Introducing the Bold Founders Revolutionizing Health, Technology, and Social Impact

In 2016, Shalini Gupta experienced a life-changing event when one of her ovaries was removed following a concerning ultrasound that indicated a cancer risk. Despite inconclusive biopsy results, this incident heightened her awareness of health and motivated her to monitor her well-being more closely. Gupta's experiences with cancer survivors in her family further inspired her to enhance cancer diagnostics, as she perceived significant gaps in accessibility and efficiency. She noted, “People who are sort of healthy are de-prioritized…because there isn’t enough capacity for getting tests done.”

To address these challenges, Gupta founded Asima Health, a startup based in Kitchener that aims to revolutionize cancer screening through molecular diagnostics. The company is developing a liquid biopsy test for early cancer detection, particularly targeting cancer survivors who often lack non-invasive testing opportunities. Traditional screening methods, including MRIs and mammograms, can be prohibitively expensive and stressful, which is a barrier for many individuals. Asima Health seeks to offer a cost-effective, rapid blood test that can be conducted locally with same-day or next-day results, enhancing accessibility.

Gupta, who possesses over 20 years of experience in in vitro diagnostics and a PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, relocated to Canada from India in 2023. She founded Asima Health with the help of Velocity, an initiative that provided her with the necessary lab space and resources to kickstart her venture. Reflecting on her journey, Gupta expressed appreciation for the supportive tech ecosystem in Canada, contrasting it with her previous entrepreneurial experiences in India. She remarked, “This is so much better,” highlighting the valuable resources available in her new environment.

Gupta's work with Asima Health has led her to be part of the Communitech Fierce Founders Uplift program, which champions women and non-binary founders from underrepresented backgrounds by offering mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities. Alongside Gupta, the program’s latest cohort includes a diverse group of women entrepreneurs, each pursuing innovative solutions in distinct fields. For instance, Ailsa Blair developed Drag Me, a platform for drag events and performer promotion, and Ankita Sharma founded Philer, using AI to simplify real estate closings.

Other notable founders in the cohort include Dayna Voisin of QuickCasa, focusing on AI lead qualification for property managers, and Fion Lee-Madan from Fairly AI, providing governance solutions for safe AI implementation. The group also includes innovators like Fuseinat Brimah, who leads a social enterprise in sustainable agriculture, and Lynn Doughane and Nanette Sene, who are creating a wearable device for menstrual pain relief.

Fierce Founders Uplift supports participants through hands-on guidance, growth plans, and funding, with each founder receiving $10,000 in non-matching funds. The program, running since 2021, fosters a collaborative environment where founders can connect, share experiences, and navigate challenges together. As Gupta works on advancing the clinical testing phase of Asima Health’s product, her commitment to cancer diagnostics remains steadfast. Expected to begin its first cohort study in a clinical setting by mid-2025, Gupta’s venture is poised to reshape the landscape of cancer screening.

Her transition from academia to entrepreneurship has been a significant step, but it's one made easier by a strong support system from her family and the broader startup community. She encourages others to seek support, emphasizing, “You have the support of all the people. Don’t hesitate to ask for support if you need to.” Through Asima Health, Gupta aims not only to enhance cancer diagnostics but also to empower others in their health journeys.