The Future of Aging 2026

About the Program

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 to help ensure that more people are able to age with dignity, agency, and connection. 

This initiative, in partnership with Next50, will provide participants with tools and support to help scale their innovations that improve affordability, accessibility, and equity in the aging process. Selected founders will participate in a structured cohort experience that blends peer learning, personalized 1:1 mentorship, and expert feedback, along with meaningful access to capital and strategic networks.

Problem Statement

By 2040, adults aged 65+ are projected to make up 22% of the US population, up from 12% in 2004 – putting increasing pressure on systems to support healthy, dignified aging.

Health outcomes are shaped largely by non-medical factors – such as housing, nutritious food, meaningful employment, financial security, digital connectivity, and strong social networks – which account for roughly 70% of overall health. Yet access to these resources is uneven, and inequities compound over time, leaving many people entering older age with fewer resources and faster declines in health outcomes. 

As a result, aging is becoming more costly, inequitable, and difficult to navigate. 

Entrepreneurs are developing solutions to address these challenges. Village Capital will support innovations that strengthen the conditions that enable people and communities to thrive as they age.

Who Should Apply?

Eligible startups must have:

• Legal incorporation as a for-profit entity, including B Corp certified companies.

• Headquartered and with operations in the US.

• Have at least one full-time founder based in the US.

• Have a minimum viable product (MVP), and raised less than $1.5M in equity.

• Have meaningful customer traction or business validation (successfully completed pilots, early revenue,  number of users, and/or strategic partnerships).

• Market-based, tech-enabled solution that tackles critical social and economic barriers affecting the aging population in the US, including but not limited to:

• Social Drivers

  • Closing care and support gaps

  • Safety, transportation, and accessible environments

  • Digital literacy and connectivity

  • Lifelong learning and engagement

  • Food access and nutrition security

  • Age-friendly health system navigation

  • Social connection and community belonging

• Economic Drivers

  • Wealth building and financial stability

  • Employment and economic participation

  • Affordable and accessible housing

  • Access to affordable healthcare

  • Services that help people age in place

  • Fraud, scam, and financial exploitation prevention