Living Lab Spotlight: Sheri Rose (Thrive Center)

This week, I had the privilege of interviewing Sheri Rose, Co-Founder and CEO at the Thrive Center. The Thrive Center is one of the nation’s (few) living labs, and focuses on aging-in-place technologies and innovations to improve the quality of life for older adults. As a reminder for anyone who missed the Living Labs overview, a living lab is kind of like an accelerator that brings together a supportive ecosystem to incubate and test new technology. Join me in diving into Sheri’s thoughts on building a living lab for AgeTech NYC.

— Sarah Richard

P.S. - If you’re an AgeTech founder, investor, or operator based in the NYC area, please consider joining us at August’s AgeTech NYC event, hosted by Brian Geyser at Maplewood Senior Living. 

Can you tell us about your background?

Sheri Rose (SR): I retired from AT&T, where I merged my passion for people with technology, holding a bachelor's and master's in psychology. After retiring, I consulted on various projects, which led to co-founding the Thrive Center in 2017 with John. My role involves driving collaboration and designing the center to support and promote innovation in aging and health technology.

What were the key aspects of building the Thrive Center?

SR: Collaboration was crucial. I realized we could achieve more by working together. The Thrive Center was established as a nonprofit to ensure it became a community asset. We focus on wellness, not just aging, which led to the name "Thrive Center." It's important that technology is user-friendly and demonstrates its value through real-world applications. We work with tech companies to ensure their products are practical and impactful, often providing technical and business advice to startups.

What advice do you have for startups in the aging tech space?

SR: Startups need to understand the industry they're entering. Interoperability with systems like PointClickCare is essential. They must drive efficiency for operators, have a clear business model, and demonstrate a solid revenue stream. Knowing the market and the specific needs of skilled nursing facilities, for instance, is vital. We help startups find the best channels, often arranging pilots with facilities to test and refine their products.

What advice would you give for building a living lab without explicit backing?

SR: Collaboration is key. Engage community partners to drive traffic and support. Programs like fall prevention can bring consumers in while partnering with universities can provide mutual benefits. It's essential to find community members who are excited about the project and can contribute meaningfully. Creating a win-win situation for everyone involved is crucial for success.

Which partners have the most impact on the Thrive Center's mission?

SR: Hosting events and showcasing technology helps bring in partners from various sectors, including home health, skilled, assisted, and independent living. CDW has been a significant supporter, providing products and facilitating connections with major tech companies. Building relationships that can help with commercialization and scaling is essential, as products need to be scalable to succeed.

Can you share your thoughts on my plan for a living lab in NYC?

SR: Networking is crucial, and introducing startups to potential partners can lead to collaborations and even mergers. Diverse advisory boards, including members from banking, investment, and healthcare, are important. Regular meetups and pitch competitions can foster collaboration and innovation. Focus on forming a cohesive group that can brainstorm and support entrepreneurs effectively.

What benefits do collaborators and advisors see in working with you?

SR: Many people want to give back, and our mission-driven approach appeals to them. Including consumers who can provide honest feedback and test products is valuable. Engaging a diverse group that includes healthcare providers, community members, and industry experts can generate valuable insights and support for entrepreneurs.

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