Introducing the Trailblazing Founders Redefining Health, Technology, and Social Impact

In 2016, Shalini Gupta's life changed dramatically when she underwent surgery to remove an ovary due to cancer concerns; while the biopsy was inconclusive, the incident inspired her to prioritize her health and advocate for better cancer diagnostic options. Witnessing the struggles of cancer survivors, particularly in her family, convinced Gupta that more could be done to improve access and efficiency in cancer testing. "I’ve seen the journey of cancer survivors quite closely, and this is a growing field. I feel like not enough is being done," she stated, highlighting the challenges faced by those who are generally healthy but still need screenings that are often deprioritized due to high demand and costs.

To address these issues, Gupta founded Asima Health, a startup dedicated to enhancing cancer screening through innovative molecular diagnostics. Based in Kitchener, Ontario, Asima Health is developing a liquid biopsy test designed for early cancer detection, especially beneficial for cancer survivors without non-invasive testing options. Traditional diagnostic methods such as MRIs and CT scans can be prohibitively expensive and stressful, prompting Gupta's vision for a more accessible, low-cost blood test that can deliver rapid results, ideally within a day.

With over two decades of experience in vitro diagnostics and a PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Gupta previously served as a faculty member at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi before permanently relocating to Canada in 2023 to launch her startup. Asima Health received valuable support from Velocity, which provided access to lab space and resources to help streamline the initial stages of the company.

Recognizing the unique challenges female entrepreneurs face, Gupta became one of ten founders selected for the Communitech Fierce Founders Uplift program, which supports women and non-binary founders from underrepresented groups. The program offers mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities to help scale their businesses. The diverse cohort also includes notable entrepreneurs like Ailsa Blair (Drag Me), Ankita Sharma (Philer Inc), and Lynn Doughane and Nanette Sene (Juno Technologies), each focused on innovative solutions in various sectors.

Fierce Founders Uplift, established in 2021, fosters a collaborative environment through weekly growth plan sessions with a designated coach and monthly group coaching, facilitating community and support among founders. The participating entrepreneurs are awarded $10,000 in non-matching funds to assist in executing their growth strategies, made possible by partnerships with organizations such as Google for Startups and the City of Kitchener.

For Gupta, being part of this supportive ecosystem has been valuable in cultivating her startup journey. Currently, she and her team are concentrating on advancing Asima Health's product through clinical testing, with plans to initiate a cohort study by mid-2025 to refine their technology further.

Transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship has been a significant yet rewarding leap for Gupta. With unwavering support from her family, particularly her husband and daughter, she emphasizes the importance of asking for help, underscoring that relational support is crucial for navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.