TechAlliance Members Awarded Up to $500,000 in Provincial Funding

Ontario Government's Investment in Life Sciences Innovation

On June 9, 2025, the Ontario government announced a significant investment of $6.5 million to support 13 companies through the Life Sciences Innovation Fund (LSIF), delivered by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). TechAlliance is particularly proud of this initiative as three of its member companies—Deep Breathe, Marlow, and Vessl Prosthetics—will each receive up to $500,000 to enhance their operations and foster opportunities for emerging tech talent throughout Southwestern Ontario.

The LSIF is designed to aid Ontario-based firms in commercializing promising medical innovations while unlocking new opportunities within the life sciences sector. The provincial government has rejuvenated this fund with the goal of accelerating the development and launch of Ontario-made innovations, stimulating job creation for the more than 74,000 students graduating in STEM fields annually. This funding arrives at a critical time when Canadian businesses are striving to cultivate a more resilient and self-sustaining innovation economy, particularly amid global uncertainty. Past investments through the program have generated over $48 million in private-sector co-investments.

Among the notable recipients of this funding are three innovative companies at the forefront of life sciences:

1. Deep Breathe has developed an AI-powered portable lung imaging tool that is set to transform lung health diagnostics, making it more accessible and efficient.

2. Marlow has created a clinically-backed lubricated tampon aimed at addressing period pain and enhancing menstrual wellness, showcasing an impactful innovation in women's health.

3. Vessl Prosthetics specializes in adaptable prosthetic socket systems designed to enhance comfort, mobility, and quality of life for amputees. Co-Founder and CEO Sydney Robinson remarked on the significance of the funding for their Kinn system, the first prosthetic solution that automatically adjusts to limb volume changes, ensuring uninterrupted comfort for users. Robinson emphasized the importance of local support in facilitating life-changing innovations and job creation in the region.

This investment highlights the growing strength and potential within London and Southwestern Ontario's life sciences sector, which is characterized by a wealth of innovation, talent, and significant social impact. TechAlliance actively champions Deep Breathe, Marlow, and Vessl Prosthetics as they push forward with their Ontario-based solutions, emphasizing the need for continued support for founders who are pioneering advancements in health innovations. Christina Fox, CEO of TechAlliance, stated that such initiatives not only aid in advancing health innovation but also generate abundant opportunities for tech talent and contribute to economic growth across the region.

In summary, the infusion of funds through the LSIF is set to play a crucial role in advancing the life sciences landscape in Ontario, driving both innovation and economic development while showcasing the commitment of provincial government and local organizations to create a thriving environment for emerging technologies. The success of these companies could lead to transformative changes in health care and enhance the overall standard of living, making this investment a vital component of Ontario’s strategic framework for future growth.