Behind the Scenes with Spark Centre: How Elderado Is Revolutionizing Elder Care in Ontario

Founded in 2010, Spark Centre is the Regional Innovation Centre for Durham and Northumberland, dedicated to accelerating early-stage, technology-driven companies through advisory services, lab space, events, and access to capital and IP strategy. From the moment we joined, we felt immersed in a peer-driven ecosystem. From expert-led masterclasses to one-on-one mentoring that’s honed our pitch, deepened our market strategy, and connected us to professionals.

For a startup tackling elder-care with tech, having a partner that understands innovation and scaling is invaluable, and that’s Spark. Below, Daniel sits down with Kailee Rembosz, Spark's Marketing & Events Manager, to share how Elderado began, the support we’ve leveraged, and what’s next.

What is Elderado?

Kailee kicks off the interview by asking Daniel to explain what Elderado is and how it works. He shares that Elderado was built as a free, unbiased resource where users can easily search, filter, compare, and connect with over 1,400 elder care homes across Ontario.

Why did Elderado get started?

Daniel then shares the backstory behind why he founded Elderado, reflecting on the challenges he faced while urgently trying to find an assisted living home for his grandmother. Born out of that personal experience, he recognized just how difficult and time-consuming the process can be — and how much easier it could be with a one-stop platform to support families navigating elder care.

Elderado and CABHI's Ignite program

Elderado was recently awarded funding through the Canadian Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation’s Ignite program, which supports early-stage innovators in the healthcare space. Daniel shares how the funding will be used: expanding the platform to support multiple languages, enhancing resources for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and improving the overall usability of the website.

How is Elderado getting the word out?

Daniel explains that Elderado primarily raises awareness through social media (including retirement home tours and informative content) as well as through trusted relationships and referrals within the healthcare community.

How Spark has helped our journey

Daniel highlights several key ways Spark Centre has supported Elderado’s growth. From one-on-one mentorship to regular networking events with industry professionals and fellow entrepreneurs, the Spark ecosystem has provided both strategic guidance and valuable connections.

We’re incredibly grateful to Spark Centre for their continued support and belief in our mission. Collaborations like these help Elderado reach more families, build a stronger product, and continue pushing the boundaries of what elder care navigation can look like in Canada.

CLICK HERE to watch the full interview.