibility, and equity in the aging process. Participants join a structured cohort experience with peer learning, personalized 1:1 mentorship, expert feedback, capital access, and strategic networks.

Key Benefits

• $10,000 USD non-dilutive grant for all selected startups
• Additional stipends for travel
• Interactive workshops to identify early milestones and prepare for the next round of capital if relevant
• 1:1 financial analysis support from a dedicated Investment Analyst
• Mentorship from investors, strategic partners, founders, and business leaders
• Mock board meetings with representatives from relevant institutions, corporates, and investors
• Exposure through Village Capital’s program website and communications collateral

Eligibility

• Legal incorporation as a for-profit entity, including B Corp certified companies
• Headquartered and operating in the United States
• At least one full-time founder based in the United States
• Minimum viable product and less than $1.5M in equity raised
• Meaningful customer traction or business validation, including completed pilots, early revenue, number of users, or strategic partnerships
• Market-based, tech-enabled solution tackling critical social and economic barriers affecting the aging population in the United States

Program Structure

• Structured cohort experience
• Peer learning
• Personalized 1:1 mentorship
• Expert feedback
• Program workshops from July to September 2026
• Access to capital and strategic networks

Dates & Duration

• Program duration: July - September 2026
• Program start date: July 2026
• Applications open: April 20, 2026
• Application deadline: May 17, 2026
• Cohort announced: July 2026

The program is run in partnership with Next50. The advisory board listed on the page includes Ali Malik, Elizabeth Durst, Jim Bunch, Sean Liu, Stephen Samuels, Susan Perry, and Sydney Byer.