The a2 Collective Coordinating Center invites all a2 Pilot Awards–funded project teams to an interactive webinar to learn more about the LeadingAge Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) Program, which provides immersive exposure to senior living operations and resident life. In partnership with the a2 Collective, LeadingAge is offering a2 Pilot Awards–funded investigators the opportunity to participate in the EIR Program, which matches innovators with senior living communities for a 2-week residency that includes job shadowing, interaction with residents, and self-guided research. This hands-on experience enables AgeTech entrepreneurs to gain direct, real-world insights about the older adults and environments they’re designing for, empowering innovation through co-creation.
This 60-minute webinar will feature an overview of the EIR Program from LeadingAge Vice President of Strategic Growth and Partnership Michael Hughes, MBA; highlights from past EIRs Peter Elbaor (Ayla AI) and Alec Glassman, MBA (SilverShield), about their experiences in the program; and opportunity for Q&A. This webinar is exclusively open to a2 Pilot Awards–funded investigators. All pilot awardees are eligible to attend the webinar and apply for the LeadingAge EIR Program, regardless of award year or current project status.
Register for the webinar by no later than Wednesday, June 10, and contact Kayla Harr (kayla.harr@roseliassociates.com) with any questions about the event.
Webinar Details:
Become an Entrepreneur in Residence: Live, Learn, and Innovate in a Senior Living Community
Date: Tuesday, June 16, 1–2 p.m. ET
Zoom registration: Link
Speaker Bio:
Michael Hughes, MBA, is the vice president of strategic growth and partnership for LeadingAge National, a Washington, D.C.–based trade association representing over 5,000 nonprofit senior living communities and aging service providers. In this role, he works to identify and define new growth strategies for LeadingAge members with a focus on health and wellness. Hughes previously served as the chief transformation and innovation officer for United Church Homes, with additional leadership experience in the home care space and at AARP. He holds an MBA from McGill University.
Key EIR Program Features:
• Opportunity: A 2-week stay at a participating LeadingAge member senior living community that includes job shadowing, resident interaction, and self-guided research to enable innovation through co-creation.
• Locations: Participating locations are available across several states, including Florida, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.
• Cost: Generally free, though participating communities may choose to require reimbursement for rent and meals. Participating innovators must arrange their own transportation to the location.
• Application Process: a2 Pilot Awards–funded investigators are invited to apply to LeadingAge on a rolling basis, with a 1–2 month review period.
