Call for Ageing Research & Innovation 2025

The ASEAN Centre for Active Ageing and Innovation (ACAI) is thrilled to announce the Call for Research and Innovation 2025!

This is a unique opportunity for passionate researchers, innovators, and organisations across the ASEAN Member States to contribute to a healthier, more inclusive, and productive future for older persons in the region. The Call for Research and Innovation aims to foster actionable knowledge, scalable innovations, and collaborative research that directly address emerging ageing challenges across ASEAN.

Why Participate?

This call is designed to:

Support interdisciplinary research and innovations focused on ageing in ASEAN.
Provide evidence to inform policy, service delivery, and community action.
Foster regional collaboration and capacity-building among stakeholders.
Promote rights-based, gender-sensitive, and culturally respectful approaches to ageing.

Scope of the Call

We encourage proposals that align with ACAI’s Five-Year Strategic Plan and contribute to one or more of the following critical areas:

Active and healthy ageing
Long-term care and integrated care for older persons (ICOPE)
Age-related policy, advocacy, and legal rights
Financing, demographics, and ageing-related data
Age-friendly environment, climate adaptation, and community development
Social engagement, community participation, and intergenerational programs
Social Protection for older persons
Financial innovation, business models, and employment for older persons
Innovation and Technologies
Rights-based approaches and gender-sensitive policies
Regional engagement and cross-country collaboration

Both research and innovation-based proposals are strongly encouraged, ranging from small pilots to scalable solutions addressing the diverse needs of older persons in ASEAN Member States.

Who Can Apply?

Principal Investigators (PIs) or lead applicants must be based in one of the ASEAN Member States (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam). Eligible entities include:

Academic and research institutions
Government agencies and public policy institutions
NGOs, civil society, and community-based organizations
Private sector innovators or social enterprises
Individual researchers and practitioners with demonstrated expertise

Collaborative and cross-country proposals (ASEAN or non-ASEAN countries) are highly encouraged!

Funding & Support

Selected proposals may receive:

Small Grants: Up to $50,000 for pilot or exploratory projects (1-year duration).
Scale-up Grants: Up to $150,000 for regional or multi-country implementation (maximum 3-year duration).
Non-Financial Support: This includes invaluable technical guidance, access to vital ASEAN networks, and policy advocacy platforms.

Grant sizes will be determined based on the project scope, quality, and potential impact.