MedHealth Millions: Transforming Healthcare Collaboratively

The MedHealth initiative has played a pivotal role in fostering innovation within the cross-border healthcare landscape between Canada and the U.S., particularly in the Windsor-Detroit region. Established in 2015 from the Hacking Health Windsor-Detroit project, this initiative is a collaborative effort led by organizations like WETechAlliance and TechTown Detroit, aimed at addressing gaps in the healthcare ecosystem. By bringing together entrepreneurial service organizations, research institutions, businesses, economic development agencies, and healthcare providers, MedHealth leverages the strengths of both regions to support growth and innovation in healthcare.

This collaboration has led to significant bi-national integration, particularly evident in the flow of healthcare professionals. As of 2025, it’s projected that nearly 2,000 healthcare workers from Windsor-Essex will cross into Detroit daily, reflecting the strong ties between the two areas. Canadians frequently access advanced healthcare services in Detroit, supported by institutions such as Henry Ford Health System, which acts as an extension of the Canadian healthcare landscape for specialized treatments.

At the recent MedHealth Summit, four founders who have successfully raised over a million dollars for their ventures shared insights on building sustainable healthcare innovations:

1. Crystal Brown, CEO of CircNova - Having raised $3.3 million, CircNova focuses on integrating AI into RNA drug discovery and therapeutics. Brown’s leadership exemplifies the increasing role of technology in evolving drug development processes.

2. Emile Maamary, Co-founder and CMO of Steadiwear - With $3.5 million raised, Maamary’s startup created a battery-free stabilizing glove designed for individuals with Parkinson’s and Essential Tremors. His dedication to user-led design and engineering showcases the importance of developing practical solutions that directly address patients' needs.

3. Lisa McLaughlin, Co-founder and former CEO of Workit Health - Under McLaughlin's guidance, Workit Health has raised an impressive $140 million, positioning itself as a national leader in digital addiction care. The company successfully combines telemedicine, therapy, and technology to provide essential services to a vast number of patients in the U.S.

4. Niles Heron, Co-founder and former Chief Comms & Culture Officer of Loaded - Heron contributed to raising $20 million for Loaded Inc., a firm that specializes in managing and advising content creators in the gaming industry. His experience illustrates the intersection of technology, gaming, and entrepreneurship, highlighting the potential within multidisciplinary approaches.

The discussion during the summit was characterized by candidness and a practical outlook on the healthcare field’s challenges and opportunities. The insights from these founders provide valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs in the healthcare sector, emphasizing the importance of innovation, perseverance, and understanding patients’ needs. Collectively, they contribute to a renewed narrative around healthcare innovation, showcasing how diverse backgrounds and collaborations can lead to substantial advancements in patient care and technology integration.

In summary, the MedHealth initiative and the insights from successful founders underscore the importance of collaboration and innovation in the healthcare space, indicating a promising future for both regions as they continue to work together to solve pressing healthcare challenges.