Congratulations to the 2025 AgeInnovate pitch event winner, SpendCare!
AgeInnovate’s AgeTech Pitch Competition marked a milestone moment for aging innovation in Nashville. On September 17, visionary entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and investors came together at FARMUSE Studio to spotlight solutions for America’s aging population.
The evening culminated in SpendCare winning a $25,000 investment prize, made possible by Community Equity Partners. Their standout innovation: PACE cards —a streamlined system that simplifies caregiver reimbursements and financial tracking. By turning a cumbersome process into an intuitive, accountable tool, SpendCare is helping families and providers navigate one of the most stressful parts of caregiving: money.
But the event was more than a competition. It reinforced Nashville’s role as a national hub for healthcare and innovation—and demonstrated how real investment can flow into the AgeTech sector right here in Tennessee.
AgeInnovate will return with its 3nd annual pitch event on September 16, 2026, continuing to unite startups, enterprises, and investors around the future of aging well.
Meet the 2025 AgeInnovate Pitch Event Finalists
CareHome Health is on a mission to reduce medication errors, improve health outcomes, and support caregivers. CareHome delivers on that promise through the “Graciela” smart pill-and-water dispensing device, connected caregiver app, and real-time adherence dashboard. Visit their website.
SpendCare is making aging at home safer and more affordable by improving access to non-medical benefits like healthy groceries and transportation. Today, Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) who care for our most vulnerable older adults rely on SpendCare to provide and manage flexible benefit cards for their members across seven states. SpendCare, based in Franklin, TN, is a Techstars and InvestTN portfolio company and graduate of AARP’s AgeTech Collaborative startup program and the Nashville Entrepreneur Center’s Project FinTech accelerator. Visit their website.
Hypersence is pioneering the future of healthy aging with MemorySPEX®—a patent-pending wearable that uses light and AI to clear harmful plaque accumulations, increase blood flow, and improve cognitive function up to 50%. As easy as putting on glasses, MemorySPEX empowers older adults to preserve memory, clarity, and independence—while also giving younger generations a competitive edge at work and school. Visit their website.
ABOUT OUR 2024 WINNER: WAVE THERAPEUTICS
Annually, 5% of long-term care patients suffer pressure injuries, with facilities caught between profitability and staffing demands. As the population ages, staffing shortages worsen, making manual turning schedules laborious and poorly documented, risking malpractice suits. Our technology automates pressure relief, allows for remote monitoring, and ensures care compliance documentation. With an affordable subscription model, our cushions reduce costs and improve patient health and independence, offering a practical solution to economic and care challenges. (Jessica Bussert, CEO pictured above)
Meet Our 2025 Event Partners
COMMUNITY EQUITY PARTNERS
$25,000 Investment Sponsor
Community Equity Partners (CEP) is a syndicate of angel groups and funds between Knoxville and Nashville with plans to expand to three additional markets in 2024. The Network brings angel investors and entrepreneurs together in an environment that celebrates innovation, rewards strategic risk-taking, and promotes performance. CEP is the combination of two angel networks across the Midwest and Southeast and enjoys a 17-year history and has invested approximately $13M in 56 companies across a variety of market sectors. To learn more about CEP visit https://www.communityequitypartners.co.
PRUDENTIAL – PRUDENTIAL PEAK
Presenting Sponsor
Prudential Peak® is a digital holistic well-being platform designed to inspire healthy behavior changes and age planning among policyholders while delivering value to all stakeholders. The Prudential mission is to meet the evolving needs of our aging population and deliver greater value across the policyholder journey; by introducing Prudential Peak® our goal is to extend healthy years at home, delay care needs, and lower the total cost of care. Our ecosystem unites well-being services with aging and longevity resources through a comprehensive, digitally enabled personalized experience. This initiative supports policyholders across physical, cognitive, environmental well-being, as well as financial & care planning and management of key chronic conditions. www.prudentialpeak.com.
FORTYAU
Spotlight Sponsor
FortyAU is a Nashville-based technology consulting firm that partners with organizations to design, build, and scale custom software solutions. With a team of experienced onshore and nearshore developers, FortyAU helps clients accelerate innovation, modernize systems, and deliver impactful digital experiences. Beyond technical expertise, FortyAU is committed to cultivating long-term partnerships and supporting the growth of Nashville’s broader technology and entrepreneurial community. Meet your next software development partner at fortyau.com.
NASHVILLE TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL
2025 Community Partner
The Nashville Technology Council (NTC) is the leading advocate for Middle Tennessee’s tech community, connecting professionals, companies, and educators to fuel innovation and economic growth. Through workforce development programs, industry events, and policy leadership, NTC works to advance Nashville as a national hub for technology. Its mission is to promote collaboration, develop top talent, and create opportunities that strengthen the region’s innovation economy. www.technologycouncil.com
AGEWELL MIDDLE TENNESSEE
2025 Community Partner
AgeWell Middle Tennessee is the leading advocate for older adults and caregivers across Middle Tennessee, working to ensure people can age with dignity, independence, and connection. Through community education, caregiver resources, and cross-sector partnerships, AgeWell addresses the critical needs of an aging population while promoting a culture of inclusion and respect for all ages. Its mission is to champion older adults, equip caregivers, and strengthen community systems so Middle Tennessee remains a place where everyone can thrive across the lifespan. www.agewelltn.org
MUSIC FOR SENIORS
2025 Community Partner & Entertainment Provider
Music for Seniors bridges generations through the universal language of music, bringing joy and connection to older adults across Middle Tennessee. Through live performances, interactive programs, and community partnerships, Music for Seniors reduces isolation and enriches the lives of seniors while fostering intergenerational bonds. At AgeInnovate 2025, they will provide uplifting entertainment, showcasing the power of music to inspire, engage, and bring people together. www.musicforseniors.org
