Waterloo Graduate Sparks Innovative Solutions in Women’s Health Among Students

The University of Waterloo’s Velocity Incubator hosted an Innovation Challenge in collaboration with FemTech Canada, focused on addressing critical areas of women’s health: menopause, gynecological health, and breast health. Rachel Bartholomew (MBET ’14), an alum and founder of Hyivy Health, returned to campus to inspire and mentor over 100 participating students. Highlighting a significant gap in women’s health research and clinical trials, Bartholomew emphasized the need for continuous advocacy and innovation.

From October 28 to November 8, students engaged in workshops, mentoring sessions, and a project showcase culminating in a final pitch event where eight teams presented their solutions to a panel of judges comprised of female health founders and professionals.

The grand prize of $4,000 was awarded to the team behind PeriGuard, a device designed by Biomedical Engineering students Clara Kim, Erica Liu, Sean D’Mello, and Emily Rose to enhance childbirth experiences. This innovative device aims to protect the perineum during natural childbirth—a concern since approximately 90% of women experience perineal tearing. PeriGuard combines heat application to reduce tearing risk and discomfort with a protective component that relieves pressure during delivery. The device is designed to be integrated into standard obstetric care at a cost-effective rate of $10.40 USD per use.

The runner-up, Miora, received a $1,000 prize for its AI-driven solution designed to tackle cognitive changes associated with menopause, such as memory lapses and mood shifts. Founded by Ani Muradyan, Iman Umair-Qaiser, Rawan Miznazi, and Vanessa Young-Dede, Miora created a smart compact mirror that offers real-time cognitive monitoring and personalized exercises to build resilience among women aged 40 to 60. By utilizing facial recognition and eye-tracking technology, Miora aims to empower women during menopause, emphasizing the workforce’s significance in this demographic as the menopause market is projected to reach $24 billion by 2030.

Muradyan articulated the importance of addressing menopause comprehensively and creating supportive pathways for women. The team’s approach strategically combines direct-to-consumer marketing with healthcare partnerships, ensuring alignment with the latest scientific insights.

Through these initiatives, Waterloo students showcase their capabilities in transforming ideas into commercial products through the Velocity program. Bartholomew reinforced the ongoing need for innovation and progress in women's health, showcasing how the projects from this innovation challenge provide a vital contribution to addressing historical disparities in healthcare development.

With the support of the University of Waterloo and the Velocity Incubator, emerging startups like PeriGuard and Miora are poised to drive economic growth while enhancing health outcomes for women, celebrating their contributions to the health-tech field and advancing forward in their respective missions.